X-rays

Andrew Longe 5/1/11

Biology Mrs. D’arco

X rays

Intro

In 1895 a German scientist accidently made a mistake during a experiment he was conducting. He was conducting experiments with cathode ray tubes and testing their characteristics. Little did he know this mistake would end up changing the world.

Invention

While conducting experiments in 1895 with cathode-ray tubes Wilhelm Roentgen discovered that they emitted invisible rays that could penetrate paper and wood. He also saw that the tube caused a screen covered with florescent material across the room started to glow. He used this invention to examine the bones in the human hand and invented the first x-ray machine although the modern x-ray machine we know today was not invented for another several years.

Fun use

The full potential of the x-ray was not discovered at first. Often x-rays were advertised as the new scientific wonder of the world and were seized upon by entertainers. At the circus members of the audience were given the chance to view their own Skelton. They also took pictures of peoples hand and put fake jewelry on the bones. Although many people were fascinated with the invention of the x-ray a few people believed that the could look through walls and would ruin the concept of privacy.

Medical use

The most important use of the x-ray was in the medical field. People soon learned after this invention in 1895 that doctors could now see your broken bone with out having to open up the limb or amputate the limb. Within weeks of its arrival to America the invention of the x-ray was used to diagnose bone fractures.

X-Rays

Many people do not understand what a x-ray actually is. X-rays are waves of electromagnetic energy. It behaves much like a rays of light but the wavelengths are much shorter. These wavelengths when focused at a single target can often pass right through a low-density object. Higher density targets like the human body will reflect or absorb the X-ray. Then x-ray then shows dark area where the rays pass right through the object and light areas where the rays did not make it through.

Modern X-Rays

The modern x-rays machine we know today are classified as two types, hard x-rays or soft X-rays. The soft x-rays are the rays we use to photograph bones while the hard x-rays are used to destroy the molecules within specific cells and to destroy the tissue. These hard x-rays are used in radiotherapy as a treatment for cancer. These hard x-ray machines are a form of particle accelerators.

Conclusion

In conclusion with out the invention of the x-ray modern medicine would not be what it is today. From seeing into the limbs of patients with broken bones to destroying cancerous tissue the world would not be the same with out this invention.

Microphones by Dalymar Legrand

I. Introduction

This journal explains and teaches the fundamental characteristics of microphones from response to directionality. Also the range, measure, size, ect. The response of the microphone should be flat. It should have a 2 dB vibration the range between the fundamental frequency of voice and the component of interest. The noise level in the microphone is recommended to 15 dB lower than the level of phonations. The limit of the dynamic range of the microphone should be higher than the level of phonations. These recommendations should give you the basis for accuracy and repeatability of studies on voice and speech production in the future.

II. Development

The development of the microphones has been an interesting and complex historical process. The term microphone was accepted in 1827 by a man name Charles Wheatstone. The first microphone was first use as a telephone transmitter back in the 1876 and Emile Berliner is given credit for it. She sold the first microphone to the Bell Company for 50,000. The invention was a great step foe the communication channels and for the telephony. It was a major success and a breakthrough in the communication field. David Edward took all that was done by Emile and invented a carbon microphone in 1878. For more than 30 years this new invention was developed with a good sound quality and smaller sizes. Radio broadcasting microphones were developed parallel with the radio technology one. In 1942 the ribbon microphone was mainly use in radio broadcasting. The electrets microphone was the next major invention, created by the Bell Laboratories.

III. Bibliography

Besides transmitting sound to distance, Charles Wheatstone gave his new instrument of feeble sounds the name of microphone. It was made of two slender rods, which gave out the vibrations to both ears, and it was quite different from the electrical microphone. Wheatstone was born near Gloucester. His father was a music seller in town. At an early age he started translating French poetry and writing songs. He married on February 12, 1847, at Marylebone. His wife died in 1866, leaving five children to his care. He was knighted in 1868, after achieving his goal, to great an automatic telegraph. While a visit to Paris, he got a cold and later his lungs were inflamed, which got him to an end on October 19, 1875.

(Figure 1) Picture of Charles Wheatstone

IV. Impact on Humans

By the end of the 19^th century, microphones were used by radio, film industry, and sound recording companies. It continued been popular after its introduction in 1930. After been tested, microphones proved to be much powerful and industry had to convert to electrical technology in order to compete with one another. It’s able to render the human voices and the instruments sounds. By 1920, the impact of microphone in the music worlds was both subtle and profound. It became so important to the degree of becoming naturalized and its effects rendered invisible.

V. Article

Microphones are devices that convert mechanical energy to electrical waves. This device is part of our everyday life. They are often used in telephones, radio and television. Communication systems use carbon, ceramic or dynamic microphones because of the low cost and their versatility. The first telephone transmitter by Alexander Graham was invented in 1876. It was a liquid device and not very practical. In 1886, Thomas Edison invented the first carbon microphone which was use in radio and telephone transmitters until 1970s when it got replace by piezoelectric ceramic. Microphones are made of different raw materials. Permanent magnets are made of neodymium iron boron compound. The voice coil and cable are made from copper wire. And the case is usually made from aluminum sheet and plastic.

