The human body is designed not for comfort, but to move. We tend to forget the days when our forebears had to outrun predators or hunt big game with simple weapons. In athletics, however, being stronger or faster still comes down to survival of the fittest. 

Sport  

Today, sports scientists are seeking methods to make our bodies perform better. Here are some ways that modern research is improving physical performance.

Equipment Mechanics

Understanding our biomechanics goes along with optimizing the tools of each athlete for a particular sport. This is really a marriage of physiology with physics. Tennis players, for instance, must have the right length, weight, material, and string tension in their racquet for best performance.

Even swimmers want the most suitable cap, trunks, and even body-shaving technique for best performance. Success includes such simple strategies as selecting the right equipment, footwear, and clothing for optimal performance regarding body type and environment.

Nutrition

Without proper nutrition, intense training and prompt recovery would not be possible. A dietary program designed to optimize both requires the help of expert sports nutritionists. Diets must be healthy and at the same time customized to the individual and the sport.

A weight lifter, for instance, would want a diet higher in proteins, where a marathoner would want a diet higher in carbs to maintain energy and stamina. An athlete's diet may also have to be adjusted for medications or specific dietary supplements.

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Body Chemistry

We have come to understand that our ultimate physical potential is largely determined by genetics. Scientists can map out an athlete's essential performance characteristics, such as heart volume, lung capacity, muscle fibers, biochemistry, bone density, and much more.

This allows them to tailor diet and training programs to exploit strengths and overcome weaknesses. This requires laboratory analysis; those with proper medical lab training from clinical laboratory scientist programs online can play a big part in sports medicine and the future of athletics.

Wearables

New technologies help trainers and athletes fine tune their techniques through data. Sensors placed on the body and in equipment such as a baseball bat can capture data that helps players perfect their swing through software analysis. Monitoring devices can also be worn that capture continuous data on heartbeat, calories burned, and other vital signs to gauge training progress. Research into this data provides valuable insights.

Historic achievements in many sports continue to be surpassed because modern athletes have proven scientific research to draw on. Athletics has become both more scientific and more exciting.

By  Anica Oaks	Embed
Anica is a professional content and copywriter who graduated from the University of San Francisco. She loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she's used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty. You can connect with Anica here.

Technology  

There are so many technologies out there that people take for granted but should not. Science is an amazing part of humanity, and it has helped humanity grow closer in many ways, which should be celebrated.

It is easy for people to be unimpressed with science in these modern times. A survey shows that people are not impressed about the first time a person set foot on the moon. This was a feat that defined a generation and propelled human imagination, yet people do not think it was much of anything now. The following are four scientific marvels that people have also begun to take for granted.

Compasses

Scientists figured out that there is a magnetic pull across the plane; this is something that cannot be seen with the naked eye. They built a small magnet-based compass that could align with the earth's magnetic pole, which shows you where you are heading at all times. It is a pretty exciting and simple piece of technology that is often taken for granted.

Flight

Human beings do not have the ability to fly like a bird, no matter how much you might have dreamed about it, yet we figured out how to 'fake it' with planes. People think of planes as nothing more than aerial buses and get upset when there are delays. Many people read a book or watch a movie to pass the time because being up in the air is a little too boring. The fact is that being able to fly is an exciting ability given to people by scientists, yet no one makes a big deal about flying.

For centuries people dreamed of flying, now we take it for granted.

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Bottles

Naturalists do not care for plastic, but making this material did revolutionize the way things are packaged. It made packaging easier, cheaper, and the material is long-lasting. Making plastic is a pretty complicated procedure as it requires a combination of things like coal, cellulose, natural gas, salt, and crude oil, just to name a few of the compounds present. If you’re ever curious to see just how amazing plastic really is, try googling a company like E-Plas who manufactures plastic. You might be surprised what you see.

Phones

Communication is essential for a growing society. There was a time when long distance communication relied on birds or beacons that were lit across lands, but the amount of information shared among these was limited. The idea of using a device to transfer voice from one location to another instantly was science fiction, yet this is what a phone can do. The device captures sound and transfers it to another location. Phones today can even transfer images and live video, but some people do not care much about the invention beyond its ability to share videos or pictures that can be liked on social media.

There are several other marvels out there that people take for granted and should not. Science is an essential part of our humanity, and it has helped us grow closer.

