When Disaster Strikes

I remember sitting in my Geology 105 Natural Disasters course freshmen year. I ended up with a D+ in this class. Somewhere between plate shifts and fault movements I took a wrong turn and never fully understood the complexity of our earth’s movements. However, one thing I did remember was that a natural disaster is defined as “any event or force of nature that has catastrophic consequences”. With the growth and technology of this world, we should be able control these disasters. ”This is not a Drill” argues that the human race is capable of preventing natural disasters while Cortney Streets “Responder Funding” article claims that equipment lists will somehow protect us.
Nature’s “This is not a Drill” argued that we have overconfidence in our natural disaster prevention system. The author claimed that, regrettably, natural and man-made disasters will always occur, however we are not doing a sufficient enough job looking into ways to prevent them and rebound from them. The first claim refers to the BP oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico where 4 million barrels of oil spilled into the ocean. According to the article, petroleum industries are moving their rigs to deep water locations. These companies are not researching or investing enough money and time into creating methods to avoid or prevent disaster from occurring in these parts of the world. Simple things such as compiling more research could prevent such catastrophic and damaging events. Another claim that was discussed was the lack of deterrence from Japan. Japan is familiar with earthquakes; seismic charts and records prove that they are prevalent. Unfortunately, because Sendai (the largest city in the Tohoku region where the earthquake hit) had shown no recent activity on these charts, they did not stress improving their hazard prevention methods for these scenarios. References of how the Fukushima Daiichi, a nuclear power plant located in Japan effected by the earthquake, could have created a plan in case their back up generators failed. This article argues that our carelessness is an issue that needs to be fixed.
In contrary, in an article about Responder Funding from Domestic Preparedness, the author claims that there have been huge improvements towards our countries Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). To improve awareness of natural disasters and acts of terrorism, the FEMA have released 16 new grants throughout our country. This means that they are providing funding for state and local emergency response systems. To prove that they are funding and providing methods of prevention they show their extensive Authorized Equipment List (AEL) and the 21 different categories that is included within it. This list includes authorized equipment such as Terrorism Incident Prevention, Cyber security Enhancement equipment, and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive Operational Search and Rescue Enhancement Equipment. This article mentions the many ways in which Federal Emergency Management Agency has taken initiative into prevention from disaster striking in our country. Unfortunately, simply compiling a list isn’t going to solve the problem. Actions need to be taken in order to improve our security.
After finding my roots with my traumatizing Geology 105 class, I remembered how completely devastating a natural disaster could be. After reading two different sides regarding our countries preparedness, I found that the Nature article was not only more convincing, but had stronger claims and reasons. Although different government agencies have taken many steps into preventing disaster throughout our country, there are moments of carelessness that cause catastrophic damage. After learning about all of the deaths and damages caused from my Geology course, it became clear that we must adapt to these events and try and learn from them. In “This is not a Drill” there are concrete examples of how we did a poor job in the manufacturing and investigating of different projects, which in turn became flawed and caused extraordinary crisis. Inevitably, disasters are going to arise, therefore we must use the equipment and resources we have to improve on our prevention and response plans, because in the end talk is cheap when thousands of lives are at risk.


http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v472/n7342/full/472135b.html

http://www.domesticpreparedness.com/commentary/viewpoint/Responder_Funding%3A_FEMA_%26_Other_Federal_Preparedness_Grants/

On the Possible Effects of Genetically Modified Organisms

The latest movements in the scientific Field of agriculture have been to genetically modify the DNA of plant organisms. This involves deleting bad genes and or adding genes to make the organism act in a certain way. An example of this would be deleting genes in corn that tell the organism to stop producing a hormone which encourages growth. The result of this would be a type of corn that is far bigger than the average stalk of corn. Naturally, agricultural companies are interested in this phenomenon as they see it as a way to make their product better than normal. What could be wrong with genetically modifying plants? After all it seems like the golden path down man-kinds road to furthering our species. Unfortunately, there comes controversy among genetically modifying plants in certain cases. It seems that although the idea of genetically modifying plants can be seen as advantageous, we should not mass produce them if there is evidence that it will harm the environment. In this post, I will present a lawn-care company that has manufactured their own product of genetically modified grass, and then present the ideas of an environmental group that opposes genetically modified plants in principle.

