Saturday February 6, 2010
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Blue = oxygen-poor blood
Red = oxygen-rich blood
Image Credit: MedValet |
The heart is the organ of the cardiovascular system which supplies blood and oxygen to all parts of the body. The cardiovascular system consists of the heart and blood vessels. Can you identify the heart structure indicated by the number 4 in the image? This structure receives oxygen-rich blood from the left atrium and pumps it to the aorta. The aorta carries and distributes blood to the rest of the body.
A. Right Ventricle
B. Left Ventricle
C. Pulmonary Artery
D. Right Atrium
Test your knowledge of the cardiovascular system. Take the Cardiovascular System Quiz! Need a quick review before taking the quiz? Visit: Anatomy of the Heart and The Heart and the Circulatory System.
Friday February 5, 2010
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| Credit: Christian Basi/University of Missouri |
University of Missouri scientists have succeeded in creating a soy substitute for chicken that is consistent with the actual look and feel of the meat. Soy products have become increasingly popular due to the health benefits they provide. Some of these benefits include cholesterol reduction and prevention of certain types of cancer.
It took some time to create the soy chicken as initial tests produced a product that was similar in texture to chicken, but according to researcher Fu-Hung Hsieh, "tasted more like turkey." By adding extra fiber and increasing the moisture content of the soybean paste, the researchers were able to create a soy product that closely resembles chicken in both its stringy texture and taste. In creating this more "realistic" chicken substitute, it is hoped that more people will choose soy chicken as a healthier alternative to chicken.
Learn more about this study:
Black History: Science
Wednesday February 3, 2010
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Daniel Hale Williams
Public Domain Image |
Did you know that the first successful open heart surgery was performed by an African American? Dr. Daniel Hale Williams performed this operation in the summer of 1893, at a time when performing surgery on a person with internal injuries was not done due to high risk of infection. According to the Black Inventor Online Museum, Hale's operational and antiseptic procedures used during this surgery would be used as standards for future surgeries of this type.
African Americans have made significant contributions to various areas of science. They have developed synthetic drugs for the treatment of chronic ailments, helped to invent laser devices for the treatment of cancer patients, and developed treatments for various diseases including leprosy, cancer, and syphilis. Learn about the accomplishments and contributions African American scientists have made to science and humanity. If you would like to test your knowledge of African Americans in science, take the African Americans in Science Quiz!
Saturday January 30, 2010
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently conducted a study to help assess why there are so many sleep deprived high school students. In the survey, students were asked how much sleep they get on an average night. The most common answer indicated that not enough students get the proper amount of sleep. Prior studies have shown that those in their teens need on average nine hours of sleep per night. Eight hours of sleep is considered the borderline minimum for teens. The study found that most of the students got less than eight hours of sleep per night.
In a search for answers as to why high school students are so sleep deprived, researchers point to studies that suggest that computers may contribute to the problem. These studies have shown that the blue light emitted by computer screens may alter a person's internal biological clock.
Sleeplessness can be a serious condition. Without proper sleep, teens may have more trouble learning in school. This certainly does not help when studying for biology exams. Lack of sleep also contributes to poor judgment and even one night of not enough sleep can impair the body's chemical balance.
Learn more about this study:
