When Science Meets Traditional Healing

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Only recently have the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) developed a honey wound dressing that proved more effective than antibiotics in wound healing.
Indigenous honey has been known for its antimicrobial properties. Honey’s medicinal properties have long been recognized and the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) identified how honey is suitable for fast healing. Honey is antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and has a low PH level. It was reported that its sugar content helps in the “granulation” of wounds. Its low moisture gives honey a longer shelf life and helps in drawing out water and pus, drying and healing the wound fast.
Three indigenous honey samples were distinguished: the pineapple honey sample from Bacolod, the coconut honey sample from Mindanao, and the dark honey found in Northern Luzon. The PNRI tested the honey dressing in rabbits and it showed equal healing capabilities as the generic Neomycin. The honey dressing also showed a potential, for some cases, of healing wounds a month earlier than commercial medicines.
The Biomedical Research Section head Zenaida de Guzman expects that the honey dressing will be commercialized by 2015.
This research initiative is testament to the potential of bridging modern medicine with traditional medicinal knowledge. Most especially in the Philippines, a number of local provinces and regions in the world have a vast knowledge on indigenous medicinal practices. People who follow these customs usually suffer the social stigma of being called the practitioners of “non-scientific” beliefs. Contrary to this, traditional medicinal knowledge can in fact be seen as experiments outside laboratories. The earlier people may not have the knowledge of proper scientific method, and may have skipped a step or two. Some may started with a hypothesis that honey can cure burns, or some may have discovered that honey is effective through consistent use. Indeed, these have not been thoroughly studied and therefore are not widely considered as valid or acceptable by most sophisticated societies. However, this doesn’t mean that it must be discarded and completely forgotten. This calls for the scientific community to harness this knowledge and marry it with the latest science and technology available. Looking and learning from the past are most often beneficial for the present. The potentials are endless.
References:
Ronda, Rainier Allan. “DOST scientists develop honey wound dressing”. The Philippine Star. 20 February 2014.

They Can Fly Like a Butterfly!

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My first blog entry here was last year when Typhoon Haiyan was the headline for the news all around the Philippines. My entry contains information about the water system that could be done to help the victims of the typhoon get cheap and clean water in the most convenient way they can. Now for this second blog entry, I would like to raise another kind of help from our fellow citizens for the victims. Last February 17, 2014, I was able to watch a news on TV Patrol (ABS-CBN) regarding the butterfly house built by Vonz Santos. Mr. Santos, a Filipino-American CEO, was moved by the present condition of the victims of the typhoon that he decided to make the butterfly house together with his Butterfly Team and partnered with designer Budji Layug and architect Royal Pineda of BUDJI+ROYAL (BusinessMirror, February 2014). Ciara Zembrano, one of the reporters of ABS-CBN, said in her news that the victims of the typhoon were already having a difficult time with their living condition. They were having a hard time living in tents in the Tent City. She also mentioned that there is not enough tents and houses for them. And this was the reason that Mr. Santos decided to make a butterfly house.

“It is called a butterfly house because it opens like a butterfly.” said Mr. Santos. Butterfly house is a foldable house that comes in three arrangements: 11.5-square-meter (sq m) single unit, 15-sq-m single unit, with bathroom, and 26-sq-m full unit, with bathroom—all ranging from P50,000 to P70,000.  Also included in her news were the steps to fold and unfold the house, demonstrated by Mr. Santos himself. She mentioned that since the house only come in a specific layout and that it is foldable, many houses can be shipped at once to the places where the victims are located. Since the price of the said house ranges from Php50,000 to Php70,000, the reporter mentioned that people can donate online through this website: www.socialproject.ph.

Figure 1. Rogelio 'Vonz' Santos Jr. and the butterfly house.
Source: http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/news/top-news/27726-butterfly-house-for-yolanda-victims

Since the news about the typhoon Haiyan came into place, I have always asked my father what would happen to the lives of these people, especially with regards to their assets such as their houses. I felt sad that all their possessions were devastated by just a typhoon. The fruits of all their hard work from the previous years were already broken or even gone. If I was in their place, I thought, I could not afford to think of plans to start my life again. If I was in their place, I thought, I would never find hope again. But, I guess, people like Mr. Santos could give encouragements for these people. People like him who eagerly think of ways to help them could open rooms for starting over again. Starting your life again from such a disaster is not an easy task. In fact, it requires a lot of one’s time, work, and positive spirit. That’s why they need help – different and all sorts of help. Whether it may be financial, emotional, and physical help, these people need help. I was also able to watch another local news wherein Mr. Vonz Santos was encouraging people to donate money for the construction of houses. He emphasized that he does not require payment for his invention. Instead, what he just wished to happen is for a lot of people to donate money for their housing system to work and help the victims.


