Observed the nature

Riverside City College (RCC) campus map http://rcc.edu/about/parking/Pages/Campus-Map.aspx

I was assigned to observe the nature of about 20 minutes. It was difficult to observe the nature within an urban environment. However, I managed to find a quiet place near the Administration Building and the Quadrangle (Quad.) at Riverside City College (RCC). It was a semi-quiet environment in Riverside. During the 20 minutes period, I managed to observe some wildlife and some artificial noises. I saw and heard some birds singing and flying around the campus (the consumers) such as pigeon, hummingbird, crow, a few woodpecker, and a seagull fly by. I also saw a squirrel climbing down and up the tree to search for food. I have noticed there are a few type of trees planted on campus, which are the producers in an ecosystem such as palm and pine trees, Magnolia, and some flower tree. There are also a few brushes near the Administration and the Quad. I have also noticed there are a few human beings (college students) at time, and there are a lot of road noises from the Magnolia Ave. It is hard to focus when a vehicle with a loud exhaust passes by. Other than that issue, I also heard tree leaves rustling by the strong gust of wind, and there is some train sound their horn echoing from a distance. Overall, RCC located at a quiet neighborhood, and I observed most wildlife in this area lives in a community ecology. I was surprised that almost all animal I observed can adopt to this unique ecosystem. I make me think an ecosystem will be keep evolving which is a strong adaptation in this harsh environment.

Environment Science in the News – Information Literacy

News Article - Rainforest in Transition: Is the Amazon Transforming before Our Eyes?

This news article was written by David Biello, who is one of the authors publish scientist articles on Scientific American.  The news article was about deforestation due to agricultural activities at the Amazon Basin that may have a link of climate change in that region.  Biello showed us that deforestation at the Amazon Basin might cause reduce rainfall in the region and increases release of Carbon Dioxide into the atmosphere.

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/amazon-rainforest-tranformation/

About Scientific Americian

This news article is a somewhat reliable information source because it has a lot of current fact in the Amazon Basin Region, but it had missed some scientific data to support the fact.  The website is run by Scientific American, and they make the information seems reliable.  Scientific American’s mission is to “provide the leading source and authority for science, technology information, and policy for a general audience” (from Scientific American website).  This information is listed on its website. 

http://www.scientificamerican.com/pressroom/about-scientific-american/

The news article claimed that deforestation which caused by human impacts on the region’s weather.  Biello did not provide enough climate data support his claim, but he stated human impacts caused deforestation that I agreed.  For this reason, it is hard to tell did the author used any logical fallacies.  I believe he did not use any logical fallacies.

I was interested about this article because it talks about climate change.  However, the article also confused me because Biello only focus on the cause of the climate changed in the Amazon Basin, and lack of the long-term regional climate data to support his claim.  I hoped that Biello had provided more climatically data to support his claim.

Chemical Hazards and Human Health

Triclosan:

What is Triclosan?  Triclosan is an antibiotic ingredient in many consumer products help to reduce or prevent bacteria growth, which is commonly found in soap and cleaning product.  Triclosan was used in hospital in the 1960s to stop bacterial growth after surgery, and became possible in the late 70s.  The potential risks associated with Triclosan, according to Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research are might have possible lower/harm your immune system, might alters hormone regulation, might contribute bacteria to mutate into stronger antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and can be absorb through skin contact.  Triclosan is somewhat scary that this on-counter drug (Triclosan) is not regulated by the Food and Drug Association (FDA) yet.  However, FDA is planning to regulate this drug very recently and no timetable when they will enforce the regulation.  I think because of the multimillion-dollar industry against the regulation.  The safer alternative that buying product without Triclosan like regular soap and biodegradable product.  The alternative product without Triclosan still works such as regular hand soap, which you wash your rub your hand 20-30 seconds it is also very effective in removing bacteria.  In addition, consumer should read carefully what is on the product label and use with caution.

Food and Drug Association 

www.FDA.gov/forconsumers/consumerupdates/ucm205999.htm

Why Antibacterial Soap Is Dangerous (from DNews a YouTube channel produced by Discovery Channel):

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXt0I48LveE&index=146&list=PL2iIWbW6EEA4bqy6RxPJCt5IhnKLBEmlX

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research:  

http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/adult-health/expert-answers/triclosan/faq-20057861

Bisphenol A (BPA):

What is Bisphenol A (known as BPA?)  BPA is a chemical that has been used for a long time since manufacture plastic food containers such as baby bottles and reusable water bottles.  You can usually find this chemical with plastic type 7, but it is rarely used in other type of plastic.  BPA is used to produce type 7 plastic product.  The potential risks associated with BPA, U.S. Department of Human and Health Services are early puberty, affect the immune system, and possible of risk of cancer.  One of the alternative solution is to avoid product with BPA.  Even though, products without BPA are safer to use, but still use with caution because it is still a plastic product.  However, it will still release a small amount of toxic chemical when used in freeze and hot water.  To minimize the toxic chemical from all plastic product, please DO NOT freeze it and leave in a hot environment like in your car.  Another alternative solution is to use glass product, which does not have the toxic chemical that plastic has it is a safer alternative than a plastic product.  Also, Consumer should read carefully what is on the product label and use with caution.

U.S. Department of Human and Health Services: 

 http://www.hhs.gov/safety/bpa/index.html