Exploring the Mystery of Aromatherapy Through Biotechnology

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Aromatherapy originated in Ancient Egypt. About a hundred years ago, a pharmacist from France used an innovative method which led to a breakthrough in aromatherapy techniques. In recent years, under the strong promotion by Sathelyne Group, Bel'Air aromatherapy came into being to benefit many consumers.

For centuries, people have experienced and have come to recognise that essential oils have many benefits. Essential oils can help to combat bacteria and other diseases, repel mosquitoes, prevent tooth decay, fight oxidisation, inflammation and even enhance the immune system, calm nerves, etc.

But with so many types of essential oils around, which essential oils will benefit you? Which are the safest? These are questions that researchers are still unable to answer exactly.

Since 2002 when Bel'Air set up our factory in France, there has been interest in testing the safety and effectiveness of our essential oils. With these concerns in mind, Bel'Air worked closely with professor Tsai from Taiwan National Yang Ming University in setting up our very own Bel'Air Bio-tech Research Centre. Professor Tsai Ying Chieh is head of Taiwan National Yang Ming Biotechnology Department and head of Taiwan National Yang Ming University Medical Science Department. He expressed that his interest in aromatherapy research is enhanced by the fact that research and academic publications in this field are scarce. The Bel'Air Bio-tech Research Centre hopes to strengthen the foundation of botanic essential oil research and further the investigation of essential oils and their various properties, effects and benefits. Professor Tsai also hopes to share knowledge with international institutions and publish academic papers. At the same time, he aims to educate the public on aromatherapy.

The Effects of Essential Oils on Micro-organisms Present in the Air

Between August 2000 and September 2002, Bel'Air Bio-tech Research Centre carried out a research program to determine whether Green tea essential oil, Ginseng essential oil, Eucalyptus essential oil and Lavender essential oil have an influence on the amount of micro-organism (mold, yeast, fungus, bacteria) in the air. The researchers conducted tests on Green Tea essential oil, Ginseng essential oil, Eucalyptus essential oil and Lavender essential oil. They burned these 4 types of essential oils in a sealed room, and recorded readings at different time intervals. Readings were taken at the beginning of experiment (0 min), during the experiment (30, 50, 70, 90 mins) and after the experiment (30, 60, 90,120,150,180,210 mins). The experiment was repeated several times based on a sample of 500 litres of air. The experiment results proved that:

Green Tea has 90% effectiveness in killing bacteria; and 61% effectiveness in killing fungus.
Ginseng has 90% effectiveness in killing bacteria; and 62% effectiveness in killing fungus.
Eucalyptus has 52% and 48% effectiveness respectively, as pertaining to the items above.
Lavender has 66% and 71% effectiveness respectively, as pertaining to the items above.
Professor Tsai expressed excitement and interest in such results, because the experiment proved that Sathelyne Bel'Air's aromatherapy products indeed could combat micro-organism in the air, thus purifying the air. He also said that although the effectiveness figures for fungus seem low, but that is desirable because this would mean that it would not be harmful to the body.

After obtaining such positive and encouraging results, Bel'Air has worked even harder to carry out the 2nd experiment. This program made detailed analysis and records of the chemical compositions of these 5 essential oils, and tests were done to determine their chemical and biological safety.

Professor Tsai carefully selected Ginseng, Green Tea, Green Bamboo, Lotus and Eucalyptus as the 5 essential oils for the experiment. The reason for such a selection was because the 1st four essential oils are plants from the East, of which not enough researches had been carried out in the West. The selection of Eucalyptus was to act as a test reference for the other 4.

Chemical and Biological Safety Experiment

The 2nd experiment went through the following steps:

Using GC-MS to analyse the chemical composition of these 5 essential oils.
Based on their individual chemical compositions, analysis was done to determine the safety for use of essential oils.
Using GC_MS to determine the after effects of these essential oils, whether any by-products or toxins were produced in the combustion process.
Using Ames test to test the before and after changes of these essential oils.

Using skin cells, fat cells and HepG2cancer cells to determine essential oils effects.

Find out what effects these essential oils have in combating bacteria and killing micro-organism such as mold, yeast and fungus (MIC).
The 2nd experiment results proved that these essential oils have compositions that are mild, low in toxins, do not irritate skin and have low light-sensitivity. The Ames test also proved that these essential oils do no go through major changes before and after the combustion process. What is more encouraging is that before the test, these essential oils already contained beneficial compositions, but after the test, these beneficial compositions diffused into the air and these are what the body needs exactly. Moreover, the body does not easily absorb these compositions in our daily activities.

These experiments carried out by Bel'Air and Yang Ming University have achieved positive results, and we hope that in future, there will be more of such experiments to make the benefits known to consumers.

The Aims of Bio-technology in the Medical Applications of Aromatherapy

1. To determine the plant essences and their scientific applications, their methods of production and their

relevance for health therapy and health maintenance.

2. To establish the concepts and the operational models.

3. To bring aromatherapy into the realm of medical treatments.

4. To employ modern methods of making new medicinal products in setting up aromatherapy processes, so as to develop aromatic medical science.

Nur Syahid, a Natural Aromatherapist, specializes in Bio-Tech Aromatherapy including oxygen therapy, ozone therapy, health aromatherapy. Comments, Share and more info E-mail to : Healthybelair@yahoo.com

Human Anatomy Study Guide For Students

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Are you a recent enrollee into a medical course struggling with the jargon in the study of human anatomy and physiology? The struggle is understandable. Perhaps everyone who has ever dabbled in the amazing science of the human body has experienced the same thing when they first started out. But that doesn't mean you have to grind through the entire course; that would just make you hate it. Do you think it would be nice to have a human anatomy study guide that simplifies all the complex theories and processes you need to understand? Wouldn't it be great to have something - or someone- explain the different concepts to you in a language that you can fully relate to?

Teaching is a gift. Even if your professors and instructors are adequately trained in their fields of expertise, the art of transferring what they know to learners like you does not always come easy. Often, they get lost in their own worlds when they become enthusiastic about what they are talking about. That might work well in other instances but when you are in the audience and you desperately need to follow every line of their speech in order to retain the concepts being explained, you can get lost, too. This is where the 'Human Anatomy & Physiology Course' can help you.