As a student, I may not have enough money to pay for a house for them but I think through advertising such news (just like this blog entry), I can be of help. And I hope we could all help too.

In Desperate Need of Chief Mermaids

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           Ms. Anna Oposa is known to be the Chief Mermaid of Save Philippines Sea and from then on, I now assert a Chief Mermaid as one of the lacking, in-demand and difficult jobs worldwide simply because one has to be an environmental advocate by applying one’s area of expertise. It’s like using art to develop situational awareness because as she said “The earth without art is just eh”. Meanwhile, Anna makes use of her public speaking and free-lance writing skills to disseminate ecological problems and information. I really admire her determination and persistence when it comes to addressing issues regarding Philippines’ natural state towards various government agencies, environmental organizations and educational facilities through sending e-mails and messages.

          Despite the disparity between her degree and compassion for the environment, she was eager enough to learn facts and knowledge about the natural world especially in marine ecosystems. According to her: Philippines is the epicenter of marine diversity and adversity; an estimated 50-80% of all life on earth is found under the ocean surface; 350 million jobs are directly linked to the world’s five oceans and more than 80 other nations are involved in the fishing trade industry that generates $102 billion dollars yearly. On the other hand, here some dreadful news specified: coral reefs twice the size of Manila were destroyed due to poachers who devastated the seas in Cotabato; 5 to 10 fatal shark attacks only happen annually whereas to 50-100 million shark kills; only less than 2% of the world’s oceans are protected (nearly 12% for land). But what caught my attention is the fact that 80-90% of the Filipinos don’t know how to swim since I, too, don’t know how considering our country is an archipelago surrounded by bodies of water. With that, it is also said that almost 6,000 Filipino children drown every year. What an irony we have here. Anna also revealed that because of this, most Filipinos are not able to see the beauty and exceptional treasure underwater that is why it’s being neglected often times and the conventional fear towards oceanic creatures such as sharks remains.

           Citing all these specific observations and measures, she moved to broader generalizations and theories – the main problem of the Philippines, which is not poverty, instead, “apathy”. We, Filipinos, have a habit on focusing ourselves to other unnecessary matters. For instance, show business rather than our own domestic issues. We are likely to be affected by pointless trends averred by media and internet and then, afterwards, we still continue to compel it's our government's fault. So, let’s stop global whining and swim against the current as what Anna alleged, and be Chief Mermaids in our own unique and possible way.

One billion Rising + Love expressed in Art

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The introduction of the public forum was a short video on One Billion Rising. Essentially it calls everyone around the world to rise up and dance in violence against women and girls.

 The website can be found here:

 http://www.onebillionrising.org/about/campaign/

 What I found interesting was that a massive campaign Such as this was

 The public forum was started with how love is depicted in art.

MOLECULAR TRAFFIC JAM MAKES WATER MOVES FASTER THROUGH NANOCHANNELS

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“MOLECULAR TRAFFIC JAM MAKES WATER MOVES FASTER THROUGH NANOCHANNELS”

                Indeed, the new discovery of the research team headed by Mechanical Engineering Professor Seth Lichter of Northwestern University - School of Engineering and Applied Science is an intrinsic revelation of truth. They found out that the water molecular traveling through tiny carbon nanotube pipes do not flow continuously but rather intermittently.
                The previous molecular dynamic simulations suggested that water molecules coursing through carbon nanotubes are evenly spaced and move lockstep to one another. However, the latest research undertaken by Professor Lichter as published in the January 27 in the journal Physical Review Letters entitled “Solitons Transport Water through Narrow Carbon Nonatubes” revealed that, water actually move intermittently, enabling surprisingly high flow rates of 10 Billion molecules per second or more.
                The finding resolved the quandary that baffled fluid dynamic experts for years and placed the previous predicament uncertain because in reality water passing to carbon nanotubes travelled 10,000 times faster than the predicted.
               
 Such phenomenon was attributed to the smoothness of the carbon nanotube’s surface but further investigations points to the counter intuitive role of their inherently rough interior. Lichter and post doctoral researcher Thomas Sisan performed new simulations with greater time resolution, which reveals the localized variations in the distribution of water along the nanotube. Such variation occur when the water molecules do not line up perfectly with the spacing between the carbon atoms -- creating regions in which the water molecules are unstable thus it propagate exceedingly and rapidly in the nanotube.

