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The Brain and Emotional Stimuli, 2004.
An exploration of what brain regions are activated by emotional stimuli.
1,810 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 58.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the question of which areas of the brain are engaged by emotional stimuli. The preliminary hypothesis supported is that every region of the brain is activated by emotional stimuli and that, secondarily, each region of the brain is activated in a different manner by different stimuli. It proposes to prove that notion that every region of the brain does not act similarly in response to various emotional stimuli, but most regions will react in some manner, since the amygdala ,for example, will react more aggressively to certain forms of emotional stimuli than others.
From the Paper
"The study ?Neural Correlates of Person Recognition? identified the regions of the brain that are activated by emotional stimuli in an abstract manner. In this study participants were examined to assess their ability to recognize people by viewing their faces, and the subsequent brain activity required to retrieve person specific information was compared and contrasted. Functional MRI imaging showed that several regions of the brain responded to familiar emotional stimuli or faces, including the following: left hippocampus, left middle temporal gyrus, left insula, and bilateral cerebellum (Paller, et. al, 2003). Brain activity was much more active in various regions for emotional stimuli that were personal or familiar in nature."
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Aggression in Males, 2004.
Discussion and analysis of the topic of male aggression in men aged 21 to 27.
937 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
This paper introduces, discusses, and analyzes the topic of male aggression in men between the ages of 21 to 27. Specifically, it discusses why men are more aggressive than women aged 21-27 and why men are the main aggressors in domestic violence situations.
From the Paper
"Numerous scientists and researchers have conducted studies regarding male aggression and why it occurs. Much of the research points to the increased levels of testosterone in males, especially teens and young adults, as this researcher notes. "Men?s fluctuating short-term testosterone levels respond to competitive situations, such as a tennis or wrestling match, a chess game, or a competitive task in a psychology laboratory" (Goldstein, 2001). Various studies have also shown that aggressive behavior between males can lead to increased testosterone levels, and that women do not experience the same type of increase in aggression when competing, or when winning in a game or contest. Goldstein continues, "Testosterone effects in male?female competition or dominance 'have yet to be addressed in research with humans'" (Goldstein, 2001). Thus, it seems men and women are inherently different when it comes to aggression, and men have more aggressive tendencies than women do ? especially men at the peak of their sexual and physical prowess, from 21 through 27. Certainly, biological differences are important, as this researcher states."
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Mad Cow Disease, 2004.
This paper discusses mad cow disease, a virulent cattle disease, which led to the destruction of 180,000 livestock in the United Kingdom and other European countries and plunged other major cattle-producing nations into a global panic.
1,500 words (approx. 6.0 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 49.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that mad cow disease is bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or BSE, a fatal brain disorder in cattle caused by a still-unknown agent. The author points out that U.K. reports also listed other animals as having been infected by TSEs, including domestic cats, mice, hamsters, goats, mink, monkeys, pigs, and some exotic species of the cat family. The paper reports that there is also suspicion that mad cow can be spread through human blood; therefore, the American Red Cross bans blood donations from people who have lived abroad, especially from those who spent as few as three months in the UK between 1980 and 1996.
From the Paper
"The disease spread to cattle in other countries through infected animal feed UK exported to them within that decade. These countries in Europe alone included Belgium, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland (Lohn), which were reported to have at least one infected cow each. The UK also supplied animal feed to South Africa and non-European countries at that time, extending the reach Mad Cow beyond Europe and making it a global health scare."
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Information Technology and Counter-Terrorism, 2004.
This paper discusses that, since 9/11, there have been many developments in counter-terrorist technology.
870 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 30.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that many companies have developed counter-terrorist technology for commercial applications to government, airlines, shipping ports and other easy and potential targets; two of the biggest ideas in counter-terrorist technology include biometrics and nanotechnology. The author points out the PACE project shows that biometrics may be the way to keep countries safe from known terrorists by utilizing technology such as facial scans, which work by measuring distances between lips, nose, eyes, and other features to determine whether someone's face actually matches a scan previously taken. The paper states that nanotechnology has not really taken off, but efforts are being applied to make some commercial applications using this technology.
From the Paper
"One of the companies that is working hard to bring biometrics to the forefront of counter-terrorism technology is Fingerscan Pty Ltd, which is a subsidiary of a larger identification and biometrics company based in California. Fingerscan is working toward using fingerprint recognition technology to identify and authenticate individuals. Most of this technology would apply to banks and other high security areas where fraud and deceit can sometimes be problematic. However, after the terrorist attacks, it is clear that this type of scan will likely be utilized in even more commercial applications to ensure that individuals who come into a country are who they claim to be. This could be vitally important and have far-reaching applications for the counter-terrorism concerns that plague many countries today, and could keep many safer."