'Human Anatomy & Physiology Course' is a human anatomy study guide that walks you through the intimate secrets of the human body in a wonderfully simple manner. Human anatomy and physiology expert Jim Ross put together a heavily-illustrated human anatomy study guide to help learners master the subject the easiest and best possible way. It can't hurt your prospects if you have a guide like Ross. He understands what most experts do not. When experts present lessons, they should be able to do it in the simplest of terms. After all, learning is supposed to be a fun-filled experience. So go ahead and look for guides that do just this. You will know a guide is one that works when it adds to your knowledge and skillset without putting you to sleep.

C.S Murphy is an expert on human anatomy study guides and director of HumanAnatomyStudyGuide.Com He provides honest information and advice on concerns such as how to make anatomy physiology study more interesting and more. Get free tips when you visit his site today!

Biotechnological Plants and Their Significant Efforts

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Biotechnological plants mainly use the concepts of biotechnology. These plants have made significant contributions to the medical world. Numbers of medicines and other pharmaceutical products have been developed by these plants that are highly efficient and cost-effective. It uses all the latest tools and technologies for the production of useful medicines. It uses the concepts of genomics and genetic engineering. These techniques have great potential to improve the quality of existing medicines and develop efficient medicines for future.

Biotechnological plants are focusing more on the use of botanical sources. They are producing many pharmacy plants that contain therapeutic proteins having high healing capabilities. These pharmacy plants are used to produce restorative proteins by using the gene-expression method. These plants may be either food crops like maize or soya or non-food crops like tobacco. With the advent of biotechnology, it has been possible for pharmaceutical manufacturing industries to produce high-frequency embryogenesis protocol.

Biotechnological plants are engaged in numerous transgenic plant projects to produce genetically engineered plants that can provide resistance against several health defects. Improvements to produce better quality medicines are the most important objectives of these projects. Several enhancements are made in the fields of knowledge on the implementation of genetic tools to improve the yielding capacity of pharmacy plants and in turn to increase the productivity scales. Several training programs are conducted regularly to handle technological issues and to achieve the goals set by the pharmaceutical industries. Efforts are consistently made by the biotechnological experts to expand their knowledge on the genetic architecture of various potential resources used for the pharmaceutical production.

For more information on Pharmaceutical engineering and the benefits of Biotechnological plants please visit the mentioned website

Biology Experiments for Teachers. Measuring The Transpiration Rate of an Uprooted Plant

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Outline. The mass lost by an uprooted plant in a flask of water is compared with the mass lost from an identical flask with no plant.

Prior knowledge. Evaporation takes place from an exposed water surface

Advance preparation and materials

Flask or bottle. Any pair of small, narrow-necked vessels will do, e.g. 100 cm3 conical flasks,
small fruit-juice bottle, small 'medicine' bottles. Allow one matched pair per group.

Plants. Any small plants which can easily be dug up. Wash the soil off the roots and store the plants in a container of water from which the student can collect them. One plant per group.

Balance. One or two per class.

Experiment

(a) Label each bottle or flask with your initials.

(b) Fill each vessel with water to within 1 cm of the rim.

(c) Place the uprooted plant in one of the vessels.

(d) Weigh the vessel with the plant and record its mass. Weigh the other vessel
(with no plant) and record its mass.

(e) Leave both vessels in a (potentially) sunny position in the laboratory.

(f) After one day, weigh both vessels again and record their masses.

(g) If there has been little change of mass in the vessel with the plant, the experiment can be
continued for several more days.

(h) At the end of the experiment, work out the mass lost by each vessel. Subtract the mass lost by the vessel with water only, from the mass lost by the vessel with the plant. This will give the loss in mass resulting from the plant's transpiration.

(i) Calculate the rate of transpiration in grams per day.

Discussion

1 The vessel with the plant will be losing water (a) from the shoot and (b) directly from the exposed water surface. The vessel lacking a plant enables us to calculate the amount of mass loss resulting from (b).

2 The mass loss in the vessel with the plant is made up of these two components. By deducting the mass loss resulting from direct evaporation, we are left with the mass loss caused by transpiration from the plant.

3 (a) The plant will interfere with the direct evaporation from the vessel, depending on the shape and size of the stem and the position of the lower leaves.

(b) In the vessel with the plant, the water level may drop below the neck, exposing a greater surface area of water for evaporation.

D G Mackean is the author of GCSE Biology, IGCSE Biology, and many other Biology text books. He has a site of Biology Teaching Resources at http://www.biology-resources.com which includes a bank of experiments for teachers, sample PowerPoint presentations, and many biological drawings

Hot Future Jobs For the Next Five Years

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Hot future jobs for the next five years with above average wages and the highest growth rate range from theatrical make-up artist to forensic scientist to financial advisors. Although the gross number of some of these occupations (think: make-up artist) are fairly small, the growth rates for any of the aforementioned occupations is not.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released their 2008-09 Occupational Outlook which showed some surprising growth rates in the service sector. There were of course the usual suspects in terms of job expansion, such as technology and finance but some of the other quickly expanding jobs were further out of the mainstream. Of the top ten quickest expanding occupations, none is projected to grow at less than 30% over the study period (2006-2016).

From the BLS 2008-09 Occupational Outlook (results culled from Table I-5)

• 
  Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts - Growth expected to top 50% over the projected period


• 
  Computer Software Applications Engineers - Anticipated growth rate more than 40%


• 
  Personal Financial Advisors - Upwards of 40%


• Make-Up Artists - Theatrical
Growth of 39% (though this represents only ~1000 positions
• 
  Veterinarians - 35% (22,000 net employment gain


• Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
- 34% net increase.
• 
  Financial Analysts - 34% I can't rightly saw whether this study was completed prior to the market collapse


• Physical Therapist Assistants
- 33% A growing area of the service economy
• 
  Forensic Science Technicians - 30% Perhaps inspired by the wave of criminal forensic television shows


• 
  Dental Hygienists - 30% A traditional growth occupation

These represent the hot future jobs as culled from the BLS Occupational Outlook for 2008-09. While it remains to be seen whether all of the projected hot future jobs come to fruition there still are expanding employment sectors anticipated over a broad range of industries. Noticeably absent from the hot future jobs list however are jobs requiring less than at least some post secondary education - only a few above average wage positions in the construction field appeared in the BLS projection.