By  Kara Masterson	Embed

Science  

Despite having similar names, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide are not the same. Knowing the difference between carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide isn't just for passing science class; it can also save your life.

Despite having similar names, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide are not the same. Generally known as CO and CO2, respectively, are both colorless and odorless gases that can be fatal in high concentrations. But that is where the similarities end when comparing CO vs CO2.

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Parts Per Million – PPM

To understand these gases, first you must understand how they are measured. Gases are typically measured by concentration, temperature, and pressure, but since carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide act similarly (on the molecular level) under the same conditions, a simpler form of measurement is used. PPM (parts-per-million) is a measure of one type of gas molecules compared to another. For example, 400ppm of CO means that if you could count a million molecules in the air, 400 of them would be carbon monoxide, and 999,600 of them would be other gases.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide does not naturally occur in Earth’s atmosphere, and is highly flammable. It forms when fuel-burning appliances such as gas and kerosene heaters, oil and gas furnaces, fireplaces, and wood stoves are not ventilated properly. Any gasoline engine also generates carbon monoxide if it doesn’t have a catalytic converter to filter the fumes.

CO poisoning is the most common type of fatal poisoning across the globe. The long-term exposure limit established by OSHA is 50ppm, although details are available at the link. Mild carbon monoxide poisoning occurs at levels of 100ppm, and symptoms include headache and dizziness. Exposure levels as low as 700ppm have the potential to be life-threatening.

Carbon Dioxide

CO2 occurs naturally in the atmosphere and is necessary for plants to flourish, since they require CO2 in the process of photosynthesis. A waste product of photosynthesis is oxygen, the gas necessary for humans to breathe. Carbon dioxide is also a waste product of animal respiration, fermentation, and when fossil fuels and wood are burned. Even when using a catalytic converter, gasoline engines still emit carbon dioxide. And unlike carbon monoxide, this gas is non-flammable.

It is rare for an individual to get CO2 poisoning, but not impossible. The average ambient ppm for CO2 is 400ppm. For comparison, OSHA limits the workplace to 5,000ppm or less. Symptoms of mild carbon dioxide poisoning include dizziness and headaches at concentrations of 30,000ppm. Carbon dioxide becomes life-threatening at concentrations of 80,000ppm or more.


Knowing more about these two commonly confused gases can you give you greater perspective into how these gases exist and interact in your environment, as well as how to keep yourself safe and healthy.

By  Shae Holland	Embed
Shae Holland is a freelance writer based out of Bismarck, ND, with a degree in General Studies. She writes on a variety of topics and loves learning new things. In her spare time she enjoys reading, gardening, and hunting.

Science  

The academic fields of science, technology, engineering, and math, collectively referred to by the STEM acronym, have received lots of interest in the 21st century; this attention emanates from a societal need to leverage technology as an essential part of life.

Modern STEM education focuses on allowing students to spend more time in the laboratory working on projects that represent real-life applications. The days of teaching chemistry by means of introducing concepts and then switching completely to algebraic formulas are coming to an end. The math component is still there, but there is a greater desire among educators to get students in the lab and to encourage them to research and collaborate.

With the above in mind, here are four technologies that science students will be using frequently as part of their modern education:

1 - Laboratory Standards

Certain laboratory standards and practices are not going away. Volumetric containers, distilled acids and other starting materials can certainly be simulated by computer software, but students must still receive hands-on training at the laboratory to become familiar with the standards of spectrometry, atomic absorption, gas chromatography, and others.

2 - Compound Libraries

Personal computers are among the most powerful instruments contributing to the advance of chemistry education over the last few years. In the 1980s, chemistry researchers were delighted to use IBM workstations to catalog their compound libraries, which used to hold thousands of items. These days, chemical libraries can hold millions of compounds for screening or manufacturing purposes; many of these libraries can be accessed online so that students can learn more about the compounds and their classification before they experiment with them.

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3 - Laboratory Automation

The arrival of computers in laboratories, testing accuracy and data analysis were greatly enhanced. Scientists wanted to see a similar enhancement with regard to sample preparation and experimentation, which these days are increasingly being handled by automated processes. There are many lab equipment manufacturers, like CPI International, that offer products and equipment to increase safety, accuracy, and convenience in the lab. Many lab equipment manufacturers have come up with automated workstation solutions that handle liquids and reagents within cartridges before they are transferred onto plates; the process is controlled by means of Windows software applications.