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The Sexual Behavior and Mating Habits of Primates, 2004.
Review of literature regarding the sexual behavior of primates in captivity.
1,607 words (approx. 6.4 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 52.95
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Abstract
This paper examines several research studies on the sexual and mating habits of orangutans, langur monkeys, bonobos and chimpanzees, each of which concluded that the sexual and reproductive behaviors of these primates is abnormal when the animals live in captivity.
From the Paper
"Human researchers have always been deeply fascinated with primate behaviors because they are of much closer genetic relation than any other animals. Likewise, the studies of sexuality and mating social behaviors are of particular interest to people because, within human social structures, this area remains both mysterious and untamed, and at the same time entirely necessary for the survival of human relationships and survival of the species. Parallels that may offer some understanding of our own sexual and mating habits can be found in the observations made of Orangutans, Langur Monkeys, Bonobos, and Chimpanzees by various researchers."
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Making Babies, 2004.
This paper discusses sexual reproduction in vertebrate and invertebrate animals.
2,045 words (approx. 8.2 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 64.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that sexual reproduction involves the coming together of genetic material from two parents to form progeny that combine genes from both of them. The author points out that the dominant mode of reproduction among vertebrates is oviparity, or ?egg laying?; but mammals reproduce through viviparity, or by retaining the egg(s) within the reproductive tract until embryonic development is complete. The paper relates that the process of sexual reproduction includes mating, sexual contact or fertilization, and incubation for embryonic development.
From the Paper
"Parthenogenesis, or ?virgin birth? is a common occurrence, especially among certain invertebrates such as cladocerans, brine shrimp, aphids, rotifers, and digenetic trematodes. Some invertebrates are able to alternate between sexual and asexual, parthogenetic, reproduction, although the cycle is thought to be fundamentally sexual. ?Hermaphroditism is often considered to be accidental or developmental, caused by deviation or failure of the sex-differentiating mechanism. This type of deviation is characterized by gonadal tissues that range from equal portions of germ cells for each sex, to the predominance of one sex within an individual?."
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Cloning Endangered Species, 2004.
A look at the possibility of using genetic cloning to preserve endangered species.
1,518 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 50.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how, according to the World Wildlife Fund, it is estimated that about 20% of all present-day species could be extinct by the year 2025, and while conservation efforts under the Endangered Species Act are aimed at captive breeding programs, reintroduction, and habitat management, new methods of species preservation must be supported. It looks at how scientific methods like genetic cloning through interspecies transfer to produce viable young should be considered in the overall endangered animal protection plan and how the broad sense of the term ?risk?, as applied to limiting the use of presently endangered individuals to save their entire species, needs to be reconsidered and explained to allow advances in scientific technology that may possibly recover entire animal populations.
From the Paper
"Cloning technology requires a mother to act as a surrogate. While conservation biologists may be in support of, or on the fence about, cloning as a method of endangered-species conservation, the concept of using either a wild or captive endangered female of the same species to assist in reproduction or act as a surrogate mother is unfavorable as the risks may prove too great. To circumvent the risk of adversely affecting the present-day numbers of a species by using a surrogate of that species, or even to reintroduce a species that has been identified as being extinct, scientists have delved into utilizing methods of interspecies cloning to reproduce an animal using a surrogate mother of another, less endangered animal."
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Finches in a Cage, 2004.
Presents a history of domesticated and wild canaries.
3,332 words (approx. 13.3 pages), 12 sources, MLA, $ 95.95
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Abstract
This paper provides background information on domesticated and wild canaries. The paper describes where canaries originate, how they became domesticated, the physiological differences between domestic and wild canaries, how domestic canaries have changed over time, their genetics, nutrition, and breeding process.
From the Paper
"The first records of trade in birds?canaries?from the Canary Islands dates to about 1402. Sailors captured the wild birds, attracted by the song of the males, and kept them in cages as pets aboard ship. It wasn?t long before landlubbers, too, got acquainted with the birds and found them charming and relatively easy pets to keep. And, an added attraction in Europe, they were also exotic, an attribute guaranteed to make them popular at a time when ships were venturing farther and bringing back unusual items not seen in Europe before. (Home pet Web site)"
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The Gulf of Mexico, 2004.
This paper discusses the ?dead zone? in the Gulf of Mexico, an area of hypoxic ocean waters, meaning that the area is oxygen-deficient and unable to support marine life.