References:
Information for this piece was compiled from data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook (2008-09). Table I-5: Above-average growth and above-average wage occupations, by educational attainment cluster and wages, 2006 and projected 2016. From: Bureau of Labor Statistics web site: http://www.bls.gov/emp/optd/

William G. Shultz | The job market is competitive right now but given the expanding opportunities in health care, higher education and software applications can make for a terrific future. If you can start using effective job search techniques [http://www.squidoo.com/get-a-great-new-job] to aid you in getting one of the hot future jobs [http://www.squidoo.com/get-a-great-new-job] you have an opportunity right now to create a great and secure future for yourself.

What is Biotechnology

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The UN Convention on Biological Diversity states, "Biotechnology is any technological application that uses biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or processes for specific use". The OECD (the Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development) defines biotechnology as "...the application of scientific and engineering principles to the processing of materials by biological agents". Thus, "Biotechnology" basically means using biology as the basis for a technology that is applied to research and product development in areas such as agriculture, food science, and medicine.

The Academic Standards for Science and Technology defines Biotechnology as the ways that humans apply biological concepts to produce products and provide services. This is very true if we consider a section of biotechnology in which the directed manipulation of organisms is used for the product of organic products such as beer, milk products, food etc.

Biotechnology had already been performed long before the term itself was coined, though on a very basic level. For example, man had already learnt the method of fermenting fruit juices to concoct alcoholic beverages during the period around 6000 BC. However, it was considered more of an art then. Biotechnology became a real science only about two decades ago when genes were found to contain information that would enable the synthesis of specific proteins. This was in the 1970s, when new advances in the field of molecular biology enabled scientists to easily transfer DNA - the chemical building blocks that specify the characteristics of living organisms - between more distantly related organisms.

Then in the mid-eighties and early-nineties, it was confirmed that the transformation or modification of the genetic structure of plants and animals was very possible. The introduction of "Transgenic" animals and plants also led to more resistance to disease and increased the rate of productivity etc. Modern biotechnology is also now more often than not associated with the use of genetically altered microorganisms such as E. coli or yeast for the production of substances like insulin or antibiotics. New innovative biotechnology application such as plant-made pharmaceuticals has also now been developed.

Sub-fields in Biotechnology:

Red Biotechnology is the use of genetically altered microorganisms for the production of substances like insulin, antibiotics, vitamins, vaccines and proteins for medical use, and is thus related to medical processes. Genomic manipulation is also an example of Red Biotechnology.

Biomanufacturing or White Biotechnology is emerging field within modern biotechnology which involves the designing of organisms such as moulds, yeasts or bacteria, and enzymes to produce certain useful chemicals, and is related to the industrial sector. It is also known as Grey Biotechnology.

Green Biotechnology or agricultural Biotechnology, like the name suggests, is the area of biotechnology involving applications to agriculture. This basically involves the genetic manipulation of plants and animals in order to create more productive, environmentally friendly, disease resistant species. An example of traditional agricultural biotechnology is the development of disease-resistant wheat varieties by cross-breeding different wheat types until the desired disease resistance variety is achieved.

http://biotechnology-hq.com/ Biotechnology HQ: articles and information about the science of biotechnology.

Biology - Characteristics of Fish - An Introduction

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Fish are vertebrate animals, that is, they all have a vertebral column or 'spine'. There are two main groups of fish, bony fish (Teleosts) and cartilaginous fish (Elasmobranchs). As the common names imply, the skeletons of teleosts are made of bone while the elasmobranchs have cartilaginous skeletons. The elasmobranchs comprise sharks, rays and dogfish which differ from teleosts in many respects. The teleosts are far more numerous, with a greater diversity of species than the elasmobranchs.

All fish are aquatic and breath by absorbing dissolved oxygen in the water using their gills. The bodies of both teleosts and elasmobranchs are covered with scales but those of elasmobranchs are spiky and project through the skin. This makes the skin feel very rough, like coarse sandpaper. The scales of the teleosts have a flattened, discoid shape and are covered by a thin layer of skin and mucus which probably reduces friction between the body and the surrounding water and makes them very slippery.

The swimming mechanism in both groups is very similar. A series of muscular contractions pass down each side of the fish alternately bending it from side to side and pushing backwards and sideways against the water. The water resistance exerts an opposite sideways and forward force on the fish. The sideways forces cancel each other but the forward force propels the fish forward. In both groups there are variations in this method of propulsion. Skates and rays make undulatory movements in the vertical plane as do flatfish like plaice. Some teleosts, such as the sea horse, propel themselves by undulatory movements of their dorsal fin.

In general, the fins contribute to stability and steering rather than propulsion. The median fins, dorsal and ventral, reduce the sideways thrust of the swimming movements and also reduce the tendency to roll from side to side. The paired fins help to steer the fish upwards or downwards through the water and contribute to turning and braking. The paired fins of elasmobranches are held in rather rigid positions while those of teleosts, with their flexible jointing to the body, are more versatile in their movements and can often be seen moving gently to keep the fish in a steady position.

In the teleosts, there is a swim bladder. An elongated, air-filled sac just below the vertebral column. This air bladder keeps the fish buoyant and prevents it from sinking when it stops swimming. The volume of the air bladder can be adjusted to compensate for changes in pressure at different depths. The elasmobranchs do not have swim bladders and so they start to sink if they stop swimming.

