Macbeth Article Critique Essay Example for Free

Macbeth Article Critique Essay Overall darkness is at fault for the tragedy of Macbeth. Most scenes in story were dark and held an evil atmosphere. A.C. Bradley stated that with so much darkness surrounding the hero, (Macbeth), he was bound to be corrupted by it. The witch’s prophecy, Lady Macbeth, and the constant spilling of blood both innocent and guilty. This darkness that corrupted him led Macbeth to madness as well as his wife. He and Lady Macbeth feared the night when sleep would succumb them and their guilty conscious plagued their dreams. All their evil deeds were brought to the for-front of their minds when they were asleep and this recurring nightmare drove Lady Macbeth to take her own life. When surrounded by darkness one will eventually succumb to its overwhelming power. A.C. Bradley’s argument about the atmosphere of Macbeth was fairly logical. Except for paragraph three where his words caused confusion. Bradley states that momentary flashes of light are shown at random parts of the play. Then he proceeds onto listing those moments. However, this confuses one’ because he doesn’t state what he believes is the reason for these flashes. This paragraph makes one question whether these flashes are good or bad? Are they a sign of Macbeth turning a new leave? All these questions are a burden to the readers. Another confusing matter that comes into play after reading the article is its clarity. The article is partially written in an advanced jargon. This jargon trips up the readers and forces them to re-read the article, divide it into sections, then analyze and translate the meaning of his words. At first it is difficult to interpret the meaning of his words but once understood one would think â€Å"OH, How come I didn’t get it the first time I read it or was it always this clear†? The analyzing of Bradley’s words take up too much time and he should have written them in simpler terms. This article may have its confusing parts but it is well constructed and states the writers’ opinion clearly and methodically. The reactions it evoked from one’ were confusion, stress, and amazement. A.C. Bradley can truly write an amazing paper that makes the readers think deeply without restraint. This article made one think of questions such as â€Å" Did Shakespeare really use light as a fore-warning of an evil deed instead of a good deed?† or â€Å"Does living in a negative environment warp a person’s personality and make them evil and deadly?† the article is great and should be read and critiqued by others. The atmosphere of Macbeth was indeed dark and did weigh on the characters souls, but it is not what caused the tragic events in Macbeth. What caused the tragedy was pure human greed and lust for power. In the beginning of the play when the witches for-told Macbeth of his destiny to become king he began to think of all the ways he could hasten his crowning. However, he feared his treasonous thoughts but his wife didn’t. Ensnared in her lust for power, riches, and fame Macbeth acted on those treasonous thought and killed his king. The man he swore ever-lasting allegiance to. All this just to satisfy his and his Lady’s’ greed for the power King Duncan held. However, his crowning only led to paranoia and un-satisfaction. This is because a senseless act done out of greed can never satisfy or settle ones heart and conscious. Like Erich Fromm stated â€Å"Greed is a bottomless pit which exhausts the person in an endless effort to satisfy the need without ever ending satisfaction.† The hole that could never be filled in Macbeth drove him to madness and in the end led to his and many others’ demise. Greed, lust, and power all added together never result in a happy ending. It only leads to tragedy. The tragedy that was the atmosphere of Macbeth.