VI. References

Guidelines for Selecting Microphones for Human Voice Production Research -- Svec and Granqvist 19 (4): 356 -- American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology. (n.d.). American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology. Retrieved April 1, 2011, from http://ajslp.asha.org/cgi/content/abstract/19/4/356

Charles Wheatstone - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (n.d.). Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved April 1, 2011, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Wheatstone

How microphone is made - material, history, used, parts, industry, machine, History, Raw Materials, Design, The Manufacturing Process of microphone, Quality Control, By products/Waste. (n.d.). How Products Are Made. Retrieved April 1, 2011, from http://www.madehow.com/Volume-7/Microphone.html#ixzz1EdqEL4p2

Invention of the microphone.. (n.d.). Wireless microphone, computer microphones, headset, condenser & other mics. Retrieved April 1, 2011, from http://www.the-microphone-guide.com/invention-of-the-microphone.html

Shepherd, J. (n.d.). Continuum encyclopedia of popular ... - Google Books. Google Books. Retrieved April 1, 2011, from http://books.google.com/books?id=pJvzEzjahkQC&pg=PA246&lpg

The Discovery of Prozac By Austen Werab

I. Introduction
Prozac, or fluoxetine, is a medication used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, some eating disorders, and also treats panic attacks. Prozac increases the amount of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain that maintains mental balance, thus helping mainly with neurological disorders like OCD or depression. The accidental discovery of Prozac was all thanks to the Eli Lilly Company in 1970. Prozac is still used to this day.
II. Discovery
The work that eventually led to the discovery of Prozac started in the Elli and Lilly Company in 1970. It all started as a collaboration between two scientists, Bryan Molloy and Robert Rathbun. They only knew then that this drug, referred to as a antihistamine diphenhydramine, showed only a few antidepressant-like properties as a medication. They started with a compound similar to diphenhydramine, which is a compound used to treat asthma, and Molloy created many derivatives. Another scientist, David Wong, proposed to test these derivatives to try and find a reuptake of serotonin. But, a scientist named Jong-Sir Horng, was the scientist that went through with these tests in May of 1972. Jong found that the compound, that he later called fluoxetine, was the higher compound with a serotonin reuptake. A year later (1975), it was official called fluoxetine and then the Elli and Lilly Company gave it the official brand name of Prozac in the same year. Then in 1977, the Elli and Lilly Company introduced this drug to the FDA and it wasn't approved until 1987 when it was then put on the market.
III. Biography of discoverer
A.) The Elli and Lilly Company (Eli Lilly)
Around 1885, a pharmacist by the name of Eli Lilly wanted to create a wholesale medical company in a department store near him named Billfold and Lilly. His wife's death from malaria influenced his decision on creating this wholesale medical company. Eli's goal was to be known for high quality prescription drugs, unlike the patent pills of the other medical companies. He did exactly this and he began to become known as the place to go to for prescription drugs. As his company began to expand throughout the city of Indianapolis, he began to hire members of his family to help with the book keeping and selling, etc. As business became stronger, Eli began to expand and buy department stores all around indianapolis (where he established the headquarters). When Eli Lilly died in 1898, his son Josiah K. Lilly, Sr. inherited the company. Josiah continued in his fathers view of high quality prescriptions, and business became strong, especially after the 1906 earthquake in San Francisco. He also hired many antibiotic research scientists to research for new antibiotics, which led them to the discovery of Prozac. As the company expanded across the globe, so did the variety of antibiotics. Eli and Lilly company is still a strong company to this day, functioning from the headquarters that Eli Lilly established in Indianapolis.


IV. Impact on world/humanity
Prozac is an antidepressant drug used worldwide. It is mainly used to treat major depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, bulimia nervosa, panic disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, cataplexy, obesity, and alcohol dependence. The impact this drug has on the world is quite a big one. Because of this drug being so popular as an antidepressant, not only did it treat disorders, it was used in culture. For example, it has been a play on broadway, called Prozak and the Platypus. And it has also been mentioned in many different songs and there have been many novels written about it, such as "Listening to Prozac" by Peter D. Kramer.
V. Journal article review
This article is an article that I found interesting. This article is about how many people believe that Eli Lilly lied to the people of the united states because he had "cherry picked" the people he had used for his drug trials to show only what he wanted to happen with the drug. Link is in the reference section.
VI. References
1. Jesilow, Pepinisky, H.E. (1992). Myths that cause crime (3rd ed.) Santa Ana, CA: Seven Locks Press, Retrieved April 29, 2011, from Questia database: http://www.questiaschool.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=864298
2. Prakash, A. (2000) Greening the Firm: The Politics of Corporate Enviromentalism. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press. Retrieved April 29, 2011, from Questia database: http://www.questiaschool.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=105028581
3. Article: http://www.naturalnews.com/Prozac.html

YOUTUBE VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ng4WJ4ZDN4

Anesthesia

Introduction:

Anesthesia is the treatment of pain during a medical procedure. A dentist, Dr. Horace Wells, discovered anesthesia and it flourished into all of the branches of the medical field (“Dr. horace wells (1815-1848),” ). There are four main types that include conscious and unconscious pain relief of either a part or region of the body or the entire body (“Anesthesia,” 2011). It is still growing today and anesthesiologists are finding new anesthetics to use in the future for specific complications or health issues the patient may have.

Discovery:

Horace Wells, a dentist of deep religious convictions, discovered anesthesia. He would become extremely bothered by the excruciating pain he caused his patients by performing a necessary surgery. Horace Wells would become traumatized and even considered ending his career in dentistry all together. On December 10th, 1844, Horace Wells and his wife went to a stage-show laid on by “Professor” Gardner Quincy Colton. A friend of theirs, store-clerk Sam Cooley, hurt his leg without flinching once from the normal pain, Horace Wells recognized that nitrous oxide might be the necessary component to surgical medicine, as wells as popular entertainment (“Dr. horace wells (1815-1848),” ).

