Unlike the incomplete data provided by fingerprints, blood types, and protein profiles used as evidence in criminal investigations, DNA provides a much stronger case against suspects. DNA can be found in a variety of sources often present at crime scenes, including semen, blood, hair, saliva, and cells from underneath the fingernails. The DNA found in substances such as hair or bone is called mitochondrial DNA. It is not as useful as DNA found in the nucleus of a cell, but can still be useful when, for example, studying fossilized creatures. Since DNA is absolutely unique to each person (except when looking at that of twins), it can be used to catch criminals as well as keep the innocent out of jail. DNA is also useful because it takes such a long time for it to decay.
Though miniscule biological samples are enough to find a sufficient amount of DNA, a polymerase chain reaction can be used to create a large number of copies of a sample so that the DNA can be analyzed. This is done by using restriction enzymes-used to "chop the DNA up"- to find certain sequences in the DNA. These are then arranged by how long the chains are and what their charges are. With a certain treatment, the DNA can be placed on nylon, creating “DNA bands” similar to a bar code. These DNA fingerprints can be compared side to side, for example placing the DNA fingerprints of a suspect next to samples found at a crime scene.
It's interesting to read about what they're really doing on those crime shows. It sounds like it's not as easy as plopping the samples in a machine and letting the computer do all the hard work.
Baird, Colin.Chemistry in Your Life. W.H. Freeman and Company. New York, 2006.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Boo, Impact of TV Dramas on Modern Judicial System
A recent article in Time Magazine gave credit to television programming for changes in the modern judicial system. The phenomenon is not new. Back in the 1960’s, “Perry Mason” with Raymond Burr, showed a trial defense lawyer who walked up to the witnessnes’ in the withness chair as he interrogated them. For television purposes Burr approached the witnesses because the traditional style of remaining at the defense table while questioning left either Burr or the witness out of the shot. After years of subsequent lawyer shows on TV, witnesses now expect layers to get out from behind the table and are disappointed if they don’t.
The newest trend in TV is forensic evidence programming. What began with “Quincy” in the 1970’s has exploded in a deluge of police procedural programming. “CSI”, “CSI NY”, “CSI Miami”, “NCIS”, “Bones”, “Criminal Minds”, “Da Vinci’s Inquest”, “Medical Dectives”, “Crossing Jordan”, “Silent Witness”, “Dexter”, “Forensic Files”, “Law and Order” (and it’s spin offs) all show DNA evidence and other evidence revealed and confirmed through forensic investigation. The preponderance of these shows, modern jurors are experiencing what the article labels “The CSI Effect”. That is to say that they expect DNA evidence and are disappointed when it is not given. What they fail to understand is that such testing is very expensive and not appropriate for every case. “To analyze a sample of DNA properly can cost as much as $10,000.” The article expressed concern that unnecessary test will be run in order to placate the TV watching public.
Fecundity: The quality or power of producing abundantly
I enjoyed this article because I am a huge fan of lawyer, police/detective/investigative and forensic shows. I have to admit that while intellectually I understand how expensive forensic investigation is, emotionally I would be a juror who would want DNA evidence and/or other forensic evidence in a trial. The article discusses the danger of where demanding DNA evidence would lead both financially and problematically and in class the idea of privacy rights was introduced. As a citizen I would not want my DNA automatically on file. I suspect that as it becomes cheaper to type DNA the day will come when DNA is taken at a baby’s birth and kept in a national, perhaps international file. I don’t expect it happen in my lifetime, yet I would not be surprised if it did.
“Where CSI Meets Real Law and Order” by Amy Leonard Goehhner; Lina Lofaro; and Kate Novack, Time, November 8, 2004
The newest trend in TV is forensic evidence programming. What began with “Quincy” in the 1970’s has exploded in a deluge of police procedural programming. “CSI”, “CSI NY”, “CSI Miami”, “NCIS”, “Bones”, “Criminal Minds”, “Da Vinci’s Inquest”, “Medical Dectives”, “Crossing Jordan”, “Silent Witness”, “Dexter”, “Forensic Files”, “Law and Order” (and it’s spin offs) all show DNA evidence and other evidence revealed and confirmed through forensic investigation. The preponderance of these shows, modern jurors are experiencing what the article labels “The CSI Effect”. That is to say that they expect DNA evidence and are disappointed when it is not given. What they fail to understand is that such testing is very expensive and not appropriate for every case. “To analyze a sample of DNA properly can cost as much as $10,000.” The article expressed concern that unnecessary test will be run in order to placate the TV watching public.