Non Destructive Testing In The Aerospace Industry

Non Destructive Testing In The Aerospace Industry Since several years, technology has been improved tremendously and is still in a need for advancement due to the increasing growth of demands. In todays economy structures must remain for operation for such longer period than originally anticipated. The ageing effect on these structures is becoming significant. Non-destructive testing  (NDT) is a wide group of analysis techniques used in science and industry to evaluate the properties of a material, component or system without causing damage  Because NDT does not permanently alter the article being inspected, it is a highly-valuable technique that can save both money and time in product evaluation, troubleshooting, and research. Common NDT methods include  ultrasonic,  magnetic-particle,  liquid-penetrant,  radiographic and  eddy-current testing. NDT is a commonly-used tool in  forensic engineering,  mechanical engineering,  electrical engineering,  civil engineering,  systems engineering,  aeronautical engi neering,  medicine, and  art.(3) The development of Non destructive testing examines the techniques to verify the conditions of these structures and these developments are focused on extending the cost of maintenance of the existing structures. History: It may be said that NDT has been used from ancient times. The audible ring of a Damascus sword blade would show the indication of the strength of the metal in combat. This technique was also used by the early blacksmiths. They used to listen to the ring of different metals being shaped. The same technique was also used by early bell makers. Visual testing had been used for many years for a wide range of applications. Heat sensing was used to monitor thermal changes in materials and sonic tests were performed years ago(1). NDT by far is a visual testings which is the oldest mankind testing, this was used for visual checking knifes. The first use of NDT was done by a English man S.H.Saxby . who used compass for finding cracks in gun pipes in 1868.With a long established history in non-destructive testing (NDT), producing its first UV meter in the late 1960s (as Levy West Laboratories), AST is the market leader with the Levy Hill MkVI meter. NDT is well known as a part of industrial procedures, but it is also of importance in examinations of a more general interest in everyday life. In the aerospace industry, NDT can make the difference between life and death. Aircraft components are inspected before they are assembled into the aircraft and then they are periodically inspected throughout their useful life. Aircraft parts are designed to be as light as possible while still performing their intended function. This generally means that components carry very high loads relative to their material strength and small flaws can cause a component to fail. Since aircraft are cycled (loaded and unloaded) as they fly, land, taxi, and pressurize the cabin, many components are prone to fatigue cracking after some length of time. Even parts that are loaded well below the level that causes them to deform can develop fatigue cracks after being cycled for a long time. Cracking can also occur due to other things like a lightning strike. Aircraft have some protection against lightning strikes but occasionally they occur and can results in cracks forming at the strike location. The historical development of NDT is outlined for each technique. The second oldest method was the Acoustics it has been used by ancient time when man started making the pottery vessels. Table1. Table below shows a list of some of the key events in the chronology of NDT. (1) Year Chronology of Early Key Events in NDT 1800 First thermography observations by Sir William Herschel 1831 First Observation of electromagnetic induction by Michael Faraday 1840 First infrared image produced by Herschels son, John 1868 First reference to magnetic particle testing reported by S.H. Saxby, by observing how magnetized gun barrels affect a compass 1879 Early use of eddy currents to detect differences in conductivity, magnetic permeability, and temperature initiated by E. Hughes 1880-1920 Oil and whiting technique, forerunner of present-day penetrant test used for railroad axles and boilerplates 1895 X-rays discovered by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen 1898 Radium discovered by Marie and Pierre Curie. 1922 Industrial Radiography for metals developed by Dr. H.H. Lester. 1927-28 Electric current induction/ magnetic field detection system developed by Dr. Elmer Sperry and H.C. Drake for the inspection of railroad track. 1929 Magnetic particle tests/ equipment pioneered by A.V. deforest and F.B. Doane. 1930 Practical uses for gamma radiography using radiumwere demonstrated by Dr. Robert F. Mehl 1935-40 Penetrant techniques developed by Betz, Doane , and deForest 1935-40 Eddy current developments by H. C. Knerr, C. Farrow, Theo Zuschlag, and Dr. F. Foerster 1940-44 Ultrasonic test metod developed in United States by Dr. Floyd Firestone 1942 First Ultrasound flaw detector using pulse-echo introduced by D.O. Sproule 1946 First portable ultrasonic thickness measuring instrument, the Audigage, was introduced by Branson 1950 Acoustic emission introduced as an NDT method by J. Kaiser Mid 1950s First ultrasonic testing immersion B and C scan instruments developed by Donald C. Erdman From the late 1950s to present, NDT has seen many developments, innovation, and growth. The roots of non-destructive testing began to take form prior to the 1920s. In the 