4 - Modern Cytometer

Students of life sciences these days can observe and learn the many functions of organic cells thanks to advanced cytometers that can not only record complex activity and morphology but also interact with sophisticated software that can interpret test results and transform them into digital data to create simulation models.

In the end, STEM students have every reason to spend more time in the laboratory these days thanks to the ongoing advances in instrumentation.

By  Emma Sturgis	Embed
Emma is a freelance writer currently living in Boston. When not writing, she enjoys baking and indoor rock climbing. Find her on Google +.

Careers  

A chemistry degree can lead to a number of careers that will can help people in many different industries. Career opportunities exist in education and teaching to cosmetics and pharmaceuticals and the medical laboratory to name just a few.

There are several factors to consider if you think you may enjoy pursuing a degree in chemistry. Many types of employment are available such as working in medical, industrial or pharmaceutical laboratories. Research in these types of environments offer many benefits as do jobs teaching chemistry in high schools or universities. Here are four signs you would be perfect for a chemistry degree:

Following Steps

You love baking, cooking and following recipes. Chemistry is very detail oriented and the ability to follow a set of instructions is essential. Cooking is essentially manipulation of the chemicals in various foods and their ingredients: how ingredients work together and the order in which they are mixed and how different volumes of ingredients affect flavor and texture.

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Written Communication

While working in a chemistry lab in any type of industry, it is essential to have good note taking skills. Accuracy and timing and the recording of data is often dependent on how good the individual responsible is at keeping helpful and significant notations.

Precision Importance and Safety

You are good at measuring, mixing and following instructions, both written and verbal, and have a steady hand. The work involves proper use of lab reagents and other chemicals, or body fluids. It is imperative that the chemist can accurately measure, pour, use pipettes and is capable of safely handling possible dangerous chemicals that may be damaging to clothing or skin. Safe handling of reagents, glassware and other items found in laboratories is stressed on any type of job involved in their use. Lab safety is the usually the first lesson received on "on the job training."

Independent Working

You enjoy working alone. Often, chemists work singularly in their environments with minimal contact with others. Working alone can be very conducive to completing work assignment to have minimal contact, and interruptions, from other people. Little contact with others helps ensure safety, accuracy and saves time from having to repeat steps. Some people enjoy the social aspects of work environments and look forward to mingling with others during work. However, with a chemistry degree in hand, you should and will be expected to work with minimal supervision.

A chemistry degree can lead to a number of careers that will can help people in many different industries. Career opportunities exist in education and teaching to cosmetics and pharmaceuticals and the medical laboratory to name just a few.

By  Meghan Belnap	Embed
Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She also enjoys being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise. Meghan also enjoys researching new topics that help to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure. You can connect with her on Facebook right here and Twitter right here.

Science  

When you walk into a laboratory, one of the first things that you notice is the smell of cleanliness. There are reasons as to why a lab needs to be as clean as possible, and technology has come a long way in making it easier to keep the area sanitary.

There are multiple reasons why a laboratory needs to be as clean as possible, and technology has come a long way in making it easier to keep the area sanitary.It's important to also keep the lab safe. If the lab is in a government building or a healthcare environment, then there could be viruses that are growing in small containers. In the event that something happens in the lab, the virus could spread across the room and into other areas of the building. When chemicals and other products aren't handled properly, then they can cause serious harm, such as burns, to the people who are working in the lab. A fire could also occur, especially with chemicals and materials that are highly flammable. The equipment, which is often very expensive, is protected when safety practices are used in the lab. Safety techniques can also help to prevent cross-contamination. This is one of the important things to consider when you're trying to come up with a vaccine to a disease or a cure or even trying to determine the illness that someone has.

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Attire

The proper attire is one of the ways that the lab will stay as safe as possible. Technology has improved to offer new types of goggles and masks that help to keep out more of the particles that circulate in the air. The attire will also help to keep chemicals and other items off of the skin as the materials that are used are usually now flame-resistant and even repel water. You want to have a thick pair of gloves on the hands while working in the lab, but the gloves should allow you to be able to work with the equipment. A lab coat that covers the clothing from the neck to the feet should be worn if you're working with hazardous materials.