                The nanocells are evident in all our cells, where they regulate fluid flows acrosscell membranes. Introducing the recent fluid dynamic principles will develop the medical field in the handling of fluid flow in the human body to save precious life. Also, the promising application could be utilized in the water desalination; water treatment; chemical separations; water filtration; nanotube power batteries; fabrication of quantum dots and nanocrystals which is vital in the electronic industry.

Stage Fright?

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Have you ever experienced stage fright?

Probably anyone who has gone through a recital, a performance, or a speech, has experienced stage fright at some point in their lives. We all have that moment where we stand in front of a huge audience, dazed and unable to perform properly. Our palms sweat, our tongues stutter, and basically we shake like a leaf in front of everyone to see. It’s a ‘scientific’ reaction of our bodies telling us to just run.

For some of us, stage fright may not be a big deal.  But to some people, it can be very stressful, especially when a certain performance/speech is necessary. So for these people, how do we get over this sense of anxiety?

Joe Kowan, a graphic designer and musician from Boston, found a way to get around this. He wrote a song about stage fright, and would perform it every time he would have to get on stage. The song would describe his whole experience during stage fright, making the audience accept his anxiety as part of the performance.


During his performance, Joe appears to be very nervous, but he conquers it when the song starts. Joe managed to overcome his fear by actually singing about his fear, making him relax and better perform in front of the audience. It’s a great example of using your bad experience to create a good one—which teaches us values not just about stage fright, but about life. 

source: TED Talks http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lq_BVyou38s

Should We Continue To Use Electronic Devices?

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Today, technology has made our lives easier with the inventions of electronic appliances and portable gadgets.  We can almost do everything with a single click or command.  However, recent studies show that despite its advantage, we are also putting ourselves at risks of its disadvantages, particularly health problems.

In a recent article, the top three most common electronic devices owned by most people living in different countries are television, computer and car.  These devices are what they usually use in their daily activities.  Because of the convenience these offer, people tend to become lazier.  People spend more time sitting to watch television or to use the computer than doing other physical activities.  Most of the time, people also use their private cars for transportation, thus missing out exercise.

Having little or no exercise at all is most likely the reason why most people today suffer obesity and diabetes.   From time to time, we need to take a break from using these devices and instead, do some physical activities to burn calories.  We could exercise just by walking or taking public transport to our destination. 

We must consider the pros and cons of using electronic devices.  There may be more benefits than disadvantages they give; still, we should be conscientious in using them.   


Source: ABS-CBN News

The Frustrating Physics behind Flappy Bird

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This rise of this infamously difficult, yet simple game has baffled everyone.
But that's exactly the reason why it's become so popular. The difficulty is insanely hard, but the mechanics are insanely simple. Or is it?

Frank Nosechese examines the physics behind the game.
His link is here:

http://fnoschese.wordpress.com/2014/01/30/flappy-bird-when-reality-seems-unrealistic/

In the first part of his experiment, he analyzed the game by recording it in video. He then measured the movement of  each pixels via Logger Pro, a neat program that allows one to perform video-image analysis.
Image from http://fnoschese.wordpress.com/2014/01/30/flappy-bird-when-reality-seems-unrealistic/

 His results shows that the bird is accelerating downward, with an almost constant acceleration equivalent to the earth's. (9.75 m / s / s)

 So we know that the bird is falling downward, the same way any object in real life falls.

 Frank tries another explanation that the impulse after every tap is inconsistent. In real life, it Should be consistent.

What does that mean?

Simple, impulse is the CHANGE in LINEAR MOMENTUM. Let's compare this to a car going really fast (and constant velocity - say 200 km / hr). For some crazy reason you chose to put the car in reverse. The car will not go in reverse immediately, it would need to slow down, stop, and then finally reverse. If the car was slow in the beginning though (say and 5 km / hr), it would just need to stop, and then reverse. It takes less time for a slow car to go to reverse than a fast car. 

 In short, it's easier to change the velocity of a fast moving object than a slow moving object. 

 Should the same physics apply in Flappy bird.
But according to Frank, no. 

 You can actually answer the question by simply playing the game yourself. When you play the game and tap the bird Several times, it goes up and up, but the jump height is ALWAYS the same. Had the game followed the real physics, it would go higher and higher. That's why if you're in the game and you are trying to go through a pipe above, you would need to tap Several times, about three or four and least. But if real physics applied, you could just do it with two taps and most.