Fecundity: The quality or power of producing abundantly
I enjoyed this article because I am a huge fan of lawyer, police/detective/investigative and forensic shows. I have to admit that while intellectually I understand how expensive forensic investigation is, emotionally I would be a juror who would want DNA evidence and/or other forensic evidence in a trial. The article discusses the danger of where demanding DNA evidence would lead both financially and problematically and in class the idea of privacy rights was introduced. As a citizen I would not want my DNA automatically on file. I suspect that as it becomes cheaper to type DNA the day will come when DNA is taken at a baby’s birth and kept in a national, perhaps international file. I don’t expect it happen in my lifetime, yet I would not be surprised if it did.
“Where CSI Meets Real Law and Order” by Amy Leonard Goehhner; Lina Lofaro; and Kate Novack, Time, November 8, 2004
Jenna, Recycled PCBs
PCBs are usually released in the environment during production, use, storage, and disposal. PCBs are considered to be an environmental contaminant because of their widespread use, along with some other reasons. In 1977, production of PCBs came to an end because the harmful effects that it caused. Many that could not be controlled quickly became terminated, but some can still be found in electrical transformers. It has been discovered that if PCBs "are released in the environment, PCBs persist for years because the molecules are so resistant to breakdown by chemical or biological agents." Though, PCBs are not soluble in water, there are still some that are found in surface waters that are constantly being transported back to the land and water. Some PCBs have even been transported worldwide and have been found on the ocean floors! The levels of PCBs will continuously be recycled back in through the land, water, and air for hundreds of years.
PCBs: polychlorinated biphenyls stands for a group of industrial organochlorine chemicals that became a major environmental concern. Must not be mistaken for pesticides.
I thought this supplementary section was actually quite interesting especially after reading the sections that came prior to this one. It seemed to make more sense. Though, it is still a bit difficult for me to fully grasp what PCBs actually are and how they came about. I do not think the book explained them as well as they probably could have, but what I do understand of them makes it an interesting and informative read. The picture that the book provides of how PCBs are recycled was extremely helpful. It illustrates, better than the book described, the whole recirculation process of PCBs.
Baird, Colin. "Chemistry in Your Life." Second Edition. W.H. Freeman and Company,
New York: 2006. 399-400.
PCBs: polychlorinated biphenyls stands for a group of industrial organochlorine chemicals that became a major environmental concern. Must not be mistaken for pesticides.
I thought this supplementary section was actually quite interesting especially after reading the sections that came prior to this one. It seemed to make more sense. Though, it is still a bit difficult for me to fully grasp what PCBs actually are and how they came about. I do not think the book explained them as well as they probably could have, but what I do understand of them makes it an interesting and informative read. The picture that the book provides of how PCBs are recycled was extremely helpful. It illustrates, better than the book described, the whole recirculation process of PCBs.
Baird, Colin. "Chemistry in Your Life." Second Edition. W.H. Freeman and Company,
New York: 2006. 399-400.
Nathan, Can environmental estrogens affect health?
The reading discusses what is considered the most famous example of “the effects of hormone-like chemicals upon wildlife” [1] . According to the text, in the mid 1980’s alligators in Lake Apopka, Florida, suffered severe birth defects ranging from sterility to eggs remaining unhatched. In the males they found that “the ratio of natural estrogen to the male sex hormone testosterone” was severely elevated resulting in decreased genital size [1]. The defects were the specific result of large quantities of DDT being spilled into Lake Apopka. The text goes on to explain that the effects of environmental estrogen do not take effect on those who ingest them, but rather upon their offspring. Their offspring often have “reproductive system abnormalities” which most commonly result in sterility as well as cancer when the offspring matures. In humans, a synthetic estrogen given to women in an attempt to prevent miscarriages often led to sterility in their offspring and in rare cases a form of vaginal cancer developed.