Washing Supplies

A compact high-speed microplate washer is an item that is now being used in many labs. It has a small area that will easily and quickly wash the plates that are used in the lab. An example might be a microscope plate or one that has held bacteria. These washers operate on high speeds, cleaning the plates in a fast manner while still keeping them from breaking. There are solutions available that will sterilize countertops and other surfaces that will kill bacteria and viruses that are on them. These solutions often come in the form of sprays. In large labs, you might find hoses that are used on the surfaces, especially if the area is an open space.

Storage

You need to have areas of storage in the lab to protect the files and other important components. A large storage cabinet is ideal for clothing and other attire that is worn. You want to keep paperwork in a filing area where it can't get damaged by the products that are used in the lab. Any equipment that is used with chemicals or equipment that is expensive should be kept in a storage area that has a reinforced enclosure. Some of the technology that is used today includes fireproof safes that will protect items inside if there is a fire in the lab.

Any lab is important because it's a place where diseases are diagnosed or where important scientific work is performed in order to advance the world of science and health. Technology has made it possible to safely work in a lab and to keep the work areas as clean and safe as possible for the equipment that is used and the people who are in the room at the time. As technology develops, then more research can be conducted in smaller settings so that precise details can be examined.

By  Emma Sturgis	Embed
Emma is a freelance writer currently living in Boston. When not writing, she enjoys baking and indoor rock climbing. Find her on Google +.

Psychology  

Shoplifting may be the result of a very real disorder, leaving a person unable to control their own behavior. The conditions that typically lead to shoplifting are Kleptomania and Addictive-Compulsive theft. Find out more here.

When most people hear "repeat shoplifter" they jump to the conclusion that the offender is a criminal who can’t get back on track. Unfortunately, shoplifting can be the result of a very real disorder, leaving one powerless over their own behavior. The conditions that typically lead to shoplifting are Kleptomania and Addictive-Compulsive theft. Below is some of the science behind this strange addiction.

Kleptomania

This is the failure to resist the impulse to steal, followed by a sense of relief afterwards. Kleptomaniacs are rarely aware of committing the act of theft and therefore have no sense of guilt.

Addictive-Compulsive Theft

Addictive-Compulsive Theft is the failure to resist the compulsive urge to steal. The act is followed by a feeling of relief and then guilt as they are more aware of committing the act than someone with kleptomania. Both conditions affect people who might otherwise considered normal.

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The Cause

According to addiction research, people with low dopamine levels are more likely to become addicted to stealing, sex, and over-eating, in much the same way people become addicted to drugs and alcohol. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter found in the body that regulates emotional responses and controls the brains pleasure centers.

Criminal vs. Compulsive

Criminal theft is accompanied by other forms of criminal thinking, believing that it’s ok to violate others or property. They may brag about the theft and try to sensationalize it. Compulsive theft on the other hand will be accompanied by guilt or a loss of memory of the act.

Shoplifting Disorders and the Law

While theft is a crime, lawyers have had to become creative in their defense tactics while representing someone with a theft addiction. According to a Metro Vancouver Criminal Defence Lawyer, when this behavior is out of character for the person charged, it can better be defended. No crime should go unpunished, but a good criminal defense lawyer can show the court that people with these disorders need help, not punishment.

Treatment

Most shoplifting disorders are treated through therapy. There are usually other factors that play into the compulsion to steal, and are effectively treated in one-on-one therapy sessions. Support groups provide a safe place for healing with people that have similar conditions. Doctors may also prescribe antidepressants and serotonin reuptake inhibitors to help with mood and dopamine levels.

Due to the nature of these disorders, there are usually no warning signs until it’s too late. Shoplifting addiction rarely affects any other area of a person’s life, making it appear as though everything is fine. Many recovering addicts believe getting caught was the best thing to happen to them because it allowed them to get the help they needed.

By Brooke Chaplan

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Author Bio - 33rd Square contributor Brooke Chaplan is recent graduate of New Mexico University where she studied journalism. She loves to hike, bike, run and explore around her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She also enjoys blogging about health, fitness, fashion and many other topics.

Biotech  

New research into molecular biology is increasing our scientific understanding of diseases, genetic processes, and many health problems. Here are five advances in microbiology and the impacts they have had on scientific knowledge and today’s disease treatment options.