Although water is H2O, aquatic creatures cannot use the oxygen from this. The oxygen they breathe comes from the air which has dissolved in the water. There are four or five pairs of gills situated inside the mouth cavity. In teleosts, they are covered on the outside by a bony plate called the operculum. By movements of the floor of the mouth and operculum, the fish creates, a current of water which passes over its gills. Water is taken in through the mouth and expelled through the operculum in the case of teleosts, and out through separate gill slits in elasmobranchs. The gills are, in effect, finely branched, thin-walled blood vessels which, because of their multiple branches, expose an enormous surface to the water and so facilitate absorption of oxygen and loss of carbon dioxide.

D G Mackean is the author of GCSE Biology, IGCSE Biology, and many other Biology text books. He has a site of Biology Teaching Resources at http://www.biology-resources.com which includes a bank of Biology Experiments for teachers, sample PowerPoint presentations, and many biological drawings

Diabetes Breakthrough Helps Diabetics Fight Back!

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Have you heard about the diabetes breakthrough that lowers blood sugar levels by 30% in 30 days? The all natural Diabetic Pack was developed with Nobel Prize Winning Science. This FoodMatrix biotechnology has a 4 year proven track record of helping take diabetics off insulin and oral medications.

Today, most people with diabetes are only treating the symptoms and not getting to the root of the problem. Furthermore, most medications given to diabetics are compounding problems instead of getting to the source. The best way to manage diabetes is to get to the root causes.

FoodMatrix nutrient biotechnology has been proven in over 80 clinical studies. Even the U.S. California District Court has ruled that FoodMatrix claims are valid.

The reason FoodMatrix works so well, especially for type 2 diabetics, is because it operates at the cellular level and addresses a key problem that every type 2 diabetic has. Your cells simply do not process blood sugar like they should and these nutrients help your body metabolize blood sugar more efficiently.

If you are either type 1 diabetic, type 2 diabetic, or pre-diabetic who is mildly or heavily dependent on insulin or prescription medications, then the FoodMatrix Diabetic Pack is the nutrional support you need.

Troy Simon
DiabetesMatrix.com
Phone: 888-348-8202
http://www.diabetesmatrix.com

6 Amazing Things About Your Digestive System - Human Anatomy Facts and Myths

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We all understand that the digestive system is simply the process that our body uses to glean the benefits of the foods we eat. Some of us have more knowledge about it than others, and that often comes from the type of education we are exposed to. For example. students that took biology will perhaps know a lot more than an individual who studied a trade about mechanics. There are many things about the digestive system that are just plain interesting to know. For example...

Did you know that;
In our stomach the food and liquids we take in are mixed with digestive juices. These are all mixed together within the stomach until they are small enough to be absorbed into our system. The interesting part is that each day this all adds up to about 11.5 liters which flows through the digestive system. Out of that entire amount only approx. 100mls is of no value to us, and ends up being passed through the bowels as feces.

Did you know that;
The stomach has to break down the different types of food we ingest. One of these being protein. To do the job the stomach secretes enzymes and hydrochloric acid. The stomach is so efficient at its job that between 2-6 hours later it is totally emptied of its contents and is ready for the next batch. Now you know why you're hungry.

Did you know that:
You liver is a food inspector? One of the jobs of the liver is to inspect the nutrients that are going to go to our bloodstream. Its job is to supply detoxification by getting rid of the impurities. This assists the digestion process. Good reason to keep your liver in top working condition.

Did you know that:
That by our not looking after our digestive system properly we could be hurting our financial economy? Well at least indirectly anyways. Digestive problems cost Approx $50 billion every year in America, in both direct costs and individuals suffering from these problems who cannot work.

Did you know that:
We may be able to help control indigestion by the way we cook? In order for us to properly digest our food it takes 100 of enzymes of many different varieties. There are enzymes in our food, but we destroy these when we cook our food. So because the body needs them it is forced to manufacture them. After a while our body may get tired of doing all this extra work, so it will go on strike and not produce a efficient amount. Then once that happens, you better start heading for the antacids, because you are in for a bout of indigestion. With the germs and pesticides and other things that are foods are exposed to, unfortunately we really don't have a choice but to thoroughly cook our foods.

And saving the best for last...

Did you know that:
You could stand on your head and the food would still get down to your stomach? Now we really recommend that you don't do this. The reason it will get down there, is because the esophagus is about 25 cm., long, and our muscles will contract in waves to push the food down these 25 cm..

These facts that we have just covered are very interesting to most people. By listening to them or reading them, you have provided yourself with some fairly substantial knowledge about the digestive system. Imagine that, being able to learn something about the human body without becoming overwhelmed or bored. Now that is interesting!

---------------------------------------------------------

James Ross is the founder of HumanAnatomyCourse.com - http://www.HumanAnatomyCourse.com

HumanAnatomyCourse is the awarding winning human anatomy and physiology home study course

Discover the easiest way to learn about the human body with over 3000 pages of detailed content and intricate diagrams and illustrations.

Visit the official site now to download for free: anatomy of human body 3D software now!

Usually only sold to medical professionals, this course contains hundreds of medical topics covering every region & system in the body.

It is the complete home study course with key Facts, revision tests and quiz at the end of each lesson. It can't get any easier than this!

Camouflage Masters - Stick Insects

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Look is that a stick walking? No it is not the stick that is walking it is an insect which is called as "Stick Insect" by the scientists. Stick insects are habitually termed as "Walking Sticks". They belong to the Phylum-Arthropoda, Class- Insecta, Order- Phasmatodea. The insects belonging to this order may range from minuscule to giant size. The stick insects resemble with the leaves or twigs and are green or brown in color. They tend to remain motionless for a long time and hang from the plants, shrubs or trees. Their camouflage is a powerful weapon for their protection from their foes. They are herbivorous and feed on leaves only preferably the broader leaves. Females are larger in size as compared to that of males and are incompetent for flight while the males can fly swiftly. Females have only capability for gliding.