In a recent article titled “Growing Pains” published in the magazine Nature the author tells about a lawn-care company based in Ohio, in which the researchers have genetically engineered Kentucky Blue grass to have a natural herbicide secreting from it’s roots. The reason they sought this product was because there is a high demand for Kentucky Blue grass across the country yet it is hard to maintain because it is so short that weeds will grow very easily. In order for the company to grow enough of this grass to sell across the country, it would require large amounts of herbicide that does not pass inspection by the USDA which is a department that makes sure companies are not using harmful amounts of herbicides or pesticides in their products. The company then responded by discovering a way to genetically modify this Kentucky blue grass to secrete a natural herbicide that exists in certain plants from its roots into the soil. In the perspective of the lawn care company, this was a genius idea. Now the USDA could not prohibit the production of their Kentucky blue grass as they were not using any herbicide other than what was naturally formed. Therefore, the USDA had no choice but to let the lawn-care company start selling it’s crop with no oversight. Although this idea can be seen as clever and almost genius, there is a strong opposition to the use of genetically modified plants across the country.

In another article posted by the CIIR Environmental Action group, they explain a variety of reasons that these genetically modified crops such as the Kentucky blue grass should not be used. One argument that is made by advocates (such as the Lawn care company mentioned above), is that these genetically modified crops are good for the environment since they will reduce the amount of pesticides and herbicides that need to be used in crop production. However, in the article published by the CIIR Environmental Action group, they state “the claim that GM crops require fewer herbicides and pesticides has been proved wrong. They require fewer chemicals than conventional crops in the short term but gradually they need significantly more.” On top of this, it is also stated that genitcally modified plants threaten plant diversity. This is because once they are planted, they take over and contaminate the native crops morphing all the species into one. And lastly, another reason that these plants such as the engineered Kentucky blue grass is bad is because, as stated by the CIIR, “the introduction of GM crops in countries will endanger small farmers’ livelihoods, undermine poor people’s ability to feed themselves, and increase the pressures on already damaged and vulnerable environments.”


So in theory, genetically modified plants seems as if it would produce very sustainable products and be nothing but beneficial to the human species. The lawn care company in Ohio seems to think so, as they flaunt their genetically modified grass that couldn’t naturally grow anywhere, until now. But in that companies perspective, I think it is very likely that they are only focused on the success of their company and the profits they could be making. Although the USDA has cleared them for the production of their product, I think it could be beneficial for them to consider the possible harmful effects that they could be inflicting as stated by the article published by the CIIR. Because if the harmful effects that were stated are to be true, then I believe that the idea of the genetically modified Kentucky blue grass isn’t as genius as it seems and should not be mass produced in order to avoid possible negative effects.

The Debate On Medical Marijuana

                                                 

In recent years the number of medical marijuana dispensaries present throughout the country has exploded. This rapid growth has seemed to sharpen the divide between supporters of medical marijuana and those strongly against the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. In an opinion piece from the academic journal Nature entitled “Gathering the Evidence on Medical Marijuana”, the author argues that because marijuana provides relief too many sufferers of chronic conditions, marijuana should be investigated by pharmacological methods in order to determine efficacy. In contrast, Charles Lane of the Washington Post argues in his opinion piece entitled “Medical Marijuana is an Insult to our Intelligence”, that medical marijuana is nothing else but an excuse for recreational users to obtain marijuana legally. Within these two articles we are shown the reasoning behind supporters and opponents of medical marijuana, giving us a greater understanding of the two opposing sides within this controversial topic.