Recent breakthroughs in microbiology and new research are increasing scientific understanding of diseases, genetic processes, and many maladies which have long plagued us. In this article we discuss five advances in microbiology and the impacts they have had on scientific knowledge and today’s disease treatment options.

Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats

Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) is a DNA editing tool transforming biology and genetics. CRISPR is actually one component of the immune system of bacteria. Bacteria use this mechanism by maintaining small pieces of viruses that are harmful to them. The bacteria use this as a recognition tool, enabling them to spot these bacteria when they are nearby. CRISPR works in conjunction with CRISPR Associated Proteins (CAS), a tool that enables the bacteria to precisely cut the DNA of the invading virus.

Microbiologists use this mechanism to edit the genomes of higher level organisms with extreme accuracy. CRISPR has been used to create human cells that are resistant to infection from the HIV virus and to correct genetic defects with an unprecedented precision.

Pluripotent Stem Cells

An induced pluripotent stem cell (IPSC) is a cell taken from an organism that is genetically modified to function as an embryonic stem cell.

IPSCs are used in modeling diseases and creating drugs. A promising field of application involves using the IPSCs to transport DNA expression treatments in-vitro to treat genetically-based disorders, as IPSCs represent a safer approach than viral delivery methods, which can increase the risks of developing certain cancers.

Recent innovations involving IPSCs come from Jacob Hanna of Israel’s Weizmann Institute of Science, who along with his research colleagues were able to disable a cell gene that resists pluripotency conversion, increasing the production success to 100 percent. Previous IPSC creation techniques had a success rate of approximately 10 percent.

Hydrogel Microparticles

Hydrogels are a category of polymeric materials, having structures with strong affinities for water, allowing them to store large amounts of water in 3-dimensional networks. Their highly bio-compatible and tunable characteristics have increased their attractiveness in many bio-tech applications. Their solution-like environments make them suited for use in bio-sensing applications. Hydrogels have been used in immunoassay and nucleic acid assaying applications. Because of their very sensitive nature, these applications have presented many challenges using previous coating and substrate techniques. Hydrogels have also been the material of choice in tissue regenerative medicine.

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Signaling Protein Discoveries

Signaling proteins function as organic clocks that cause biological events to occur in specific orders. Their role in organic processes and mechanisms is highly complex and not well understood. Proteins called receptors exist on cells throughout the body. These bind to molecules that function in signaling capacities thereby initiating biological responses. Receptors are molecule specific and will not bind to non-compatible sites.

A recent breakthrough by researchers at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville involves the specific signaling protein Cdc42, a molecule crucial to the final phase of cellular division. The discovery increased understanding of how Cdc42 works in the cell division process. This understanding can play a critical role in understanding and ultimately treating cancer, a disease in which Cdc42 signaling is defective.

Redox Signaling Molecules

Redox signaling molecules are primarily produced in the mitochondria of cells. The mitochondria simultaneously produces Adenosine Tri-Phosphate (ATP), and two Redox signaling molecules, Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and Reduced Species(RS). The specific roles of ROS and RS were not well understood for years following their discovery. Popular opinion regarded them as waste products generated in the production of ATP.

However, ROS has a crucial role in signaling the immune system with determining whether damaged cells can be repaired or should be destroyed. Additionally, ROS is used to attack pathogens in the body by a mechanism known as oxidative burst, creating an environment hostile to the invading microorganism. Additionally, RS molecules play a role in activating antioxidant molecules used by the body to scavenge harmful free radicals.

A novel consumer-based technology implemented by ASEA Science Based Medicine involves solutions and skin care products containing redox signaling molecules to promote their health benefits.

Advances in microbiology have benefited understanding of processes involved in cancer, DNA molecule splicing, stem cell generation, tissue regeneration and cellular signaling molecules.

By Brooke Chaplan

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Author Bio - 33rd Square contributor Brooke Chaplan is recent graduate of New Mexico University where she studied journalism. She loves to hike, bike, run and explore around her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She also enjoys blogging about health, fitness, fashion and many other topics.

Medicine  

New technology can provide opportunities to investigate the human biological processes at the cellular level, allowing them to discover innovative methods to prevent and fight infection by bacteria and viruses to create a healthier and longer-lived population.