I was unaware that estrogens could have such a dramatic effect on organisms. In retrospect it seems obvious that abnormal hormone ratios would cause severe problems, although I would not have predicted that they would arise in the offspring. The results are especially stunning when considering the effects of the miscarriage preventative medication. It’s becoming abundantly clear to me that no medicines can truly be considered safe until they have been tested for two generations.
Baird, Colin. Chemistry In Your Life. W.H. Freeman and Company, New York. 2006. Pg405,406.
I was unaware that estrogens could have such a dramatic effect on organisms. In retrospect it seems obvious that abnormal hormone ratios would cause severe problems, although I would not have predicted that they would arise in the offspring. The results are especially stunning when considering the effects of the miscarriage preventative medication. It’s becoming abundantly clear to me that no medicines can truly be considered safe until they have been tested for two generations.
Baird, Colin. Chemistry In Your Life. W.H. Freeman and Company, New York. 2006. Pg405,406.
Tyler, Lipids
Most people can say they know someone with either heart disease or struggling with cholesterol. Cholesterol is a lipid that is vital to parts of cell membranes and certain hormones. Lipids are insoluble in water due to its fatty material but must be transported to their desired destination through the bloodstream. To make this process possible the lipids are covered in a coat of water-soluble lipoproteins that make the lipid temporarily soluble. What makes the lipid soluble and able to travel through the bloodstream are hydrophilic side groups of proteins.
When the lipids and proteins mix their densities can vary into two different groups. The Low-Density Lipoproteins or LDL’s are considered to be the least healthy and this is because if there is too much of it, it causes fatty deposits called plaques in the walls of blood vessels. On the lighter side, High-Density Lipoproteins or HDL’s are rich in protein and low in cholesterol unlike its counterpart. HDL’s are known as good cholesterol due to the fact that they travel through the vessels, collecting unneeded cholesterol and sending it back to the liver.
To help determine what kind of cholesterol is in what foods you can check to see what type of fat is in your foodstuff. If a food item is high in saturated fat then you are increasing both you high and low-density lipoproteins thus making it unhealthy. On the other hand, food with unsaturated cholesterol only increases your high-density lipoproteins which helps clean your blood vessels. The worst type of fat is trans-fatty acid, which increases your LDL levels and actually decreases your HDL level.
Hydrophobic- physical property of a molecule
This was another very insightful article that I will be able to apply to my final presentation. I was looking for more information on the subject of lipids and cholesterol so this chapter has come in handy. In addition, I can even use this information to improve my own diet.
Baird, Colin. Chemistry in Your Life. New York: H.W. Freeman and Company, 2006 pgs. 363-635
When the lipids and proteins mix their densities can vary into two different groups. The Low-Density Lipoproteins or LDL’s are considered to be the least healthy and this is because if there is too much of it, it causes fatty deposits called plaques in the walls of blood vessels. On the lighter side, High-Density Lipoproteins or HDL’s are rich in protein and low in cholesterol unlike its counterpart. HDL’s are known as good cholesterol due to the fact that they travel through the vessels, collecting unneeded cholesterol and sending it back to the liver.
To help determine what kind of cholesterol is in what foods you can check to see what type of fat is in your foodstuff. If a food item is high in saturated fat then you are increasing both you high and low-density lipoproteins thus making it unhealthy. On the other hand, food with unsaturated cholesterol only increases your high-density lipoproteins which helps clean your blood vessels. The worst type of fat is trans-fatty acid, which increases your LDL levels and actually decreases your HDL level.
Hydrophobic- physical property of a molecule
This was another very insightful article that I will be able to apply to my final presentation. I was looking for more information on the subject of lipids and cholesterol so this chapter has come in handy. In addition, I can even use this information to improve my own diet.
