Biochemistry Week 12 - Cell biology and Radioactivity
Bananas are radioactive - But they aren't a good way to explain radiation exposure
I had no idea that bananas could be considered radioactive because they contain isotope potassium-40. But I would also agree with the article that using a banana or the Banana Equivalent Dose is not very useful in explaining radiation to lay people. 'We are exposed to radiation all the time, just look at that banana you ate' does not help to justify or explain the impacts of radiation from things such as medical use, nuclear power plants, or electronics. I believe the terms radioactive or nuclear turn people off and simply freak people out, but it would be most beneficial to explain what makes a thing radioactive, how it can affect us, and the differences among radioactive materials.
Virus Structure
Viruses are so creepy!! I can't help but think how mosquitos resemble flying viruses and how they are just a vector for many diseases that even a monk would kill them - or should. I find it pretty fascinating that viruses are not in themselves living organisms and need a host to survive and proliferate. That means that their continued existence stems from the fact that the organisms of infected cells have managed to pass on the virus to other organisms for generations. For anyone who disputes evolution: "Some scientists speculate that viruses started as rogue segments of genetic code that adapted to a parasitic existence."
I had no idea that bananas could be considered radioactive because they contain isotope potassium-40. But I would also agree with the article that using a banana or the Banana Equivalent Dose is not very useful in explaining radiation to lay people. 'We are exposed to radiation all the time, just look at that banana you ate' does not help to justify or explain the impacts of radiation from things such as medical use, nuclear power plants, or electronics. I believe the terms radioactive or nuclear turn people off and simply freak people out, but it would be most beneficial to explain what makes a thing radioactive, how it can affect us, and the differences among radioactive materials.
Virus Structure
Viruses are so creepy!! I can't help but think how mosquitos resemble flying viruses and how they are just a vector for many diseases that even a monk would kill them - or should. I find it pretty fascinating that viruses are not in themselves living organisms and need a host to survive and proliferate. That means that their continued existence stems from the fact that the organisms of infected cells have managed to pass on the virus to other organisms for generations. For anyone who disputes evolution: "Some scientists speculate that viruses started as rogue segments of genetic code that adapted to a parasitic existence."
Yes viruses are totally creepy! Tiny little zombie vampires...That quote at the end of your post is so intriguing...its wild to think that segments of genetic code could have the wherewithal to "go rogue" but I guess life is adaptive like that
ReplyDeleteIsnt evolution amazing! A whole organism came into existence, found its niche, and is THRIVING! Virus' are one of the only organisms outdoing us in this existence, and they cant even live on their own for more than a few hours in most cases!
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