Symbiotic Relationships Around the World!!!

Recently we have been studying symbiotic relationships in our area. We came up with all sorts of examples, like a human and a guinea pig, mold on a pumpkin, and a tick on a dog. We then had to identify the type of symbiotic relationship (mutualism, commensalism, or parasitism) and give justification. However, we only studied the symbiotic relationships in our community. There are still many more to be found around the world. For example, in Africa there is a sub-family of termites. These termites can not digest cellulose or lignin, which are basic parts of the plants they eat. So, they depend on Termitomyces, a fungus, to slightly break down the plants and make them easier to absorb. The article does not state what type of symbiotic relationship this is, but it seems to be mutualism. Mutualism is a symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit. The termites benefit by being able to absorb their food while the fungus benefits by having an easier time getting food. I think this shows symbiotic relationships not only appear all over the world, but they can also be more sophisticated than simply bees and flowers. All in all, symbiotic relationships are awesome!!!

Hyperlink:http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080111221340.htm

BOOM BLOX!!!

Boom Blox is Awesome!!! The game uses a realistic physics system that allows users to throw balls, grab objects, and even use laser guns and water hoses to knock around blocks and reach a goal. It was created by EA Los Angeles with help from Steven Spielberg. Mr. Spielberg helped to create the game because he wanted to have a game he could play with his children. The game has over 300 single player levels and over 100 two player levels. You can even create your own levels and share them with friends!!! In conclusion, Boom Blox is and amazing game that has many different features.

Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boom_Blox

RANDOM COMMENTS!!!

If anyone has any random comments to make on anything, please post them here. They might just become the topic of one of my blogs!!!

(And if has anything to do about guinea pigs, oreos, or tacos, please post on "Dodo's first blog!!!")

Buckypaper: The Steel Replacement?

Buckypaper is made from the third pure form of carbon, known as buckminsterfullerene. It is 10 times lighter but it could be 500 times stronger than steel. This new form of carbon was accidentally discovered in 1985 by Dr.Kroto and his colleagues, Robert Curl Jr. and Richard E. Smalley at Rice University, while they were trying to find out how stars make carbon. Researchers at Smalley's laboratory later discovered a way of making a thin sheet out of the material, which is now known as buckypaper. I think that this discovery is amazing. It can not only make our tennis rackets and airplanes stronger, but lighter as well, which would help save a lot of fuel. However, the material still hasn't been perfected and scientists are still trying to make it even stronger. But according to researcher Ben Wang at Florida University, we should have commercial products made with this material within the next year.

Source:http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/10/17/buckypaper.invention.ap/index.html
AP

The Ozone Layer

On Tuesday, the European Space Agency (ESA) reported that the hole in the Ozone Layer above Antarctica, which protects the life on Earth from UV rays, has grown to 27 million square kilometers. This has occurred partly because of extreme cold at high altitudes and also some man-made gases, such as chlorine. I think this report is definitely bad news, especially since this hole has grown bigger since last year. Although chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which produced gases that harmed the ozone layer, have already been banned from use, the ozone layer is still shrinking. I think that we should do more to protect it. Or else, not only might the ultraviolet rays cause the marine animals harm, but possibly give us skin cancer and cataracts as well.

Source:http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/science/10/07/ozone.hole/index.html
CNN

Dodo's first blog!!!

Guinea pigs rule!!!