Types of Anesthesia:

There are four main types of anesthesia that a patient may be given before surgery:
• Local: numbs a small area of the body-remain awake and aware
• Conscious or intravenous (IV) sedation: uses a mild sedative to relax the body and pain medicine to relieve pain-remain awake but may not remember the surgery afterwards
• Regional anesthesia: blocks pain in an area of the body (i.e.- arm/leg)
o Epidural anesthesia- sometimes used during childbirth
• General anesthesia: affects your entire body-enter into a deep sleep and don’t feel or remember anything
The type and amount of anesthesia depends certain factors, such as your age, your current health (taking into account your current issues or complications), and the type of procedure you are having (“Anesthesia,” 2011).

Anesthesiologist:

An anesthesiologist is a doctor that focuses on pain relief for the patient. Some of the responsibilities that an anesthesiologist has include examining the patient to determine the type of anesthetic needed, communicating all relevant information to the appropriate medical practitioners, administering local, intravenous, or spinal anesthetic to the patient, recording the type and amount of anesthesia administered, maintaining the patient’s vital life functions (i.e. heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and breathing) through continual monitoring and assessment during surgery, and conferring with other physicians and surgeons to determine the condition of a patient before, during, and after sedation. People interested in this profession must be dedicated to a lifetime of continuing education in order to stay current with the constantly evolving nature of anesthesiology and pain management. To be successful in anesthesiology, individuals must excel academically, be incredibly detailed-oriented, calm in stressful situations, and warm and caring in order to ease patient’s anxiety (“Anesthesiologist,” 2004).

Nitrous Oxide:

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is used in the medical field as an anesthetic during surgery. It is an oxide of nitrogen. It is often called “laughing gas” or “sweet air” because of the euphoric reaction it causes your body to have when inhaling it. Nitrous oxide is a colorless non-flammable gas at room temperature with a “slightly sweet odor and taste.” When N2O reacts with oxygen atoms, it gives off NO, which reacts with our ozone. As a result, it is the main naturally occurring regulator of stratospheric ozone and it is a major greenhouse gas and air pollutant. Over 100 years, it has 298 times more impact per unit weight than carbon dioxide (“Nitrous oxide,” 2011).

List of References

• Anesthesia. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/anesthesia.html

• Anesthesiologist. (2004). Retrieved from http://www.mshealthcareers.com/careers/anesthesiologist.htm

• Dr. horace wells(1815-1848). (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.general-anaesthesia.com/images/horace-wells.html

• Nitrous oxide. (2011). Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitrous_oxide

The Crane- How Big Would Our Buildings Have Been

By: Spencer Bello




I. Intro

During many times in history there have been discoveries that have changed human civilizations on a large scale level; but perhaps one of the most miraculous discoveries was the discovery of the crane (machine). Being used in Ancient Greece all the way up to modern day United States the crane has been helpful in the building of large buildings and etc. The first sign of cranes were invented by the Ancient Greeks in the late 6th century, and were used in the construction of tall buildings. Since this first invention improvements have been made to make the cranes mobile such as on trucks or boats. This had been a great help on all civilizations. (Crane(machine)

One of the more used cranes now a day is the claw machine in places such as arcades. Either you are trying to grab candy or stuffed animal toys the claw machine is possibly one of the most profitable arcade pieces for sale ever. With the “crane’s” joystick you are able to control the crane to go almost anywhere in the machine. Like cranes used to pick up blocks for building large buildings these cranes are used to pick up toys for a child’s enjoyment. (ClawMachinedirect.com)




II. Discovery

The early version of the crane used hoist that were powered by either a man or an animal such as a donkey. The crane was found to help move stones that men were not able to move before. As larger cranes were introduced into world, human tread wheels were also introduced. The tread wheels allowed the cranes to pick up heavier objects than ever before. Cranes were moved to loading bridges to help load and unload ships during the high middle ages. The earlier cranes were made out of wood but were taken over by cast iron and steel during the industrial revolution. Over time steam engines were found to help improve the potential for lifting heavier objects than the physical labor of both the men and animals. The modern day crane has been improved to use internal combustion engines and electric motors to increase the lifting load of the crane. (Crane(machine)


III. Biography

Archeologists have not been able to place the origin of the crane on a single, one person; but instead insist that the Ancient Greeks were the first to show signs of the first crane. There is very little information on how the idea started, but archeologists know that the first sign of the crane was c. 515 when there are large stone blocks found in Ancient Greek temples. It is also made known that the pulley on the crane replaced past ramps used to carry blocks before. The reasons of the dramatic change of the ramp system to the crane system is not fully known but is believed that the political conditions in Greece was better for smaller, more skillful building teams than larger, uneducated labor forces. (Crane(machine)


IV. Effects on Humanity/ Journal Article

The Journal Article talks about how modern building companies will use a tower crane that is attached to the building they are building. This helps when building large sky scrapers because it modifies the aerodynamics of the building while it is being built. Since the building is more aerodynamic it is able to withstand stronger winds without being knocked down. (Mara, 2010)




V. Resources

"Claw Crane Machines For Sale." Claw Crane Machines For Sale. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 May 2011. .

"Crane (machine)." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 May 2011. .

Mara, T. G.. "Effects of a Construction Tower Crane on the Wind Loading of a High-Rise Building ." Journal of Structural Engineering 136.11 (2010): 1. Print.



VI. Pics

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://technabob.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/sweet_machine.jpg&imgrefurl=http://technabob.com/blog/2007/07/28/mini-claw-machine-is-grabilicious/&usg=__fwtbsQJggJa36zBsvD_-8wk-qAk=&h=500&w=398&sz=33&hl=en&start=0&sig2=JBTr01mqWcvOuGTqb1tfAQ&zoom=1&tbnid=K6APp5xU8BxJTM:&tbnh=156&tbnw=125&ei=SQO-TfCfOoX30gHluOSmBg&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dclaw%2Bmachine%26hl%3Den%26biw%3D1676%26bih%3D865%26gbv%3D2%26tbm%3Disch&itbs=1&iact=rc&dur=129&page=1&ndsp=37&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:0&tx=124&ty=63


http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.construction-machine.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/Tower-crane-in-the-air.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.construction-machine.org/category/crane-truck/&usg=__cerUDJZLxyembwXk1Q9wFrOVIcs=&h=1118&w=800&sz=138&hl=en&start=0&sig2=R2uiuEXS1XvlKUM0qdMkjQ&zoom=1&tbnid=JUMLCLJBRKXZrM:&tbnh=169&tbnw=139&ei=gwO-TdbdI8OU0QHYoK22Bg&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dtower%2Bcrane%26hl%3Den%26biw%3D1676%26bih%3D865%26gbv%3D2%26tbm%3Disch&itbs=1&iact=rc&dur=127&page=1&ndsp=33&ved=1t:429,r:11,s:0&tx=87&ty=43

Suspended Animation: Life after Death

(Pic #1: Title for Cryonics with a person frozen in ice)

I. Introduction

What if we were able to stop the vital organs in our body and then start them up again later on? This process is called suspended animation. This seemingly science fiction idea may actualy have some truth to it, or at least that is what the scientists at Alcor and many other Cryonic research facilities believe. By using cryogenic procedures plus upgraded science equipment they have been able to preserve people, frozen in tubes for preservation. If they do in fact achieve this, and bring people back to life then couldn't we question, what is death?

II. History/Inventor

(Pic #2: Pictured above is James Bedford)

The first case in which someone was cryonically preserved was back in 1967. This first subject was Dr. James Bedford(Pic #2). Although all he preserved was his head. Though this may have been the first case in which the whole procedure was preformed, it is in no way the first time the theory has been brought up. The idea of this process has been going around for awhile but no one has gone out and tried to make it a reality until ACS and Alcor, to name a few, were created.

III. How it works

(Pic # 3: One of many Cryonic tubes)

When a person, who has signed up/paid for his or her body to be cryonically stored dies, a group of scientists will be there as soon as possible to prepare the body. So far there have been 100 people go through the procedure of cryonic preservation and put into tubes (Pic #3). The video below will show the procedure in detail:

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bb07pKsCOjI&feature=related

The only problem to this is cost. You either have the choice to preserve your brain/head or your whole body. The brain/head is considerably less compared to that of the whole body. Going by ACS() costs there are three options: Option 1= $155,000, Option 2= $53,000, Option 3= $33,000. The highest priced option uses the most advanced form of preservation then the other 2 options. Another reason as to why it is so expensive is because they have to maintain the tube also with liquid nitrogen so you don't thaw out.

IV. Effect on Humanity

(Pic #4: Pictured above is a Cryo tube from the videogame Halo: CE)

As many scientists are saying, cryonic sleep isn't that far away from our grasp. If scientists working for cryonic organizations do in fact figure out a way to freeze a person then bring them back from being frozen, there could be many uses for it in the future. Some of these could be: freezing someone until a cure for the disease they died with is created and space travel. If someone were to die of cancer, for instance, if they were to be frozen and brought back later on when we had a cure, it could save their life and many others. Though this depends on whether or not the person was not damaged in the cryogenic procedure. As seen in many video games/ movies, cryonic sleep(Pic #4) has been used to make long space voyages shorter.

V. Journal Article

This journal article talks about how suspended animation could be used for saving lives and how it would help with surgery. He/she says they could use suspended animation to do research on other diseases in an attempt to find the cure for them. It also talks about how cryonic procedures have been used and what had been learned from the results of those tests.

Source: http://journals.lww.com/ccmjournal/Abstract/1996/02001/Suspended_animation_for_delayed_resuscitation.4.aspx
VI. References

Pics:

1. http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.perfectmemorials.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/cryonic_tank.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.perfectmemorials.com/blog/cryonics-how-about-a-raincheck/&usg=__SV9TBcC5ivcZEN574_rNzetaM8c=&h=300&w=300&sz=18&hl=en&start=0&sig2=_H7WgXMLhRMEa5Qqd2pBSg&zoom=1&tbnid=UIbn29coD3BuBM:&tbnh=142&tbnw=146&ei=q5O9TfWCKIbVgQf9qtijBw&prev=/search%3Ftalks about how suspended animation could be used for saving lives and how it would help with surgery. He/she says they could use supended animation to research other diseases in a hope to cure them. It also talks about how cryogenic procedures have been used and what had been learned from the results.