915 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 32.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, now roughly the size of the state of New Jersey, the Gulf of Mexico's dead zone was first discovered in the early 1970s when the phenomenon occurred only once every two or three years; however, due to an increase in environmental pollutants, the dead zone currently occurs every summer in Gulf waters. The author points out that hypoxia occurs when pollutant-ridden water from the Mississippi River flows into the Gulf of Mexico; this carries an excess of nutrients, especially nitrogen, into the salt water, encouraging local algal populations to thrive by killing off the fish. The paper stresses that the dead zone in the Gulf affects not only marine life, but also human welfare because fishing and farming industries are the most directly and adversely affected by hypoxia.
From the Paper
"The effects of the Gulf dead zone are far-reaching. For example, the algal blooms cause shellfish poisoning, which can cause permanent memory loss. The dead zone is also an aesthetic problem, including the sight of millions of dead fish. Elizabeth Carlisle (2000) notes that hypoxia in the Gulf causes ?food chain alterations, loss of biodiversity, and high aquatic species mortality.? The consequences are therefore long-term and affect not only the local ecosystem, but ecosystems across the globe."
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Human Cloning, 2004.
An overview of the ethical factors surrounding the issue of human cloning.
2,838 words (approx. 11.4 pages), 11 sources, MLA, $ 84.95
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Abstract
As with most ethical debates, the argument regarding cloning stems from the fact that it is not completely bad, nor is it completely good. In fact, for many scientists, the cloning of human beings was not a motivating factor. It was the possibility of good things that cloning could bring that was foremost in most scientists? minds. This paper examines the arguments for and against human cloning, using several sources as references for these views, including Bill McKibben's "Enough" and Gilbert Meilaender's essay, ?Human Cloning Would Violate the Dignity of Children?.
From the Paper
"Many individuals have considered what cloning would mean to society as a whole. Cardinal John O?Connor believes that cloning also risks changing society in ways we cannot imagine. What we think and how we feel about one another hinges on the results of cloning. O?Connor has clear objections to human cloning, noting it is a ?drastic invasion of human parenthood? (O?Connor 10). He feels that cloning is a deliberate act that creates children without parents and is therefore disrespectful not only to human dignity but to marriage as well. O?Connor demonstrates that during history, the ?Judeo-Christian tradition has respected the divine design of life-giving love.? In his view, cloning replaces the ?personal, unitive, two-in-one flesh dimension of life-giving material love? (10) with ?technological replication? (10)."
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Depression, 2004.
Examines the neurobiological causes of depression.
1,970 words (approx. 7.9 pages), 11 sources, APA, $ 62.95
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Abstract
Depression is often assuaged by a change in circumstances or a visual, olfactory, or gustatory stimulus. This essay identifies the underlying neurobiological and clinical causes of depression, especially, chronic depression. It also explores the medications that either have been used in the past or are currently in use. It also considers other factors that cause depression, such as sociological concerns, adverse reactions to drugs, and an emotional crisis.
From the Paper
"Non-neuronal hormones are also implicated in depression. This is associated with an increased level of the hormone cortisol that is secreted by the adrenal glands located near the kidneys. Cortisol levels have been shown to decrease when the symptoms of depression go away. Even cortisol secretion finds its origin in the brain. The hypothalamic region in the brain makes corticotrophic-releasing hormone. This then stimulates the pituitary gland to release adrenocorticotrophic hormone. The next step in this pathway is the secretion of higher (than necessary) levels of cortisol. (Mackin & Allan H. Young, 2004)."
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Human Cloning, 2004.
A brief literature review of both sides of the human cloning debate.
827 words (approx. 3.3 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 29.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how human cloning has always stirred healthy debate and how philosophical theories regarding the issue of cloning range from the technological to the ethical. The value of human life is also juxtaposed with the benefits to those who are suffering. It looks at how some view cloning as an inevitable process that is bound to occur as society forges ahead into the next age of medical discovery, while others see the act of human cloning as a slippery slope that will lead to cloning for spare parts, thus removing the dignity of life itself.
From the Paper
"When we consider these varying views, we discover that many philosophical viewpoints revolve around the issue of values. In other words, cloning devalues life because it degrades others as a means to our ends. John Kilner, in his essay, ?Human Cloning Would Violate Christian Ethics,? staunchly believes, ?human cloning will cause the deaths of human beings?(Kilner 13). In short, the act of cloning, whether or not it saves live, devalues life itself. He asserts that because cloning is not yet a perfect science, many human embryos would be lost and therefore, the ?cost is unacceptably high? (14). He grounds his argument on the ?277 failed attempts? (14) that took place before Dolly was cloned successfully."
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Evolution of the Domestic Dog, 2004.
Discusses how the domestic dog evolved, based on Darwin's theory.
1,910 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 60.95
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Abstract
Although the ideas behind evolution were discussed much earlier, Charles Darwin was the first to present a coherent scientific theory of the process. Since then, due in large part to genetic science, Darwin?s theory has been revised. However, theories are constantly subject to testing, modification, and refutation as new evidence and ideas emerge. This paper discusses how scientists are debating the evolution of the domestic dog, since new propositions are being suggested. The paper shows that the true derivation of this animal, which has so greatly impacted the lives of humans, remains to be seen.
From the Paper
"The debate on the evolution of dogs is going to continue until enough evidence arises that gives most credence to a particular theory. In the meantime, scientists will continue to collect information and data. For example, Israeli archaeologists recently found a woman who was buried 12,000 years ago with what many believe is a puppy in her hands. Nearby, archaeologists found a man from the same era buried with two small canids, also presumably dogs. Coppinger is not swayed by this latter find because the bones are too wolflike. Yet Tamar Dayan, an archaeologist at Tel Aviv University, points out that the specimens have some key dog characteristics, such as crowded teeth and shorter jaws (Pennisi, 1540)."
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Autism, 2004.
This paper discusses that, although the etiology is unknown, a number of theories are being suggested for autism, a mental handicap that results from abnormalities in brain development.
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 51.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that autism is not a disease in itself, but rather a condition or a disorder of development; children afflicted with this disorder exhibit a strange behavioral complex, do not form normal social relationships, and have seriously impaired communication ability. The author points out that the biological theory of autism includes a broad array of causative factors, including genetic anomalies, viral infections, metabolic conditions, congenital abnormalities, and biochemical imbalances. The paper concludes that the rapid advancement in molecular genetics is shedding new light in the study of autism; there is no question that this will further the understanding the neuropsychology of autism.
Table of Contents
Thesis
Introduction
Biological Theory of Autism
Genetic Causes of Autism
Genetic Conditions that Cause Autism
The Central Coherence Theory
Conclusion
From the Paper
"A growing amount of literature has furthered our understanding of the mental states particular to autism and other related disorders. It is known that 75% of people with autism have intellectual disability, and 30% of people having intellectual disability have autistic disorders. When compared with other subjects individuals with autism perform well in tasks that require analytical processing rather than global processing. A recent study by N.van Lang et al analyzed the connection between autistic disorder or autism on central coherence. For the study 43 subjects were chosen from special education schools. The whole pool of subjects having intellectual disability were neatly identified into two groups, one which fell under the autistic spectrum and other which have learning disabilities that fell outside the autistic spectrum. The study result supported the ?central coherence theory? by confirming that the subjects with autism or comorbid disorders related to the autistic spectrum, performed well in highly analytical and detail focused tasks."
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Human Cloning, 2004.
This paper makes extensive use of the writings of Darwin and Hitler to introduce a discussion on human cloning and its ethics.
4,460 words (approx. 17.8 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 116.95
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Abstract
This paper states that cloning appeared to be the closest realization and rationalization of Hitler?s delusion of a master race. The author points out that cloning seems to be quite tempting to a dictator-parent who wants her offspring to replicate her exclusively or to a narcissistic father who wants to see himself in an exact-duplicate offspring that repeats him like a mirror. The paper stresses that, even when the public is sufficiently educated on the genetic cloning of human beings to handle the darkest suspicions and fears, questions arise as to the social and moral interests and rights of human clones, the moral consequences of human cloning itself, and the probability that people would become more motivated to reproduce children by cloning than in the way nature intends, which is sexually and at random.
From the Paper
"Hitler thought that people could cooperate with nature?s law by not mating with those of either higher or lower biological orders, but by letting the higher order ?triumph.? He wrote: ?The stronger must dominate and not mate with the weaker, which would signify the sacrifice of its own higher nature. Only the born weakling can look upon this principle as cruel, and if he does so, it is merely because he is of a feebler nature and narrower mind (Hitler).? He stood firmly on what he considered a most perceivable and empirical progression in nature and that, if this were not the position taken, the higher development of organic life would not be conceivable or possible at all."
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Osmoregulation in elasmobranchs, 2004.
Looks at the elasmobranch species of fish and its ability to adapt to decreases in environmental salinity.
1,600 words (approx. 6.4 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 52.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the ability of the elasmobranch fish, which includes sharks, skates, and rays, to acclimate to changes in habitat salinities. The paper looks at the different degrees to which different elasmobranch fish can adapt to decreases in in environmental salinity. The process, known as osmoregulation, allows for greater adaptation in some elasmobranch fish than others.