There are two families of stick insects: Phylliidae and Phasmatidae, in Australia. Most of the stick insects belong to the family Phasmatidae and only one species is recognized in Phylliidae. Female stick insects are larger in size. The head is gifted with two large compound eyes and antennae measuring 20mm in length. The thorax is 30mm long with some black dots. Fore-wings 15mm long, hind-wings 30mm long that covers two and a half of the abdominal segments. The thoracic legs possess spiny extensions. Abdomen bears ten segments of which the last bears two cerci of 10mm. Females are brown to pale green in coloration with brown tegmina. Males are smaller in size with antenna 35mm and hind-wings 40mm long huge in comparison to that of females. Tegmina 10mm long, thorax 15mm abdomen with ten segments 60mm in length. Fore-legs are deficient of spines while the mid and the hind legs have well organized spines. Cerci same as that of females. Males may be green or brown in coloration.

The mating process of stick insects is fascinating. The mating pairs are seen joined by their anal ends. They restore their mating posture for many hours. After copulation the male stick insect dies two days later. The females lays about 150-200 eggs and then dies within a week after laying eggs. Eggs are 3mm long, dark brown to black in color. The stick insect drops the eggs to the ground during summer and hatch in august to September. Eggs have a tough hard shell bearing capitulum which is pushed by the baby while coming out. the eggs resemble the seeds. The hatched larvae are 13-15mm in length and are very active. They resemble their mothers except wings with very short antenna. They also resemble their mother in sitting position. They undergo various moulting stages before becoming adult. Stick insects are confronted with the phrase-"Camouflage Masters". Their this adaptive strategy is an efficient tool that guards them from their opponents.

Their body shape and dynamic color which resembles the parts of the plants. When they stay motionless they keep their front legs in front of their head making them look like the twigs or branch. they preferably feed at night while during the day time they remain motionless on the plants. They usually consume whole plant leaf without leaving even a single part. They are often blown by the wind. their eggs resemble seeds thus providing an effective means from protection from the enemies. The Goliath Stick Insect drops its scat at such a distance that it remains unnoticed by the Predator. When molested by the foes they sometimes drop to the ground and act as they are dead a phenomenon called "catalepsy". After each moult they eat their shedded skin as it is enriched with nutrients, and can also prevent them fro predators. Every insect is well adapted to its environment that helps it to be well protected from its enemies. Nature provides the insects an protective shield that is responsible for the presence of an insects in many typical habitats. The defensive strategies of insects provides them to be successful taxa.

Navodita Maurice

Names of African Children Born Atypically Or Who Have Unusual Biological Features

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In many African societies, infants born with defects or atypical features, or those born in ways that are considered strange, are treated as sacred and can be allotted names that relate to supernaturalism. Albinos and those who are crippled are among the ones that fall in this special class. But in the past, most the of atypically born and biologically abnormal babies were traditionally not pleasantly welcomed.

The Nandi (of Kenya) situation (Hollis 1969: 68) largely refers to the distant past.

"Children are buried alive in cow-dung if they cry in...mother's womb, or if at birth they present...legs first, or are born with teeth...events...considered unlucky. Rich people, however, often pay a medicine man a large sum to avert the misfortune and save their children's lives. Children...blind or badly deformed, and illegitimate children, i.e. the offspring of unmarried girls, are likewise made away with at birth."

The Baganda of Uganda traditionally give the name Nnambi ( f ) or Mukasa (m) to one born with two umbilical cords. Nnambi is also traditionally the name of the originating woman, while Mukasa is the name of a highly esteemed God. One who is born alongside a premature and stillborn twin (called mulongo by the royals) is called Nnakimu 'one.' In the past, there was superstition based consternation over the birth of such a child, this infant greatly feared. The name Nnakimu is also given to one born with a harelip, and to one who turns out to be the last-born. The names Kiwanuka (m) 'that which comes down' and Nnaabawanuka ( f ) 'the one of those that come down' are traditionally given to children with noticeable birthmarks. The birthmarks are said to have been effected by Kiwanuka the God of lightning and thunder, while the child was in the womb. These names are also often given to children born when the mother still often carried the preceding sibling of the newborn. The names Bitalo (m), Nabitalo ( f ), and Magero (m) signify amazement. They tend to be given to children born with anomalous features such as visible teeth, and more or less than the normal number of fingers. Such names are also given to children born to mothers whose ages are considerably advanced, relative to the average ages at which women bear children.

References

Hollis, A. C. The Nandi: Their Language and Folk-lore. Oxford, England: Clarendon Press, 1969.

Musere, Jonathan. African Names and Naming. Los Angeles, CA: Ariko Publications, 2000.

Jonathan Musere

Definition of Forensic Science

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Forensics is a field of science dedicated to the methodical gathering and analysis of evidence to establish facts that can be presented in a legal proceeding. Though crime scenes and laboratories are perhaps, most often associated with forensics, there is also computer or network forensics, forensic accounting, forensic engineering and forensic psychiatry, among other specialized fields that are today an integral part of forensics. In the United States of America, forensics was a fairly obscure topic for the general public until the double-murder trial of Orenthal James Simpson in 1995. In the historic case that gripped the entire nation, weeks of testimony were heard on DNA blood evidence, shoeprint evidence, fiber evidence and other forensics. Since then, a bevy of forensics-based television shows have regularly topped the ratings, making it a household word.

Those who collect forensic evidence must follow strict procedures to protect the evidence from getting contaminated or destroyed, and must preserve the chain of custody. Since science is unbiased and sound, forensics is considered a very critical part of any investigation. While witnesses may often be mistaken, have credibility issues, hold a stake in the outcome, have fading memories, or even pass away, forensics "tells the same story" no matter how many times it is tested, or how many years have passed.

The field of forensics is so vast that it requires specialists or criminalists at every point of investigation, from tire track analysis, to odontology, to the lands and grooves that make every gun barrel unique. From microscopic evidence and transfer evidence such as fibers and hair, to blood splatter and forensic entomology, there are many fields of specialization within forensic science.

Though forensics deals with circumstantial evidence, it is often widely considered as the best and the most compelling evidence that any prosecution or defense lawyer can have in his or her arsenal. Some people suggest that the public's awareness of forensic science might be potentially compromising to law enforcement, producing educated criminals who might be more apt to try and effect a clean crime scene. Experts generally tend to believe that it is nearly impossible to avoid leaving behind trace evidence at a crime scene, even when extraordinary efforts are made to the contrary.