q%3Dcryonics%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DX%26rlz%3D1R2ADSA_enUS404%26biw%3D1259%26bih%3D711%26tbm%3Disch%26prmd%3Divnslb0%2C202&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=676&vpy=298&dur=1607&hovh=225&hovw=225&tx=124&ty=106&page=1&ndsp=28&ved=1t:429,r:24,s:0&biw=1259&bih=711
2. http://halo.wikia.com/wiki/File:Cryo_pod_01.png

3. http://www.alcor.org/Library/html/BedfordSuspension.html

4. http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.pharmainfo.net/files/u4934/cryonics-top.png&imgrefurl=http://www.pharmainfo.net/vbsishwarya/cryonics-science-immortal-life&usg=__Fms2qvmUFgo96QhhpeVDKPVJ8wU=&h=247&w=400&sz=143&hl=en&start=53&sig2=icdRv_lyh-9oHjdbGvuf8Q&zoom=1&tbnid=a8EZHAcaTb85eM:&tbnh=99&tbnw=161&ei=XhK-Ta3OEcXUgQfqzIjrBg&prev=/search%3Fq%3Damerican%2Bcryonics%2Bsociety%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DG%26rlz%3D1R2ADSA_enUS404%26biw%3D1259%26bih%3D711%26site%3Dsearch%26tbm%3Disch0%2C907&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=574&vpy=376&dur=7551&hovh=176&hovw=286&tx=192&ty=80&page=3&ndsp=29&ved=1t:429,r:3,s:53&biw=1259&bih=711
Video:

5. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bb07pKsCOjI&feature=related

Websites:

6. What Cryonics is (n.d.) Retrieved April 29, 2011. from Alcor Web site: http://www.alcor.org/

7. Prices/Funding (n.d.) Retrieved April 29, 2011. from American Cryonics Web site: http://americancryonics.org/prices.html

Invention of the iPod
By: Elliot Gonzalez

tHE iPOD

Introduction:

Digital music players in the early 2000’s had been big and useless. Many people still were using the CD players and Walkman’s, but in 2001 Apple revolutionized the way the world listens to their own music. The iPod was released on October 23, 2001; people’s reaction to the new device was hostile and critical, no one believed that it was going to turn out the way it has now. Tony Fadell and Steve Jobs have changed the media and entertainment industry forever when he released his new invention to the world.

Discovery:

The iPod was simply just a dream that turned into an idea that then turned into a world phenomenon. Tony Fadell had the idea of the iPod, but none of the companies that he shared the idea with, made into a reality. Real Networks and Phillips refused to take the idea into considerations, but Apple thought the idea was brilliant and it was a brilliant move by their part and not a good one by the other companies. When Fadell began working with Apple, Steve Jobs immediately began working with Fadell on the project. To create the first iPod, it only took them a year to do. The first modeled iPod had 5 GB Toshiba hard drive that was not bigger than a quarter, an operating system from Pixo, a large display, a lithium polymer battery, and the one thing that stood out from all the other MP3 players, the scroll wheel. Even though, the iPod invention went through some harsh criticism, because of the $400 cost and Windows compatibility. Its features still found ways to shock the public.

Biographies:

Tony Fadell - is a computer engineer, who graduated from the University of Michigan on a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering in 1991. When he was still in Michigan he was the CEO of Constructive Instruments, which marketed Media Text. He worked for General Magic (a branch company of Apple) for three years. He started as diagnostic engineer and systems architect.

Steve Jobs - is an American business magnate and inventor. He is also the co-founder and chief executive officer of Apple. In his early years he had also been a chief executive of Pixar Animation Studios and was on the board of directors of Walt Disney. In 1995 he was credited executive producer for the movie Toy Story.

Impact on World/Humanity:

IPods have impacted humanity in many ways; it has given people the opportunity of downloading music legally and accessing music easier. It has also given people freedom in a way, it could help relieve the stressful day you might have had, and it puts in your own little private area.

Journal Article:

In the journal article that I had chosen, the author (Jeff Weinstock) discusses whether the iPod alienates young children in our society today. He gives an example about a fig tree, and how as a child, kids may have climbed or sat next to a fig tree to solve or situate a problem in their lives. Because it isolated them from the rest of the world, and it was just a time to themselves. He says that the fig trees aren’t the solutions anymore that it is iPods that kids are using to isolate themselves.” It’s hard to imagine anyone ever composing such a graceful childhood recollection about curling up with an iPod”. (http://www.questiaschool.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5024518886) .That is a quote that he states about children and their iPods in this modern society.

Bibliography:

• Apple - Products - iPod History. (n.d.). Apple. Retrieved May 1, 2011, from http://www.apple.com/pr/products/ipodhistory/
  



• History Of The iPod. (n.d.). Apple - iPhone, iPod, Computers, Software & Accessories information.. Retrieved May 1, 2011, from http://bindapple.com/history-of-the-ipod/
  



• Weinstock, J. (2007). A Hideout All Their Own: The iPod Didn't Invent Youthful Alienation. It Merely Perfected It. . (Technological Horizons In Education, 34(Questia), 1.
  



• iPod History - The Complete History of the iPod. (n.d.). iPod History - The Complete History of the iPod. Retrieved May 1, 2011, from http://www.ipodhistory.com/
  



• ipod's impact on society :: Influxinsights. (n.d.). Influxinsights. Retrieved May 1, 2011, from http://www.influxinsights.com/blog/article/237/ipod-s-impact-on-society.html

Can We Live On Other Planets?

Introduction

Can humans live on the moon or even beyond that? Our Earth is located perfectly at a safe distance from the sun. Not to close to boil but not to far away to freeze. For 5 billion years the sun has gave us life, energy for plants, and warmth on this planet. But the sun as we speak is slowly getting hotter and hotter. One day what the sun has given to Earth it can also take back. So for humans to have a future past Earth we must find ways to survive beyond Earth in space. Mars could be an answer. Today mars is to cold and life less. Its atmosphere is 200 times thinner than our own. And a person standing on mars today would die in a second. But in some ways we may be able to call it home. Mars has frozen water and has carbon dioxide and nitrogen in the atmosphere that may one day be able to create life. Small allege may one day be able to live on mars before humans and lead us on a way to another home.

Discovery

The sun is slowly getting hotter making the save zone (where earth is right now) in our universe father away from the sun. In the future earth will be to hot to live on and will not be able to hold life. So what will humans do? Die on earth or explore and create new colonies in space. Fortunately this wont be a problem for another coupl

e of billion years. But life on Mars is very capable. Mars is very cold, so to create a life bearing world it must be warmed up! And to do that it wont be as hard as you think. Today we are polluting the air on Earth and trapping heat inside earths atmospheres. The pollution on Earth could be the medicine on Mars. We could do the same thing to

mars and send machines to Mars that take in Mars dust and chemicals and send out green house gases. Over time it will warm up and allege will be able to survive on mars and create oxygen from the carbon dioxide. And eventually may become another Earth like world. But eventually Mars will be like Earth and will be to close to the sun and will be to hot to support life. So when that happens where next? Well Another planet in our solar system thats is one of Jupiter's moons called Europa that today is an airless planet with a crust of hard ice. If we could melt the ice we could life at the bottom of oceans in aquatic cities.

How?

We would use technology no has even discovered yet to make this a reality. And we don't need to worry now about the end of Earth any time soon, theirs no hurry to leave.

Impact on the World/Humanity

The impact on Humans would be the most important, survival. And if we can live on two planets at once we can cultivate two planets at once giving everyone more resources and land.

Journal Article Review

When astronauts landed on the moon one of the first things everyone thought was could we life there? And scientist say we can! It would just take a lot of money and effort to create a place to live on the moon for no positive return for living there. It would be pointless and a waste of resources. But creating a shelter for life for the means of survival is worth it and is well possible for humans to do it.

References

1. Brain, Marshall. "Will any one ever live on the moon and/or Mars? – The Blogs at HowStuffWorks." The Blogs at HowStuffWorks. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 May 2011. <http://blogs.howstuffworks.com/2009/07/06/will-any-one-ever-live-on-the-moon-andor-mars/>.

2. "Can We Live On The Moon | NASA's mission: Can we live on the moon? - Los Angeles Times." Featured Articles From The Los Angeles Times. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 May 2011. <http://articles.latimes.com/2009/jun/13/science/sci-lunar13>.

3. "Can we live on Mars? - The Norwegian Space Centre ." - The Norwegian Space Centre . N.p., n.d. Web. 1 May 2011. <http://www.spacecentre.no/English/The_Universe/Mars/Can_we_live_on_Mars+/>.

Airbag System

Invention of the Airbag

I. Introduction:

We all see car airbags as something we can’t live without in a car. But as little as 43 years ago, airbags were not standard in any vehicle. Allen Breed invented the first airbag system in 1968 and since then, airbags have become a standard in every car on the road today.

II. Discovery:

In 1968 Allen Breed invented and held the only patent to what was then called the first “sensor and safety system”, which was a crash sensing airbag system. There was another version of the airbag invented in the 1950’s but it was not crash sensing. Walter Linderer invented this airbag, which never became standard in any cars. It was made out of and air compressed system, which went off by bumper contact or manually by the driver. But during the sixties, researchers found out that the bags did not inflate fast enough to be safe. During the 1970’s automobile makers began to use Breed’s airbag system in their vehicles. Airbags have become more advanced since then, and by 1989 became mandatory in almost every vehicle.

III. Biography of Inventor:

Allen Breed had been very influential to the car safety industry. After earning his mechanical engineering degree from Northwestern University he began to working on his own inventions and starting his own business. In 1961, Breed began his own company called the Breed Corp, which specialized in making safety devices for the US army. In 1968, he used the ideas he had for the military and applied them to everyday vehicles. He became the inventor of the first crash-sensing airbag, which we still use today. In 1987, Allen Breed founded Breed Automotive to distribute his airbag system. Because of his help with the automotive industry, Breed has earned many different awards. He has been elected “National Entrepreneur of the Year,” and has been in many halls of fame.

IV. Impact on the World:

I believe that Allen Breed’s invention of the crash-sensing airbag has had a huge impact on the world. Without it, cars would be extremely unsafe. This system has improved the safety of every car, and without it we would probably have more fatal car crashes in the world.

The Text Message

By: Ally Grayson

Figure 1

I. Introduction

The SMS text was created in the mid 90’s, by an engineer named Matti Makkonen. SMS stands for “Short Message Service”. Because of this, we are now able to send texts, pictures, videos, and more between our mobile phones and other gadgets. It is said that the SMS message is now one of the most widely used methods of communication in the world. Did you know that over 92,000 text messages are sent every second in the United States.

II. Invention

The idea of the SMS message began in 1984 when Matti Makkonen and a fellow colleague gathered for lunch in Copenhagen. Matti wanted to create a way of messaging when a phone was turned off or out of it’s range, hence the beginning of the SMS. Unfortunately, Matti left no design documents of his creation. The very first text message was sent on December 1992, from a laptop computer to a cellular phone on the GSM Network in the United Kingdom.