 The reason for this is that the code of Flappy bird's velocity resets itself after every tap. Thus your "going up" is always the same height when it should be changing, depending how fast you're going. 

 Here is my poor drawing in comparison. Blue arrows show the projectile motion of Flappy Bird after two taps to get through the pipes with real physics. Red arrows show actual taps in the game.

Anyway, this blog was just to clarify Frank's post. ^ ^

The Particle discovered that is Higgs Boson

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The world of science has been consistently shaken up and thrilled whenever new discoveries are made which makes everyone very enthusiastic and eager to study about. One topic which has always been an interesting thing for scientists to discuss is about our own universe. Of course, who wouldn’t be able to resist knowing and being curious about this so called “God particle” in which they say holds the truth regarding particle physics- and the universe? Dr. Andre David who is a research physicist at CERN, which is an organization within the European Union for nuclear research gave his take on this issue last January 29 in which everyone was enlightened by his words. Dr. David has discussed about some of the most recent news regarding this much fussed about particle.

The particle was considered to be a “God particle” of sort because of its characteristics and properties. One of which is the possibility of it having a certain mass and that at some point, that it fully confirms Einstein’s general theory of relativity. But then later studies as said in the discussion, the claim about it confirming the theory of Einstein has been proven to be wrong. It was also discussed that the Higgs boson connects itself with multiple other particles such as leptons, photons, quarks and the likes in which it is linked with each and every one of them. This gave rise again into a debate amongst scientists whether or not it actually connects like what is being said. With an impact such as this, I wouldn’t really be surprised that this particular particle has been nominated as a Person of the Year. Yes! It is indeed true. It has been nominated for such category due to its enormous impact- and the gigantic potential it still holds secret.


Dr. David has emphasized that discoveries brings inventions. He further states that without the curiosity of man to discover the world of the unknown, we cannot afford to bring something into existence. I definitely agree with what he has said. Curiosity really brings out the creative thinking we have and makes us stand on top of the world with regard to that specific topic in our heads. He also further stated about incorporating society in such discoveries and inventions. I do believe that this is a must for every researcher and scientist out there. They must always see to it that whatever they are doing, they are doing for society. One notable issue raised by Dr. David is that most often than not, discoveries were made by researches in which have lack of initial funding and support from society as well as with no immediate profit or gain. This is really true and has been proven through the milestones that the countless scientists and researchers have been showing to the world. We can see this kind of reality within the countries that have advance technology in their nation versus those that are in third world countries. If we wish to really be able to discover useful things for society, we definitely must invest on the researches that are being made by our fellow countrymen. This is because they are not doing this alone for themselves but for the betterment of society – which should always be their top priority. 

A Whole New World – Or Not?

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The Earth has been generous enough to let life flourished on its land for almost 4 billion years. It has been making it possible for us to live this life that we have been enjoying. But everything at some point reaches its own limit. The modern times of today has got everyone wondering until when can earth sustain life? It is a given fact that as time goes by, the earth has indeed slowly showing some signs of its limit. This is why until now, there have been numerous researches that are being done to find an alternative suitable and habitable home for us.

In a recent article by Jeff Hecht (2014), he has stated that there exists a neighbor habitable planet in which we could potentially live in. The planet reportedly has a star orbiting around it which is close to the sun and is called as the Alpha Centauri B. Hecht (2014) mentioned that this potential planet with the help of the Alpha Centauri B can potentially have seas and slopes and could provide conditions needed to be able to support a wide array of life forms which could last for up to 10 billion years. Although this may sound as good news for many, still not all conditions that is existent on earth could be similar to that of other potential planets. It was mentioned as well in the article that the pull of gravity on this planet would be about one-quarter stronger than that of the Earth.

René Heller (2014) as stated by Hecht (2014) who is from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada together with his colleagues continued to analyze the possibilities of finding potential planets with criteria’s such as its hypothetical gravity, age and internal structure. They found out that indeed, the most suitable place for life is a planet bigger than Earth orbiting an orange star that is smaller than the sun. Still in all of this, the issue of gravity and its implications on life remains a big question. In all of this, the Earth can be seen still as the most suitable place for us humans, as well as other life forms to live in. Even though there are potential planets, known and unknown that can serve as an alternative home for us in the future, still problems are seen with each of them. Only time can only tell until when the Earth can sustain carrying the weight of life. Let’s just hope that it doesn’t give up on us soon – or we’re doomed! 