Baird, Colin. Chemistry in Your Life. New York: H.W. Freeman and Company, 2006 pgs. 363-635
Monday, February 18, 2008
John, Steroids and Congress' efforts
The article is focused on the players that were named in the Mitchell Report months ago. The Mitchell Report was a condemning list of accusations for professional baseball players of steroid use for a competitive edge in the sport. This can improve one’s ability to recover and therefore get stronger than their body would normally allow. Such players listed in the Mitchell Report were Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte. This article says that Congress is not lightening up on the pressure on these popular baseball stars.
In the article a point is brought up that baseball players are “heroes” and should have to deal with the highest standard of moral values. This is to set a good example for the people (mainly younger generation) of integrity. Baseball, while not the most popular sport in the nation, is “America’s Pastime” and should represent America in the best way possible. The stars of the game such as Pettitte and Clemens are constantly in the spotlight and should, more than anyone be examples of the best all around people. This makes the issue of performance enhancing drugs so significant.
As for the future, Pettitte was mentioned to have testified and admitted to using steroids. It was the lesser of two evils, in my opinion. The other choice was to not say anything and be bombarded by a media barrage until confession. Clemens appears to have evidence piling up against him. To avoid an absolutely crushing blow to his reputation and his career, I think he should confess. If not he may go down a road of baseball infamy, similar to Barry Bonds’ current state.
Dwyre, B. (2008, February 5). Congress ensures there’s no lull; Stakes are incredibly high for heroes. Los Angeles Times. p. D1, D8.
In the article a point is brought up that baseball players are “heroes” and should have to deal with the highest standard of moral values. This is to set a good example for the people (mainly younger generation) of integrity. Baseball, while not the most popular sport in the nation, is “America’s Pastime” and should represent America in the best way possible. The stars of the game such as Pettitte and Clemens are constantly in the spotlight and should, more than anyone be examples of the best all around people. This makes the issue of performance enhancing drugs so significant.
As for the future, Pettitte was mentioned to have testified and admitted to using steroids. It was the lesser of two evils, in my opinion. The other choice was to not say anything and be bombarded by a media barrage until confession. Clemens appears to have evidence piling up against him. To avoid an absolutely crushing blow to his reputation and his career, I think he should confess. If not he may go down a road of baseball infamy, similar to Barry Bonds’ current state.
Dwyre, B. (2008, February 5). Congress ensures there’s no lull; Stakes are incredibly high for heroes. Los Angeles Times. p. D1, D8.
Caitlin, Subliminal scents
An article in the Los Angeles Times revealed that many upscale hotels around the world use specific perfumes and scents in their lobbies in order to "brand" the hotel. Since the sense of smell is the most closely linked to memory, hotel operators believe that if a customer has a good experience in a hotel, when he or she smells the scent associated with it, it will entice them to come back.
From the simple use of flowers in the entryways, to "sensation bars" in guests' rooms, the use of smell as a marketing ploy exists on many levels. However, so does the sensitivity to these smells. For some, the overwhelming scents prove to be a negative experience and create the opposite results that marketing strategists were are after.
The article quotes that odors trigger attacks in %15 of those who suffer from migraines. It states that this reaction is similar to those who are allergic to cigarette smoke and has the same health hazards.
Since there is no way to screen the guests coming in and out of these various hotels, is the use of fragrant aromas as a marketing strategy considered ethical?
Citation: Doheny, Kathleen. "Sniff. Say 'Ahh' or 'Achoo!' Los Angeles Times. 30 July, 2006. http://travel.latimes.com/articles/la-tr-healthy30jul30
From the simple use of flowers in the entryways, to "sensation bars" in guests' rooms, the use of smell as a marketing ploy exists on many levels. However, so does the sensitivity to these smells. For some, the overwhelming scents prove to be a negative experience and create the opposite results that marketing strategists were are after.
The article quotes that odors trigger attacks in %15 of those who suffer from migraines. It states that this reaction is similar to those who are allergic to cigarette smoke and has the same health hazards.
Since there is no way to screen the guests coming in and out of these various hotels, is the use of fragrant aromas as a marketing strategy considered ethical?
Citation: Doheny, Kathleen. "Sniff. Say 'Ahh' or 'Achoo!' Los Angeles Times. 30 July, 2006. http://travel.latimes.com/articles/la-tr-healthy30jul30
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