When a text message is sent, the cell phone connects to the intended recipient through a mobile phone network such as AT&T, or Verizon. “Because the message travels through the cellular operator's system, the intended receiving device does not have to be powered on or available within the operator's coverage area at the time the message is sent; the recipient device can receive the message later, since the SMS is stored at the operation center (SMS Center) until the receiver or the phone are available.” (Mobile Pronto)

Becausethere was very little storage capacities at the time of the invention, a text message could only hold 160 characters for each message to avoid overloading the systems. Nowadays, there is no limit for an SMS message. Actually, we are now able to send the same message to various contacts by a process called SMS Broadcast.

Not only did text messaging create a new communication method, but it created an entire mini-language. When the text message’s popularity boomed, teenagers created a unique language of short words because at the time you could use 160 characters or less. Words like “GTG”, standing for “Got to go” were created. The most used short-word is “LOL”, standing for “Laugh out loud”. Because people have become so used to typing messaged like these, words such as GTG and LOL are used verbally.

III. Biography of Investigator

Mattie Makkonen was born in 1952, in Suimussalmi, Finland. He graduated from the Oulu technical college in 1976. From 1976 to 1983,he worked at the Telecoms and Postal agency as a systems engineer. His job consisted of developing wireless communication s services for the NMT mobile networks. In 1989, he became the president of the mobile communication unit.

IV. Impact on the World

SMS messaging allows us to communicate over the phone in and cheaper and more efficient way. Also, text messages are discreet and can be used when a phone call might not be appropriate such as, a library or a waiting room. Text messaging creates a wall of privacy when communicating in public.

Another advantage of text messaging is when typing a message, you are forced to think through what you are about to say. For example, when you get caught up in a heated argument in person, the communication is instant. Hurtful words can escape your mouth without a though, and there is no way to take them back. When you are texting, you are able to think about the consequences of each message you are about to send.

The main disadvantage of text messaging is “texting while driving”. In the past year over one hundred-thousand Americans died because of texting while driving. Did you know that when texting, a person’s steering capability goes down ninety-one percent? Or how about that drivers are six times more likely to get into a car crash while dialing a number into their phone?

Figure 2

Another issue text messaging has brought about is “sexting”. Sexting is the act of sending sexually explicit messages or photos electronically. There are many consequences to sexting, some which have led many teens to suicide. In the journal article below, eighteen year old Jesse Logan, committed suicide after taking part in a “sext conversation”.

V. Journal Article Review

It all started when Jesse Logan sent a nude picture of herself to her boyfriend. When they broke up, he sent it to everybody he knew at school. For the next two years Jesse was a victim of harassment. At times she was afraid to go to school, and she even fell into depression. In May 2008, Jesse decided to tell her story to a Cincinnati television station. She said “I just want to make sure no one else will have to go through this again.” Two months after this interview, Jesse Logan was found dead in her bedroom. She hanged herself.

Citations:

Unknown. (2011, May 5) History of SMS Text Messaging. Retrieved from: http://www.mobilepronto.org/en-us/the-history-of-sms.html

Matti Kalliokoski. (2008, July 4) The Reluctant Father of SMS- Matti Makkonen. Retrieved from: http://www.finland.or.kr/public/default.aspx?contentid=137076&nodeid=35145&contentlan=2&culture=en-US

Joseph Devine (2011, May 1) Texting and Driving Statistics. Retrieved from: http://textinganddrivingstatistics.com/

Journal Article:

Mike Celizic. (2009, March 6) Her Teen Committed Suicide over ‘sexting’. Retrieved from:

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/29546030/ns/today-parenting/

The History of the Pitching Machine By Jay Jenkins

Introduction:

The pitching machine was first invented in the late 1800’s by Charles Hinton. He created a hand fed pitching machine that served up pitches for the hitters. The machine can pitch in many different speeds and angles.




Discovery:

Charles Hinton made this invention in 1897. He was a scientist at Princeton University. Hinton made the pitching machine for the Princeton Tiger’s baseball team. This allowed the players to work on an assortment of pitches that they might see in a game. At first, the invention seemed to be a great contribution until the power of the machine caused several injuries. The Princeton baseball team stopped using it because of the injuries but never the less; Hilton’s pitching machine was a big breakthrough.

Investigator:

It was safe to say that Charles Hinton was a man of science and math. He wrote Science Fiction and taught mathematics and science at the schools he was employed. Hinton hit a couple of speed bumps in his life along the way. He was accused of being married to two women at one time, which was eventually proven true. Some say a lot of the reason he was let go from the Princeton University staff was due to his invention, the pitching machine, causing so many injuries. Years later, Hinton showed the pitching machine to University of Michigan and received positive feedback. This is what really got his invention “off the ground”. Charles Hinton died in 1907 due to cerebral hemorrhage.




Impact on Humanity:

Pitching Machines have definitely affected the game of baseball. It has allowed players to improve their skills by trying to hit any pitches thrown whether it be a fastball, curveball, slider or change-up. The pitching machine is able to pitch all of these pitches. It is used in both baseball and softball in leagues from little league to the Major Leagues. Also, since pitching machines move through in such a rapid fire sequence, sometimes you can turn it upside down and quickly send out the baseballs in the form of a ground ball for a fielder. This allows fielder to get a lot of practice quicker. Oppose to if a coach was slowly hitting a fielder groundballs one after another.