1920s there was an awareness of some of some of the magnetic particle tests, the visual test and also X-radiography. Prior to World War II, design engineers were content to rely on unusually high safety factors which were usually built or engineered into many products. In addition, there were a significant number of catastrophic failures and other accidents relating to product inadequacies that bought the concern for system and component quality to the forefront. (1) Background History of Individual Testings: Magnetic Particle Test: Saxby used a magnetic compass to locate the defects and in homogeneities in gun barrels in 1868. Herring in 1879 obtained a patent in United States for the defection of defects in railway lines using a compass needle. Deliberate studies were carried out by A.V. de Forest in 1928 and 1929 of the use of magnetic particles for non-destructive testing of ferromagnetic materials. In 1936, Unger and Hilpert described in a patent in Germany at where the inspection of aircraft engine parts, engines for fatigue cracks are developed rapidly and the magnetic particle testing was made mandatory. The real breakthrough for magnetic particle testing came, in 1960s these methods was further greatly developed by C.Betz. Radiography: Wilhelm.Conrad. Roentgen discovered X rays in 8 November 1895 when it was observed by him that fluorescent glow of crystals on a table near the cathode ray tube. Later the penetrating radiations were characterized systematically which are emitted by cathode ray tubes. These represent the very first radiographs taken in 1896. He conducted a test on his own hunting rifle. Radiograph of the rifle showed some defects in the material and was the start of industrial radiography. Penetrant Test: It is a simple and effective method of examining surface areas for defects, cracks and discontinuities. Rubbing of carbon black on glazed pottery is one of the early surface inspections. Later on in 1940 magnetic particle method was introduced which is more sensitive. Many of the earlier developments were carried out by Magnaflux, IL USA. In 1942 it introduced Zyglo system where the fluorescent dyes were added to the liquid penetrant. The methods were formerly called The oil and whiting method and were used by the huge locomotives in the beginning of the 20th century.(13) Ultrasonic testing: Richardson proposed Echo ranging detection of objects at sea in 1912. Later, Lavengin developed a source of ultrasonic waves by using the piezoelectric effect with quartz crystals between steel plates. Future on experiments was carried out by Boyle and by Wood by using quartz piezoelectric transducers. The most simple and quick method came up in 1940 by Firestone. The method avoided many of the problems which were associated with standing wave formation. Then in 1942 Firestone was the first to use his own method for the sonar. The two German brothers H and J. Krautkramer did a lot of research of method and contributed for the development of method. Since their time method has gone through several phases of development. Eddy Current Test: Jean-Bernard Leon Foucault is generally credited with the first clear demonstration of eddy currents, by showing that electrical currents are set up in a copper disk moving in a non uniform magnetic field. Hughes is considered to have been the pioneer in using Eddy currents to inspect the metals. Eddy currents are also known as Induced currents which can only exist in conducting materials.(13) The use of NDT methods took place during the Second World War started from the testings of submarines and airplanes. During these years the use of NDT is seen in the inspection of nuclear power plant components, pressure vessels and car parts. Aim: To investigate the use of various NDT methods in industry. Objectives: To Conduct research on NDT and its applications To identify key components of an aircraft, where likely hood of crack is high. To test the components with appropriate NDT methods. To perform penetrant test to identify the cracks in a gear. Initial Plan As the project initiates with the major task of carrying out the background reading and researching, great amount of time has to be required to collect information about project. A great deal of time has been spent on background reading. Project requires thorough knowledge on NDT in aerospace and its classification. A detailed background reading has been done to understand the concept of NDT. Background reading has also been done on different types of NDT testings and its classifications. A detailed study has been done on the history of NDT. Background Reading: Non Destructive Testing (NDT) Non-destructive testing is the process by which materials, components or assemblies can be inspected without affecting their ultimate serviceability. It offers some important advantages over destructive testing processes such as mechanical testing. A destructive test must necessarily be on a sample basis. This is acceptable in many cases: to check that a batch of material is within specification, for example, or as a sample check on a large number of identical components. But a sample destructive test may not be feasible for a small number of high value components and in critical cases a 100% inspection may be required. Because of this, one key role of NDT is in assuring the quality of many manufacturing processes. NDT can also be used to test components which have been subjected to service conditions. A welded structure can be inspected to detect fatigue cracking. NDT results can further be used to aid decisions on the need for and timing of repairs. Suitable techniques, correctly applied, can be used to measure the depth of a fatigue crack. This, coupled with knowledge of the system stresses, the toughness of the material and the fatigue crack growth rate, can be used to determine if a cracked component can be left in service until the next planned overhaul period. These twin roles of NDT ensure that the technology will continue to play a fundamental role in materials testing.  