Are You Really Paying Attention???

As we talk about observation and scientific investigation over the next few weeks it is interesting to consider how the functioning of our brains may influence what we see and perceive.

Check out this talk by the "world's best pickpocket" - It will really grab your attention (or will it?)!!!

A Look at Blood from Many Perspectives

This is a link to a recent Radio Lab podcast that examines our cultural obsession with blood from various angles: medical, cultural, historical and artistic. 

There are segments about the economics  of blood banks, the use of blood for special effects in movies, visual art made with HIV positive blood and the science of injecting young blood into old animals. 

Radiolab defines itself on its website as “a show about curiosity. Where sound illuminates ideas, and the boundaries blur between science, philosophy, and human experience.” If you like this podcast the site contains many more episodes about contemporary topics in science and culture. - Devon

BRINGING MATTER TO LIFE!!

In your second week of biology, you'll be discussing the characteristics of life.  This may not be as easy to define as we think.  Be sure to check out this TED talk - Making Matter Come Alive! This scientist is attempting to generate life from non-living matter!  Really!!

Welcome!

Hello everyone and welcome to the GHS program at Fleming College. 

In this program you will have the opportunity to participate in an integrated learning environment.  The topics you see will span across your biology, chemistry, math, psychology and professional issues in health science  courses.  You will apply your knowledge in labs and expand your understanding through discussions and projects.

We are excited to begin our semester and are looking forward to working with you in your classes.

The GHS Program Faculty

P.S.  Make sure you check this blog regularly for interesting news stories, helpful apps and websites for extra practice and other GHS news!

This is Water: A Unique Commencement Speech.

Congratulations GHS Graduates!

Take a look at this unique commencement speech.  There are some interesting points to keep in mind as you move into your next programs and careers.

More on Methane...smelly farts and exploding intestines!

You never know what you'll find when you start searching the internet for simple things like videos on methane.  If you need a break from studying, give these posts a read:

I mentioned in a post on methane bubbles in ice that methane is actually odourless.  Even though methane is the gas we often associated with farts (possibly because of studies on how much methane cows release), it must not be the methane that makes farts smelly.  Did you know that some scientists have actually studied the volume and "odour intensity" of farts!  Read this post, especially the description of the study to find out more.  If you just can't believe that a study on farts actually got published, you can read the whole article here. 

Like you saw in lab, methane is combustible.  If methane is in your intestines, does that mean your intestines could explode?!  Well, actually, in certain (very limited) circumstances, it can! Check out the summary on how it happens here.

Studies on farts and exploding intestines...who knew?  The question is, who volunteers to have their farts measured...or (even worse) to judge farts for their smelliness!

Fire and Ice

Check out this video about methane being released as permafrost thaws.  Remember, in lab (and in our homes) scent is added to natural gas so we can detect a leak.  Methane on its own is odourless, so one way to test for it is to see if it ignites!

You'll see a demo in chemistry lab this week using methane bubbles; this video shows the same reaction on a much larger scale!

On a non-chemistry note, this also reminds me of a poem I learned in elementary school, "Fire and Ice" by Robert Frost.  I knew that English class would be useful!