Forensic Science [http://www.e-ForensicScience.com] provides detailed information on Forensic Science, Forensic Science Degrees, Forensic Science Colleges, Forensic Science Schools and more. Forensic Science is affiliated with Biotechnology Careers.

Aloe Vera and Other Great Indoor Plants

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Decorating your home with plants and flowers can give you the refreshing feeling of bringing the "great outdoors" indoors. But some plants have more functions than just looking good, such as the versatile aloe vera plant. We've found some of the great indoor plants, so you can kit out your house in wondrous green!

The Pony Tail Palm
Beaucarnea recurvata (Pony Tail Palm) have to be one of the easiest houseplants to look after. This is especially desirable for those who forget to water their plants each day! These palms are unique due to their ability to store water in the base of the stem, although this does give them a heavily swollen base in appearance. All this plant needs is a bit of sunlight and water whenever it is dry.

Peanut Plant
Growing the Arachis hypogea (Peanut Plant) can be a fun project at home. You can grow your own by planting a raw peanut (not a roasted one) 1 to 2 inches in well-drained soil. All you have to do is keep it moist and warm, and then 3 months later you can dig up the matured plant. In this time you would have witnessed small yellow flowers bloom, but only for about half a day! Once you've dug up your plant, "cure" it for a week before roasting your nuts; then enjoy!

Aloe Vera
The aloe vera plant is native to both subtropical and tropical locations around the globe. This includes South Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. This plant can grow up to 4 feet tall in the wild, but is not likely to reach these heights in a plant pot in your UK home! You are more likely to observe a plant that is a prickly - albeit succulent - perennial.

If you were to cut the leaf lengthways, you would find the aloe vera gel. This gel is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties which come from polysaccharides within the plant. Therefore, it is thought to be a safe herb for use on burns and skin irritations.

Haylee Hulme has an interest in health and nutrition from fitness supplements to skin treatments such as aloe vera gel.

Valine - An Essential Amino Acid

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Valine is one of twenty commonly found amino acids found in nature.  Valine is a hydrophobic, nonpolar protein that is found in the interior of most proteins in muscles. The structure of valine includes three branched chain of methyl groups at one end. there are only tow other branched chain amino acids which are isoleucine and leucine. Valine is very important for muscle metabolism and the repair/growth of tissue. For muscle growth valine promotes protein production. It also helps with the balance of nitrogen in the body. Because of the branched chain it can be used as an energy source in muscles instead of glucose. It goes about this by suppressing protein catabolism and begins the process of gluconeogenesis. The branched chained amino acids can be an important fuel source for skeletal muscles when they are in periods of metabolic stress.

A German scientist by the name of Emil Fischer discovered Valine in the year 1901. She found out that Valine is an essential vitamin that can not be made by the body. Therefore, Valine must be ingested from one of the number of sources including dairy, meat, mushrooms and some peanuts. In the latest studies Valine has been proven to help people who are having muscle, mental, and emotional upsets. Also people with insomnia and nervousness have been given Valine doses. Another way that valine helps is in the synthesis of glucose in the liver during anaerobic activities. Valine is often purchased and used in biochemical, biophysical and crystallographic research.

A deficiency in valine results in a negative hydrogen balance in the body, deterioration of muscle function and mental health. Sometimes a deficiency can lead to maple syrup urine disease. This disease can ultimately cause damage to the brain during times of physical stress and mental retardation. This disease is most dangerous in young children, but has also been found in kids still in their childhood. As a person gets older the intensity of the disease becomes less. A regulated diet can help to accommodate those with this disease.

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Technical Writing

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In the recent times Technical Writing has become very important in the fields of computer hardware and software, chemistry, the aerospace industry, robotics, finance, consumer electronics, and biotechnology. It is the method by which technical information on any topic is exchanged from one person to another. Hence, it is also known as technical communication. It is not necessary that this technical information be conveyed only to people related to the technical field. Therefore, technical writers should always keep in mind that their write-ups must be comprehensible to the people with non-technical backgrounds. Hence, technical writing must use explanatory yet simple language.

Therefore, technical writers should always keep in mind that their write-ups must be comprehensible to the people with non-technical backgrounds. Hence, technical writing must use explanatory yet simple language. It was not until 1953 that two companies were actually formed that took forward the practice of technical writing and improved on it. These companies were: the Society of Technical Writers, and the Association of Technical Writers and Editors. Finally, it was in 1957 that these two organizations decided to merge and thus, the Society of Technical Writers and Editors was formed. This organization is currently known as the Society for Technical Communication (STC).

Now let's take a short historical tour to discover the origin of technical writing. Technical writing originated during the Renaissance period, mainly in Ancient Greece. But it became popular during the First World War when there was a huge demand for technology in the field of warfare. It was during this time that technology based weapons were being built. It was during this time that many other electronics were also manufactured and many air crafts were also being developed. In the recent times Technical Writing has become very important in the fields of computer hardware and software, chemistry, the aerospace industry, robotics, finance, consumer electronics, and biotechnology. It is the method by which technical information on any topic is exchanged from one person to another. Hence, it is also known as technical communication. It is not necessary that this technical information be conveyed only to people related to the technical field.

This is a medium through which particular information is conveyed to a target audience for some pre-conceived purpose. Technical writing is a mode of communication, a kind of intermediate between the manufactures and the audience. It translates complex technical language into instructions that are delivered in simple language so that they may be helpful to the consumers and may enable them to perform their tasks properly. It is very important to understand the goals and the mind set of target audience so that they can convey their messages easily

The teams or departments that deal with technical writing are often referred to as Information Development, User Assistance, Technical Documentation. As for the technical writers, they are referred to as API Writers, information developers, documentation specialists, documentation engineers, or technical content developers. Advanced technical writers, who have gathered experience through experience shift to for specialized fields such as API writing, information architecture or documentation management.

Technical writing is basically a type of communication. It helps explain the working and operation of the product to the consumer. Free technical articles can be found in various article directories.

Paddlewheels and Their Role in Algae Fuels

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Open ponds, typically raceway ponds in which algae are grown, require some form of mixing to maintain cells in suspension, to prevent thermal stratification, and to disperse nutrients. Hence, for a proper mixing of the ponds, paddle wheels are used.

Paddlewheels (PW) consist of simple, partial depth blades and high-speed rotors. With paddlewheels providing the flow, algae are kept suspended in the water, and are circulated back to the surface on a regular frequency. A PW consists of three structural units: paddle blades, motor and gear box. A paddle blade is made of aluminium, stainless steel or fiber glass, based on the requirements.

However, these PWs do present some challenges. They are large relative to other types of mixers, especially at higher heads. Another major drawback is that these PWs are very expensive unless a low-shear pump is used.

Though PW s have a few issues, there are a few reasons why PW has emerged as a preferred method for mixing algae in oxidation/ high- rate ponds. First of all, they are well matched to the pumping requirements of high-rate ponds in that they are high-volume and low-head devices. Moreover, they are mechanically simple, requiring minimum maintenance and their drive train can easily be designed to accommodate a wide range of speeds without drastic changes in efficiency.

Info

A paddle wheel consists of three structural units: paddle blades, motor and gear box. A paddle blade is made of aluminium, stainless steel or fiber glass, based on the requirements.

Fiber glass paddle wheels are preferred for algae cultivation in salt water ponds. The width and depth of the paddle wheel and the speed of the paddles going around are customized based on the pond specifications.

http://www.oilgae.com

How Do Plants Grow - The Biology of Plant Life

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Plants are amazing, especially when you wonder how do plants grow. There are over 350,000 species of plants, above ground and underwater plants. Each one has to survive some harsh conditions to grow, and you can see the tenacity of plants to grow when you see them perched on the side of canyon walls, or pushing their way up through old pavement. Their will to survive and propagate is intense!

Plants include flowers, trees, shrubs, bushes, grass, moss, vines, herbs, seaweed, and green algae. These have much in common. They depend on Nature for survival, and the contents of other living and natural things. They need sunlight (except deep sea plants), water, air, bees and insects, soil, animals, and fire for life. Some pine trees only release their seeds after a big fire; they need the heat to open the cones and seeds.

Some underwater plants get their nutrients from water, surviving without sunlight. In hydroponic growing, plants are grown in just water instead of soil, and you can see the root growth. The water must have the nutrients needed, or the addition of plant food for the plant to thrive.

To answer the question of how do plants grow, you must look at propagation. Some plants have both male and female parts, others do not, but they all depend on wind, air, animals, bees and insects to help with pollination and fertilization. Others will send out runners and tubers, or create corms, bulbs, suckers, and adventitious buds to propagate new plants through the soil to new locations. Humans help with splicing for cross breeding and new growth on old plants.

Plants that have seeds create little packages (seeds) that contain a food store and a baby plant embryo, similar to a fertilized egg, and there is a protective seed coat over the seed. When fertilized through pollination, the seed forms after a flower dies. The flower contains male and/or female parts that create an ovum ready for fertilization. This becomes the seed or fruit containing seeds.

The seed drops to the ground and begins to soften with moisture until the seed coat opens enough for germination to break through with a tap root, root hairs, and the plant top begins to grow towards light and warmth. This is the seedling plant. The roots grow down to find more moisture and the top of the plant grows up to find food and energy.

Plant food comes from the water and soil. Plants take in food and energy through photosynthesis from sunlight, and respiration through their leaves (osmosis). They take in carbon dioxide from the air in the daylight and release oxygen during the night. It is important for plants to obtain the right minerals from soil. Fortunately, Mother Nature works just perfectly in most cases and plants thrive.

When you look at all it takes for Nature to be in perfect balance and answer the question of how do plants grow, it is an amazing thought, and a miraculous process.

Wendy Pan is an accomplished niche website developer and author.

To learn more about how do plants grow [http://classygardens.info/how-do-plants-grow-the-biology-of-plant-life/], please visit Classy Gardens [http://classygardens.info/] for current articles and discussions.

The Truth Behind Stem Cell Research - The Right To Recover

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Yvonne Perry is a fellow writer and friend and after having read her book I am forwarding this information to all that I know in the hopes that they read and understand that we here in the United States are being misled as to what researchers want to use for stem cells that are not human embryos as has been misstated over and over by groups that do not want to educate themselves.

I have diabetes, without this research I will die prematurely no matter what steps I can take now. My mother died at age 67, my brothers have it and millions of others in this country need a cure, NOW! Yvonne explains that the clump of cells called blastocysts are not living human entities. If you have family, friends, or loved ones that have life threatening diseases you need to read how close we are to curing these problems if our government would stop being pressured by special interest groups that have it all wrong. There is a forward by Rev. Dan Bloodworth a strong supporter of Yvonne's, with a Biblical Perspective on stem cell research.
Anything you can or are willing to do to help people understand the importance of federal funding for all types of stem cell research is much appreciated--especially by those who currently suffer with an illness or condition that might be helped by the derived technology and treatments.

I have read Yvonne's book "Right to Recover" and the following is my comment on this courageous work.

Yvonne Perry has taken a courageous stand by tackling and dissecting these issues without prejudicial preconceived emotion. The biggest obstacle to this research is the inclusion of religious aspects in the determination that a blastocyst or a pile of benign cells constitutes human life, a grave error of thought. After all, is there a ceremony or last rites given to these cells? They are not inside a woman's uterus, they have not been given DNA to substantiate they are human and can take the form of whatever host they are merged into. I am a diabetic. I will die along with millions of others prematurely. With one injection of stem cells, in the near future my pancreas could grow back and I would be able to stop shooting insulin and going into insulin shock wearing my organs down and live a normal life. All I need is the ability of these dedicated researchers to be allowed to use funding to further the research to make it all happen for millions of us. Read the book before you go off about the "point that life begins" and begin to understand how much damage is being done because of a lack of understanding of that very question.