In “Gathering the Evidence on Medical Marijuana” the author’s initial argument focuses on the relief that marijuana provides to many sufferers of chronic illnesses. The author states that many cancer and AIDS patients claim marijuana helps them control their nausea and vomiting, relieves pain that is resistant to morphine, increases appetite and elevates their mood. According to the article, Multiple Sclerosis patients have even found relief to muscle spasms through treatments involving marijuana. The author claims that the federal government’s classification of marijuana as a schedule one narcotic has hindered research that could potentially solidify these attributes as medical fact. The author concludes by saying that marijuana should be investigated by pharmacological methods, as it may be a genuinely unique drug for several chronic conditions, including spastic cramps and neurogenic pain.

Charles Lane expresses his contrasting opinions in the Washington Post. Although Lane believes that those patients suffering from AIDS and cancer, who find some relief in marijuana, should continue their treatment; he strongly disagrees with anyone who claims that marijuana has any therapeutic qualities. Lane argues that any legitimate drug undergoes testing by the Food and Drug Administration, in order to determine safety and efficacy. He connects this point to the fact that the marijuana for sale in dispensaries is not subject to any of the purity controls that other pharmacological drugs must meet. Lane is also astounded at the ease at which individuals are able to buy marijuana from dispensaries; all one needs is a written or oral recommendation from a physician. Lane’s anger over this topic seems to be centered around those individuals who use marijuana as a supplement to conventional treatments for treating non-life-threatening conditions.

Personally I tend to agree with the author of “Gathering the Evidence on Medical Marijuana”. In today’s medical world there are several drugs in use that are refined from plants, including morphine and codeine. If marijuana is determined to have some medical significance, through pharmacological testing, than smoking the natural substance will also be replaced with some refined product.

http://www.nature.com.libproxy.lib.unc.edu/nature/journal/v410/n6829/full/410613a0.html
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/postpartisan/2009/10/medical_marijuana_is_an_insult.html

About Our Blog:

Our blog seeks to give readers a glimpse at the varying views and perspectives of current UNC students involved in differing aspects of campus life. By discussing several academic disciplines, including the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities, we hope that our readers will gain some insight about who we are and how our unique experiences here at Carolina have shaped our individual outlooks.

Our authors are Shyamal Swami, a sophomore business major, involved in Student Government and the professional fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi. Elizabeth Bruchenal, a sophomore and forward for the UNC women’s soccer team. Ryan Brady, a sophomore psychology major, former member of the UNC track and field team and arts enthusiast. Matt Curulla, a sophomore transfer student interested in studying business. And lastly, Joey Griffin, a sophomore, club athlete, and born and bred Tar Heel fan.

Our blog, although discussing several academic topics in depth, will not be written in the style of an academic journal but rather in a form that will be easily read by any aspiring or current college student.

Joey Griffin

Born and raised in rural North Carolina, I have been a Tarheel fan all my life, so it was no hard decision when I decided to pick a College. After learning a few hard lessons as a first year college student, the purpose of my blog will be to help first year college students learn from my mistakes. I am involved in a number of things in campus, none of them spectacular, but enough for me to call myself the “Average Joe” Tarheel.

Matt Curulla

Born in Antioch, California, I lived there for 11 years before my family moved to Charlotte, North Carolina. I graduated high school in 2009 and went to Appalachian State University shortly thereafter. I got involved with a variety of different extracurricular clubs ranging from student government to joining a fraternity. After two years at App, I decided it was time for a change, and as a business major there was no better place to go than Chapel Hill. Being a business guy, I have never written on a blog before, so this will be my first time, but I am looking forward to it this semester.

Elizabeth Burchenal

Grew up in the one and only Cincinnati Ohio. Unlike its mediocre reputation, I grew up in an outgoing crazy family with three brothers. Those three boys molded me into a stronger and braver person. Competition was something that was constant, which is the reason I am a member of the University of North Carolina’s Women’s Soccer team. In my sophomore year here, I still have an undecided major. I love sports and the outdoors. I am willing to attempt almost any challenge you present to me, which often times gets me into trouble. Everyone who knows me knows that my dog Buckland is my partner in crime. In regrettable news, he is in Cincinnati due to the seven girls I live with. For the long 19 rewarding years of my life I have been blessed with beautiful people and amazing opportunities.