Science is being used to solve one of the most ancient and persistent of problems, that of bacteria and viruses that cause disease, disability and death. New techniques are allowing researchers to see these life forms in minute detail and manipulate the genetic forces that cause them to proliferate. Here are just a few ways science is helping to conquer the problem of infection by these tiny predators.

Science Helping the Human Body Fight Bacteria

In one line of research, scientists are trying to harness the natural power of the human body to fight disease to create defenses against bacteria. They found that the body responds to the presence of a protein found in the tails, called flagella, of bacteria. Injecting the body artificially with this protein, flagellin, can trigger its natural defenses to fight diseases such as rotavirus, a common intestinal infection in children.

Utilizing the natural defenses of the body may help to reduce the use of antibiotics in the future, which cause the problem of antibiotic resistance. Researchers are aided in this technique by new types of computerized equipment, such as the Hudson compact SOLO-based ELISA workcell station, which can perform a series of reagent tests quickly and easily. These tests form the core of testing used for determining the ability of human tissues to produce antibodies that fight disease.

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Using Viruses to Fight Bacteria

Some scientists are learning to use viruses to fight bacterial infection. Viruses contain genomes called “bacteriophages,” which can be mixed and matched to target specific types of bacteria. When bacteriophages are introduced into the body, they can disrupt microbial communities, providing help for individuals with Crohn’s disease or other conditions caused by the presence of specific bacterial strains.

DNA Gene Sequencing Tracks Virus Mutations

Unlike bacteria, which can reproduce easily, viruses must depend on cell mechanisms to help them copy themselves. Viruses have proteins on their surfaces that function as keys to attach to cell receptors, which allows them access to the internal mechanism of the cell. When the virus copies itself, changes often occur in the genetic material.

These changes are the mutations that allow genes to change constantly. DNA sequencing allows scientists to track these changes in the virus code, so that health professionals can determine the source of virus outbreak and how to stop it. This technology was used in 2013 to stop the spread of a hepatitis-A outbreak that was sourced to food contamination.

New technologies are sure to present even more opportunities to investigate the human biological processes at the cellular level, allowing them to discover innovative methods to prevent and fight infection by bacteria and viruses to create a healthier and longer-lived population.

By Anica Oaks

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Author Bio - A recent college graduate from University of San Francisco, Anica loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she's used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty. You can connect with Anica here.

Genomics  

There are between 20,000 and 25,000 genes in the human genome. With progress in genetic science, and an increasing understanding of these factors, new treatments for people with illnesses and disease are certain to emerge.

The well-respected geneticist Jacob Bronowski once referred to the universe as "the edge of uncertainty", and researchers are starting to discover that our conscious and unconscious actions have an effect on the universe. In short, our lives have a purpose since our thoughts are a projection of information that is held at the edge of the universe.

Before you start to highly of yourself, keep in mind that the field of genetics is also showing us that we're not necessarily at the height of creation. We only know of a handful of genes that are unique to humans. A liberal estimate places the genes that are unique to humans at less than 20. That's out of 20,000 genes that make up each human.

Genetic testing can be performed for a variety of reasons, and the advances in genetics have the potential to change the way physicians diagnose and treat major illnesses. Scientists haven't yet reached the point where they can repair defective genes, but it's certainly possible to determine whether certain genes will be passed on. While genetic testing is still in its earliest stages, there are several promising developments in genetic science.

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Nurture Scores a Point against Nature

The old debate about whether our behavior is inherent in our genes or a result of our environment just got more complicated. Genetic science has provided evidence that it's possible our lifestyle can actually change our genes. Environment, diet, and circumstances can turn certain genes on and off. A traumatic event could very well turn on a switch that makes your body behave in an uncharacteristic way. This kind of research is doing wonders in cancer treatment research as scientists look to turn off dangerous cells through lifestyle and environment changes.

Mutations in Kids with Cancer

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital reported that more than eight percent of children with cancer have genetic mutations that run in their families. This will invariably lead to better methods of treating and detecting cancer early and will work to save lives.

Friends Really Are Like Family

Researchers at University of California San Diego and Yale University have discovered that friends share 0.1 percent more DNA than they do with strangers. To put this in perspective, that's the equivalent of the amount of DNA you might share with your fourth cousin.