References:
Hecht, J. (2014). Star next door may host a 'superhabitable' word. In NewScientist. Retrieved February 1, 2014, from http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn24980-star-next-door-may-host-a-superhabitable-world.html#.Uu8PUz1dVv8

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MEASLES OUTBREAK: NO MORE

The Department of Health (DOH) declared measles 'outbreak' in NCR. From Jan. 1 to Dec. 14 last year, the DOH registered a total of 1,724 laboratory-confirmed measles cases nationwide, with 744 cases coming from Metro Manila, 21 of which led to death.
The Health department said measles outbreak were confirmed in Quiapo, Sampaloc, Tondo, Binondo, Santa Cruz, Port Area, and Santa Mesa in Manila; Dagat-Dagatan and Bagong Barrio in Caloocan City; Talon 5, Talon 2 and Pamplona Uno in Las Pinas City; Longos and Tonsuya in Malabon City; Alabang and Putatan in Muntinlupa City; North Bay Boulevard South in Navotas City; Moonwalk and Don Bosco in Paranaque City; Bagong Tanyag in Taguig City and Ugong in Valenzuela City.
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases among children. According to the DOH, measles is an air-borne disease which can be spread quickly especially if you are near to someone who is infected by the virus. The fatal disease is caused by paramyxovirus that grows in cells at the throat and lungs.
Measles can be controlled or prevented through vaccination. The government offers vaccination for free. Health Assistant Secretary Eric Tayag said that babies nine months old must be given the first dose and those one-year-old and above must get their second dose. It is quite frustrating that despite the massive campaign for the control of measles, there are still areas in our country with alarming number of victims of the deadly disease. Who is really responsible for the outbreak of measles in the country?
The Philippine government is really trying to protect the health of the Filipino people by extending free immunization/vaccination to children. Based from my “Under Five Clinic Growth Chart” which was given by DOH through our Barangay Health Clinic, the Health department had given me shots in BCG, Hepatitis B, DPT, Polio and Measles. The immunizations were free of charge and were conducted by local health workers in our barangay. I accept the fact that our place is a far-flung area in Nueva Vizcaya, but the services of DOH are being rendered there. What happened in the metros with numerous victims of measles? Are the people not aware of the services given by the health department?
At this point in time, advertisements in media particularly in television have already been aired for immediate and faster dissemination about measles vaccine. However, many people in the cities are busy with their work for they don’t have time to watch the television. The ads remain futile. The campaign is not quite effective for that reason. Perhaps some parents failed to bring their children for their vaccination shots. If this is the case, the government must have an urgent contingency plan in order to eradicate measles attack in the country. The children are being seriously affected by the deadly disease, so doable and effective solutions must be employed in no time. The future of the nation is at stake if the young generations are not healthy.
According to ASec Tayag, the symptoms of measles are redness of the eyes, coughs and colds, fever reaching 40 degrees Celsius, and rashes on the ears, face, neck and the whole body. It is a fact that children or babies are being infected by the virus, but since it is air-borne then everyone is susceptible and potential victim if not immunized by measles vaccine. If a pregnant person is being attacked by measles, this can be a cause of miscarriage. Measles is really fatal, so the government should aim for “zero” victim in the future. How does the Health department attain “zero victim” in the country?
One of the best solutions in order to control or eradicate measles is to bring the services of DOH to the households. Aside from the flyers or ads, a health representative will make a survey on the number of children who are not immunized not only in measles but also BCG, Hepatitis B, DPT, Polio and others. This should be done in every barangay to ensure 100% immunization. The local barangay health worker makes an appointment to the parents for the immunization of their children, a door-to-door immunization.
The DOH should make the immunization “mandatory” to all children. No one is exempted for that noble purpose. Once the Local Civil Registrar issues the birth certificate of the newly born baby, the Health department will also issue a Health Card or MediCard to remind the parents about the immunizations offered by the agency. After which, the DOH will monitor if that baby is brought to the barangay health center for immunization. This will perhaps diminish if not totally eradicate the cases of measles victims in the country.
The crusade of the DOH against measles or any infectious disease is highly appreciated. Enough funds should be given to the agency in order to protect the health of the manpower of the country. Everyone should also cooperate in order to control or eradicate the contagious diseases. Parents are encouraged to avail the vaccinations and other health services offered by the Health department for their children and for them.
Measles outbreak: no more!