Aircrafts are designed to withstand a certain amount of damage from cracking and corrosion without cause for concern, and NDT inspectors are trained to find the damage before it becomes a major problem.  The rigorous process used to design aircraft either allows for a certain amount of damage to occur before a part fails, or in many cases, a part can fail completely and performance of the aircraft will not be affected. The job of the NDT inspector is to find the damage while it is within acceptable limits.(5) Role of NDT Non destructive testing can be taken place at any transportation industry. The main aim is to consider the over view of all the terms of NDT and its applications and also to consider research on the optical methods. This is considered to be one of the important terms in the project. Another term is to do research on the optical methods which are implemented on the aircraft parts. (12) Types of methods: The number of NDT methods that can be used to inspect components and make whether the measurements are large and continues to grow. Researchers continue to find new ways of applying physics and other scientific disciplines to develop better NDT methods. However, there are six NDT methods that are used most often. These methods are visual inspection, penetrant testing, magnetic particle testing, electromagnetic or eddy current testing, radiography, and ultrasonic testing. These methods and a few others are briefly described below. (12) Visual and Optical Testing (VT)   Visual inspection involves using an inspectors eyes to look for defects. The inspector may also use special tools such as magnifying glasses, mirrors, or bore scopes to gain access and more closely inspect the subject area. Visual examiners follow procedures that range from simple to very complex. The principle behind Visual testing is the use of reflected or transmitted light from test object that is imagined with the human eye or other light-sensing device. VT finds its application in many industries ranging from raw materials to finished products and in-service inspection. VT can be inexpensive and simple with minimal training required. It has broad scope of uses and benefits. However VT can only evaluate surface conditions. Also effective source of illumination is required. (1) Penetrant Testing (PT) Test objects are coated with visible or fluorescent dye solution. Excess dye is then removed from the surface, and a developer is applied. The developer acts as blotter, drawing trapped penetrant out of imperfections open to the surface. With visible dyes, vivid colour contrasts between the penetrant and developer make bleed out easy to see. With fluorescent dyes, ultraviolet light is used to make the bleed out fluoresce brightly, thus allowing imperfections to be readily seen. (6) Figure1: Figure illustrating a simple Penetrant testing (8) The principle behind PT is that a liquid containing visible or fluorescent dye is applied to the surface and the fluid enters the discontinuities by capillary action. PT finds its application in virtually any solid non-absorbent material having uncoated surfaces that are not contaminated. PT is relatively easy and materials are inexpensive. It is extremely sensitive and very versatile. Also minimal training is required. Discontinuities can only be found on the surface. The surface condition must be relatively smooth and free of contaminants. (1) Magnetic Particle Testing (MT)HYPERLINK http://www.ndt-ed.org/EducationResources/CommunityCollege/MagParticle/cc_mpi_index.htm   This NDE method is accomplished by inducing a magnetic field in a ferromagnetic material and then dusting the surface with iron particles (either dry or suspended in liquid). Surface and near-surface imperfections distort the magnetic field and concentrate iron particles near imperfections, previewing a visual indication of the flaw. (6) Figure2. Figure illustrating the basic concept of Magnetic Particle Testing (9) The principle behind MT is that the test particle is magnetized and fine ferromagnetic particles are applied to the surface, hence aligning at discontinuity. MT finds its application in all ferromagnetic materials, for surface and subsurface discontinuities. It can be used in large and small parts. MT is relatively easy to use. Equipment and material is usually inexpensive. MT is highly sensitive and fast compared to PT. However in MT only surface and a few subsurface discontinuities can be detected. The test can be only done on ferromagnetic materials. (1) Electromagnetic Testing (ET) or Eddy Current Testing Electrical currents are generated in a conductive material by an induced alternating magnetic field. The electrical currents are called eddy currents because they flow in circles at and just below the surface of the material. Interruptions in the flow of eddy currents, caused by imperfections, dimensional changes, or changes in the materials conductive and permeability properties, can be detected with the proper equipment. Figure3: Figure illustrating Eddy Current Testing (10) The principle behind ET is that localised electric fields are