From the Paper
"In the article by Hazon et al (2003, pp. 685-687), the bull shark, Carcharhinus leucas, and the Atlantic stingray, Dasyatis sabina, euryhaline elasmobranchs, are described according to their osmoregulatory strategies for achieving full euryhalinity. Partially euryhaline elasmobranchs, such as Scyliorhinus canicula, the small-spotted catshark, and the skate Raja erinacea, are also characterized for their osmoregulatory mechanisms and ability to acclimate to reduced salinities. The review compared the Na+, Cl-, and urea in the plasma of these species in saltwater and freshwater environments. Body fluid osmolality was also assessed per environmental condition. As these elements of the osmoregulatory system were described, their relationship to the key body systems was expanded upon. While a summation of endocrine control in the osmoregulatory process is limited in scope, peptidergic-hormonal control, including discussion of the peptides CNP, AVT, and Ang II, as well as the elasmobranch specific corticosteroid 1??hydroxycorticosterone (1??OH-B), is the focus of the paper. These methods of review for the osmoregulatory mechanism in euryhaline elasmobranchs clarifies the relevance of certain major peptides, the plasma Na+, Cl-, and urea concentrations, and the gills, kidneys, liver, and rectal gland in relation to maintaining body osmolality in changing salinities."
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Human Cloning, 2004.
This paper discusses the attitudes of scientists toward the ethics of human cloning.
1,550 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 50.95
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Abstract
This paper relates that scientists believe if they have the option to work with an unlimited number of human cells through human cloning, they have resources to attempt new procedures and push the limits of scientific knowledge. The author points out that the power of wholesale manufacture of human tissue is the very heart of the debate because human beings are not automobiles, which can roll off an assembly line at the rate of a few per hour. The paper presents the argument of one scientist who compares human cloning to in vitro fertilization: if the human can be conceived outside of the human conjugal act, then why cannot a human be created completely in a laboratory via cloning?
From the Paper
"The most disturbing acknowledgement Pence makes is that, in his opinion, the whole question of cloning human beings needs to be "Fletcherized." Pence makes this reference to align his viewpoint on cloning with the secular viewpoints of Joseph Fletcher, whose "situation ethics" were successful in devolving religious ethics out of the modern mindset. He was responsible for creating secular degradation three decades ago. While secular society may no be free from the 'regulations and restrictions of religious ethics.' our concern for human live, and perspective that all men and women deserve life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness has also been lost somewhere in the argument."
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Bipolar Disorder and Twins, 2004.
Examines the correlation between bipolar disorder and identical twins.
1,830 words (approx. 7.3 pages), 12 sources, APA, $ 58.95
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Abstract
Research has recently indicated that there are multiple genetic pathways leading to the development of bipolar disorder. This paper presents a detailed examination of the incidence of bipolar disorder among identical twins. The author explores bipolar disorder's genetic components and then explores whether or not identical twins have a higher incidence of the disorder than the general population.
From the Paper
"The understanding that mental illness, including bipolar disorder, is genetically based has created curiosity about where the biology is involved. One of the things that have been examined is whether or not identical twins have a higher incidence of the disorder. It is an interesting question because of the fact that identical twins have identical DNA. If a higher incidence or a correlation can be found between identical twins and bipolar disorder, it will be further evidence of the biological basis for the disorder as well as a closer look as to its biological origin being before birth, and not something that happens after birth(Taylor, 2003)."
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Canine Communication, 2004.
A look at how dogs behave and communicate.
1,368 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how elements of natural canid social tendencies and their highly communicative natural behaviors account for their ability to be trained and for the particularly fulfilling relationships that characterize their modern association with humans, whether in the role of social companion or working partnership. It attempts to show how our general appreciation of the full extent to which dogs communicate in their own language is minimal in comparison to the extent of our successful exploitation of their ability to learn to understand our form(s) of communication.
From the Paper
"Dogs use their tails for many more communicative purposes than merely
wagging them to indicate their happiness. Experts still disagree as to the origins of tail wagging, with some even going so far as maintaining that it is strictly an adaptive behavior specifically for communicating with humans and virtually absent in their natural repertoire, despite much evidence that would seem to disprove that belief, conclusively.(Coren, p.105) According to Desmond Morris, the origins of tail wagging has its roots in a manifestation of ambivalence, when nursing puppies still find comfort nestled amongst littermates, while simultaneously seeking their exclusive space and control over their mother?s nipple during suckling."
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