Gene Assembly Sub-Pipelines

More genetic advancements are coming into the realm of technology and the modern field of synthetic biology as well. Laboratories like Hudson Robotics have succeeded in automating the process of gene assembly. This means they can create functioning genes and complete genomes. One example is in the creation of viruses. In short, they can take several short DNA sequences and put them together to create the original chromosomes that the DNA originated from.

As genetic science improves, there will be better treatments for people with illnesses and disease. Scientists will be able to detect potential issues early on, and provide treatment before cancer begins to take hold. This should improve life expectancy and even prevent certain diseases.

By Brooke Chaplan

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Author Bio - 33rd Square contributor Brooke Chaplan is recent graduate of New Mexico University where she studied journalism. She loves to hike, bike, run and explore around her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She also enjoys blogging about health, fitness, fashion and many other topics.

Art  

The history books are filled with an incalculable number of pages dedicated to the various movements in art that have emerged as a result of societal and cultural change. Now, in today’s informational age, a new wave of technologically-inspired works are gaining a lot of momentum.

What’s interesting about the art-meets-science mentality is that it transcends genre. It allows creative types of all kinds to experiment with scientific procedures and give form to some of the most unique and engaging ideas of the 21st century.

Related articles Mathematical Genius - The Art of Bathsheba Grossman  David Sinclair Talks About Aging  Natasha Vita-More Talks About the Whole Body Prosthetic

The aim of the experiential artist is to reexamine the world and draw attention to the everyday occurrences that frame the beauty of nature and the urban environment. And though there a hundreds of deserving artists, there are three that embody this pursuit.

1. Tesla-Inspired Lightning Forms

Marc Simon Frei, a self-declared “child of science” turned photographer and lighting designer, stands on the shoulders of Nikola Tesla, who solidified his legacy with the coil he invented in 1891.

Frei’s enigmatic images capture the movement of electricity and kinetic energy as they dance about in hypnotic rhythm. This inherent quality shines through to the forefront and breathes life into the elaborate compositions, bringing the results well within the sphere of art.

In its simplest form, Frei’s work is a blend of engineering with a strong eye for detail. However, he pushes the boundaries by using miniature woolen clouds and stagecraft, which allow him to set the scene for some truly remarkable shots.

Some of the clouds appear to be producing tiny forks of lightning that travel a short distance to nearby conductors while others are lit by LED lights in a fantastical display of color.

2. Fishnet Sculptures and Cyber Designs

Janet Echelman, an acclaimed international sculptor, is well known for creating monumental moving structures that respond to the elements and reshape familiar urban airspace, transforming the landscape.

By combining art with science, Echelman’s most recent work, “As If It Were Already Here” is a perfect example of what her works of art entail. It is currently hanging over Boston’s Rose Kennedy Greenway, where it will remain until late October.

When night falls, the sculptures are set ablaze by a flash of color coming from LED lights and load cells that have been hooked up to individual sensors. The effect is a visual spectacle that mirrors the captivating atmosphere of the world’s most illustrious cities.

3. Three-Dimensional Fabergé Fractals

UK based Tom Beddard, also known as SubBlue, is an artist who makes use of computer modeling software to produce an array of ornate 3D forms that are somewhere in between Russian jeweled eggs and digital geometry.

Beddard’s approach is formulaic and involves a series of iterations that give way to one another, folding the structure in and on itself. The parametric modeling process continues until the design reaches its desired state and can be rendered out.

Unfortunately for many galleries, these fascinating objects must remain intangible until 3D printers advance enough to handle this level of intricacy in a time-efficient manner. At least for now, there’s a rising interest in this kind of art and the architectural applications it represents.

If the arts and sciences were ever at odds in the past, it seems their relationship is on the mend as more and more creatives on both sides of the fence come to meet in the middle.


Top Image by Irwin Scott via Flickr

By Kayla Matthews

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Author Bio - Kayla Matthews is a technology journalist and blogger, as well as editor of ProductivityBytes.com. Follow Kayla on Facebook and Twitter to read all of her latest posts.

 Technology  

Science and technology are inextricably linked and help push each other forward.  Like the earliest use of fire by humans, some of those ways are positive, and others are causes of great debate and discussion.

For many people, the words science and technology have always maintained a strong marriage. The growth of technology influences the abilities or science, and the exploration of science necessitates the growth of more technology. The relationship is intrinsically woven together, especially in the modern age.