Nick Oliva (O-lee-va’) has been a musician, composer, photographer, an audio engineer, an Entertainment Director and Technical Director for over twenty-five years and is a successful self-made money manager. Website: View my blog and buy my latest book at http://www.onlymomentsbook.com

Why Students Should Learn About the Human Anatomy & Study Physiology

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Actually the title is a little deceiving here, and should actually read why should ANYONE purchase the human anatomy course? What is my reason for rephrasing the question? Simple. There isn't anyone that would not benefit immensely from this human anatomy course.

Lets deal with the advantages to the students first. First it would be appropriate to categorize what students we are referring to. Don't quickly look at the word student, and think well I'm not a medical student ,nor plan to be, so this isn't for me. If you are a student in any type of program think carefully, does in have anything to do with health. If you are a student in a technical trade then you won't have use for the human anatomy course as a student, but that's not to say it doesn't have some value for you too, but we'll talk about that later on. I am going to start with the students from high school to university.

If you are taking any of health care courses ,or any courses that you will be dealing in the care of other human beings, then you need this Human Anatomy Course. It would give you the perfect opportunity ,to study it along with your school studies. For example if you are studying the muscular system as part of a health course, then with the Human Anatomy Course you would have complete reference material ,and a unique way of learning the system as well. Couple that with your school material, and you can't help but get excellent grades.

Individuals that are being trained as counselors can only benefit greatly from this course. Now that sounds strange doesn't it. How could a drug and abuse counselor utilize this course in his profession. By understanding what the body is all about, and how it reacts to stimulants, can only enhance your objective views about your clients. You will have a better understanding of the effects of withdrawals and cravings and mental stability, because you will know how the body works.

For medical secretaries this Human Anatomy Course is a goldmine. Once you have completed, it you are sure to be one of the most knowledgeable in your field. Medical reports are much easier to complete when you have a full understanding of what the terminology is referring to. Yes you can learn this in a medical secretaries course, but there's a good chance your won't retain near as much information, as you will during this course. That's because of the unique way it is designed and laid out.

This Human Anatomy Course is also invaluable for even the medical graduates whether they be a doctor or nurse. It is always a good idea to give yourself a refresher course, when in this profession,as its keeps you sharp and alert to your responsibilities. Rather than have to dig out all your medical books, and start flipping through them, wouldn't it be much easier to just slip in the CD and have it all there in front of you.

With many medical training programs, it seems like pharmacology sort of gets left behind although it is a requirement. With this course you receive training in this field as well, by way of a bonus.

If you yourself are absolutely sure you have no need for this amazing course, then you may want to think of it as a gift for anyone in your family that may be even remotely involved with the human anatomy.

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James Ross is the founder of HumanAnatomyCourse.com - http://www.HumanAnatomyCourse.com

HumanAnatomyCourse is the awarding winning human anatomy and physiology home study course

Discover the easiest way to learn about the human body with over 3000 pages of detailed content and intricate diagrams and illustrations.

Visit the official site now to download for free, your anatomy and physiology 3D software now!

Usually only sold to medical professionals, this course contains hundreds of medical topics covering every region & system in the body.

It is the complete home study course with key Facts, revision tests and quiz at the end of each lesson. It can't get any easier than this!

Gamsat Preparation Suggested Books - Biology

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We have already suggested a few books that would help you prepare for the chemistry part of Section III. We have also told you why it is important to have textbooks and use them liberally. Now, in our next episode we will tell you the importance of having a Biology guide with you for your GAMSAT preps.

There has been speculations about how important Biology is in GAMSAT. I mean GAMSAT questions are reasoning based, isn't it? All the information is given right there, so why do we at all study biology?
First: Good question.

Second: Let's answer this with an example. Say you've been asked a set of questions about the heart rate and pulse rate. All data is given right there. You need to understand and analyse the data and choose the right option. Sounds easy enough.

But you get only about 90 seconds to answer one question (110 questions in 170 minutes... you do the math!). Would you get enough time to remember what are the things you should have in mind to understand what the question actually requires? Probably not!

That is why we say, Non-science aspirants have a better chance to get an interview call since they don't take this for granted. They study from scratch. So, a word of advice for science aspirants: Study like how non-science students would study.

Now that I have made my point clear of why we should get a Biology textbook, let's proceed with what could be looked at from the heaps of books lying in the bookshop. Here, we are trying to help you choose the right needle from the haystack.

Biology

Biology by Campbell et al. is the book where you will get the basic knowledge. Try getting the latest edition of the book as science is always evolving. Now you know what Nobel Laureates are doing? Increasing the pages of the book of course!!

Other books that you can have a look at are Knox et al. Biology: An Australian Focus and Biological Science by Scott Freeman. The later though has too much information. If you know how to get info you need, from huge books, then pick it up, or else, let them stay at the shelf!

Till now, all we've talked about is general biology. The thrust topics in GAMSAT in this subject is in physiology and biochemistry. Here are some books that would help you with those specific topics.

First things first... don't be scared seeing "physiology" in the last paragraph. Surely you will be studying all about physiology in the 4 years you spend in the medical school. But before that you will need to know a little of this topic before the med-school can put in more into your frontal lobe.

To study that "little' of physiology, we will recommend you to get hold of the most basic and simple Schaum's Outlines Anatomy & Physiology. It will give you a concise information with better explanations than many other books. And in our opinion this will be all that you will need for Physiology in Biology for GAMSAT.

Coming to biochemistry... There are 2 books which you can take a look at. Before I tell you the names, a word... Library. Remember the following books when you visit that.

1. Lehninger's principles of biochemistry - BRILLIANT book (from personal experience). It's huge, but you will know more just browsing around the book.
2. Biochemistry by Garrett & Grisham - I've heard it's a fantastic book.

That's all for Biology from my desk here.

With over 8 years of experience in teaching and training, I have done extensive work in designing assessment tests and creating test content for a great variety of competitive exams. I am helping GAMSAT aspirants to succeed in GAMSAT. Candidates who are willing to pursue a career in medicine in Australia, U.K. and Ireland have to clear GAMSAT in order to get into graduate entry level programmes. I have created my website prepgenie.com keeping in mind the specific needs of a GAMSAT aspirant and the original GAMSAT standard. In the website you will find sample test papers of all the topics that are covered in GAMSAT.