Journal Articles:

“History of Pitching Machines” is a good article. It compares and relates to how far the machine has come. It shows how colleges and high school teams use it and find it very productive. It explains how different the original model is compared to the models beings created today. There are so many different versions of pitching machines that helps a majority of teams. This is why the pitching machine is in such high demand when it comes to the baseball world.


Eldred, Eric (1996) “Charles H. Hinton”

(2009) “The History of the Pitching Machine”

Rivers, Dacia (2010) “History of the Pitching Machine”

The Invention of JELL-O: Because Everybody Enjoys a Little Wiggle Room!

The Invention of Jell-O:

Because Everybody Enjoys a Little Wiggle Room

By: Katerina Parent           

Due Date: May 2nd, 2011   

         I.  Introduction

Jell-O gelatin is a dessert that everybody knows. It has been around for over 100 years and is the most successful gelatin company. After a rocky start of virtually no sales, the worthless company bounced from businessman to businessman, each man losing hundreds of dollars each time. But, after intense advertising, people began to like Jell-O gelatin, because of its fun color and unique taste, and business starting booming.

II.  Discovery

In 1845, a philanthropist and inventor named Peter Cooper was given the patent for a gelatin dessert. His gelatin was very different than the Jell-O we eat today. It was not as well prepared as chefs would have liked, so they relied on using already made gelatin. After years of attempting to sell his very unpopular gelatin, Cooper looked for relief from the mess he had created. He looked to Pearle B. Wait, who was working on his own type of gelatin based on Cooper’s that would be so much better, and sold him the patent.

      In 1897, Pearle B. Wait created a fruit-flavored version of Cooper’s bland gelatin. There were only four flavors at the time: strawberry, raspberry, orange, and lemon. The naming of gelatin as Jell-O is accredited to Wait’s wife, May Davis Wait. Once the Wait’s began their Jell-O business, Pearle realized that he was clueless about the business world and sold his company to his neighbor, Orator Francis Woodward in 1899 for $450. Business did not pick up, and Woodward began to loose hope. No one wanted to buy Jell-O gelatin. After months of losing time and money of gelatin, Woodward had reached his boiling point, and sold the company for just $35.

The man who would take over the company was the previous superintendent.  The very first advertisement for Jell-O debuted in Ladies’ Home Journal in 1902, which showed happy, fashionable women in aprons who said that Jell-O gelatin was “America’s Most Famous Dessert.” Then in 1904, an advertisement ran with a little girl playing with Jell-O in her nursery. The slogan this time was “You can’t be a kid without it.” As Jell-O became increasingly popular, the first Jell-O cookbook was released with two new flavors: chocolate and cherry. After both advertisements ran for about six month, the Jell-O business finally picked up. Busy moms were grateful for an easy desert they can make in minutes, and kids loved the taste. Jell-O became the dessert to beat!

III.           Biography of Inventor

Not much information is known about Pearl B. Wait. He was a carpenter and a cough medicine manufacturer before he became the inventor of Jell-O gelatin. He lived in LeRoy, New York with his wife May Davis Wait. After inventing Jell-O he was excited to start his own business, but soon got nervous at the thought of running it without any experience. He knew it would be best to sell it to his experienced neighbor and returned to his quiet life, and his modest job.  

IV.            Impact on the World

During the early 1900’s, as immigrants were arriving on Ellis Island in New York City, they were served Jell-O gelatin as a “Welcome to America.” Jell-O was helpful again with feeding those who had nothing during WWII, when most ingredients such as shortening and sugar were scarce. People relied on one-crust pies filled with Jell-O gelatin or pudding to fill their talkative tummies.

Now, Jell-O has over 14 flavors: strawberry, raspberry, orange, lemon, peach, vanilla, chocolate, and orange-coconut tapioca pudding, apple, grape, black cherry, black raspberry, Americana Rice and Pistachio pudding, and more!

   In 1974, Bill Cosby joined the Jell-O team as a spokesperson and appealed to women and children with his kind, funny nature. He helped sales increase and supported a great cause.

Today, Jell-O is known throughout the world. About 400 million packages of Jell-O are produced every year, and more than one million packages are purchased every day. It has definitely impacted the world in a positive way, in that it is helpful to busy moms, and a fun dessert for playful kids. Whether creamy chocolate pudding, or bouncy apple gelatin, Jell-O is a delicious treat people love to eat!

V.              Journal Article Review

            My journal article was very helpful in that it gave me detailed information about Jell-O and the Jell-O company. But, it did not provide me with any information of the inventor of Jell-O, Pearle B. Wait, or even the creator of gelatin, Peter Cooper. It talked a lot about the shape and the design of Jell-O, which I thoroughly was not interested in, but it did discuss how and why the business boomed and the effects of advertising.

VI.            Bibliography (APA)

Belluscio, Lynne (2006) The JELL-O Gallery. Retrieved 4/30/11 from  http://www.jellogallery.org/jellohistory.html

Great Idea Finder, The (2007) JELL-O. Retrieved 4/29/11 from http://www.ideafinder.com/history/inventions/jello.htm

Heckbert, Paul (1988) JELL-O Brand Gelatin. Retrieved 4/30/11.

           http://www.prtal.acm.org

Kraft Foods (2010) The History of the Wiggle. Retrieved 4/29/11 from http://www.kraftbrands.com/jello/explore/history/