Increases in Employment

At the very start of the 21st century, the country faced an economic recession, and some people are still recovering from those difficult times. In fact, some areas would report that they are still in a recession, yet the influence of technology actually helps the field of modern science. Some people say that technology is taking jobs away from people when what me may fact be in the midst of is a longer term economic redistribution. The field needs people who are proficient in technology for science to create, implement and operate these devices.

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More Testing for Disease

Technology also has a very specific application when it comes to the medical field of science. New advances in the field of technology are making it possible for researchers and scientists to come closer to possible cures for diseases. For example, some methods that help researchers search for a cure for cancer did not exist in the past.

Debate in the Scientific Field

When new research comes into fruition, so do new debates. For example, some companies test product on animals, and while technology may make those tests easier, plenty of opposition exists to this grueling practice. Furthermore, technology also helps to make cloning more of a possibility. Plenty of people also oppose this practice, whether it is for religious reasons, moral purposes or other causes. Technology does have it benefits, but it also has consequences, and those are often explored in this debates.

More Rapid Changes

Technology has many goals, and one of those goals is to improve efficiency in whatever field the devices are used. Since technology is so closely related to science, that means changes are coming out a much more rapid pace than in the past. As a result, people are learning new information, but they are also questioning what they had learned in the past. Sometimes, people are incredulous when information that they had held as fact for so long is proven to be fallacious.

Technology affects modern science in manifold ways. Some of those ways are positive, and others are causes of great debate and discussion.


SOURCE  Nelson Laboratories

By Lizzie Weakley

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 Technology  

Science and technology help to shape your mindset in many ways. Here are a few examples of this phenomenon.

There is no denying that we live in a technological age. Science is pushing our understanding to the edge of the intellectual precipice and beyond. Every day, the media reports how new advancements change the way we live and perceive the world around us. It is truly an exciting time in which to live. Science and technology also help to shape people's mindsets on many fronts. The following are a few examples of this phenomenon.

Social Involvement

From Facebook to Snap Chat, people have undergone a fundamental shift in their idea of how social interaction happens. Prior to the advent of the Internet, and smart phone technologies, social activities depended heavily on people meeting face to face. This maxim of social interaction no longer applies in the digitally driven Internet age. Today, people remain socially connected, through the use of modern tech, no matter how far away from people they happen to be. They carry their social networks with them everywhere they go. This is viewed as the new norm of how socialization is done. This has caused some people to adopt the notion of being hooked to a digital leash. It is a situation where changes in people's mindsets project a mixed response.

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Science and Nerds Are Now Cool

It used to be that science and the technology that it gave birth to was for the nerds. The nerds were typically pushed aside as social misfits. Today, now that people cannot live without technology pervasively engaging them at every turn, people's mindsets towards science have changed. Nerds are now cool, because the general public recognizes that these are the people bringing them the newest, latest gadgets. This has not simply had an effect on the mindset of people, it has made a tremendous impact on the role of science and nerds in popular culture as well.

Education Pushing Students to Become More Tech Savvy

In the past, the idea of high tech in the classroom was putting pen to paper and chalk to a chalkboard. Today, smart devices literally allow people to be educated through digitally developed platforms and apps.

Colleges and other learning institutions are adopting these modes of communication and instruction as a norm of the process of student education. Many of the courses students take, like this masters in computer science online, help to make them aware of the technology that is both at their fingertips and coming to them from around the corner. It is really just a matter of time before students will learn from artificially intelligent professors residing in virtual classrooms. Their mindset will be changed, not by other humans, but by computers that will tirelessly engage their many questions until deeper understanding is achieved. From artificially intelligent examples, like Siri and Watson, the foundations of this technology already exists and will tend to improve as science and technology continues to progress in this field of study.

Science and Tech for the Future

Science and technology have become the backbone of modern society. Whenever science gives rise to a new form of technology, the impact of new devices, gadgets and ways of performing daily tasks fundamentally changes the mindset of people by reshaping how their world operates. As people transition into the next phase of the tech boom, embracing the Internet of Everything, this will allow technology to more pervasively infiltrate their lives on a more intimate level. Once again, people's mindsets will be reshaped to fit into this next step of the science and technology driven outcome of the ever advancing digital evolution.

By Meghan Belnap

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