induced into a conductive test specimen by electromagnetic induction. ET finds its application in virtually all conductive materials. All conductive materials can be examined for flaws, metallurgical conditions, thinning and conductivity. ET is quick, versatile, and sensitive. It can be no contacting. Also it can be easily adaptable to automation. However variables must be understood and controlled. (1) Radiography (RT)HYPERLINK http://www.ndt-ed.org/EducationResources/CommunityCollege/Radiography/cc_rad_index.htm   Radiography involves the use of penetrating gamma or X-radiation to examine parts and products for imperfections. An X-ray generator or radioactive isotope is used as a source of radiation. Radiation is directed through a part and onto film or other imaging media. The resulting shadowgraph shows the dimensional features of the part. Possible imperfections are indicated as density changes on the film. Figure4: Figure illustrating the basic principle of Radiographic Testing (11) The principle behind RT is that a radiographic film is exposed when radiation passes through the test object. RT finds its application in most material, shapes and structures. RT is the most widely used and accepted volumetric examination. RT can used only on limited thickness based on material density. Also there is a possible threat of radiation hazard.(1) Ultrasonic Testing (UT)HYPERLINK http://www.ndt-ed.org/EducationResources/CommunityCollege/Ultrasonics/cc_ut_index.htm   It uses transmission of high-frequency sound waves into a material to detect imperfections or to locate changes in material properties. The most commonly used ultrasonic testing technique is pulse echo, wherein sound is introduced into a test object and reflections (echoes) are returned to a receiver from internal imperfections or from the parts geometrical surfaces. Figure5: Figure illustrating the basic concept of Ultrasonic Testing (11) The principle behind UT is that high frequency sound pulses from a transducer propagate through the test material, reflecting at interfaces. Most materials can be examined if sound transmission and surface finish are good and shape is not complex. UT provides precise, high-sensitivity results quickly. Thickness information, depth, and type of flaw can be obtained from one side of the component. (1) Work to date As suggested by the project plan, the entire duration of the project is distributed variably as required by different tasks commencing from the basic research and reading. According to the project plan the research was done on few NDT techniques and some of the techniques are still under research, along with types of methods and its techniques. Necessary Future Work A more detailed and precise study of non destructive testings in aero industry is to be done. Project requires identifying various testings in Aerospace industry. A detailed study should be done on techniques and testings of NDT in Aerospace industry. A precise study of industrial applications and research should be done on optical methods. Key components of an aircraft should be identified and finally components may be tested by appropriate NDT methods. The main project work to be done is perform a Dye Penetrant Testing to identify cracks on gear. Dye penetrant inspection  (DPI), also called  liquid penetrant inspection  (LPI) or  penetrant testing(PT), is a widely applied and low-cost inspection method used to locate surface-breaking defects in all non-porous materials (metals, plastics, or ceramics). The penetrant may be applied to all non-ferrous materials. The main steps in Liquid Penetrant Inspection which are intended to be performed on the gear may be: Pre-cleaning: The test surface is to be cleaned to remove any dirt, paint, oil, grease or any loose scale that could keep the penetrant out of a defect. Application of Penetrant: The penetrant is to be then applied to the surface of the item which is to be tested.   Excess Penetrant Removal: The excess penetrant is to be then removed from the surface. Application of Developer: After excess penetrant has been removed a white developer is to be applied. Inspection: The inspection is to be done using visible light with adequate intensity for visible dye penetrant. Post Cleaning: The test surface is then to be cleaned after inspection and recording of defects. Summary It is clear that NDT has advantage from other inspection techniques as it does not make any changes to the article. It is a highly-valuable technique that can save both money and time in product evaluation, troubleshooting, and research. NDT is very useful in order to detect cracks in materials of magnitude in micrometers. (2) Its aerospace application includes detection of cracks caused due to corrosion, fatigue and their synergistic interactions. Crank shafts, frames, flywheels, crane hooks, shaft, steam turbine blades and fasteners are some of the components which are more vulnerable to fatigue so regular inspection is necessary via NDT method. Typical components which are inspected using NDT method by manufacture in order to maintain quality are turbine rotor disc and blades, aircraft wheels, castings, forged components and welded assemblies. One of the NDT methods is Eddy current technique which can be used to check tube, bar and wire and also this method is automatic and highly sophisticated.(3) It can be said that NDT method has to be carried out in order for the aircraft to operate safely during service time and avoid any accidental damage due to fatigue and corrosion.(2) In this report, a detailed explanation of NDT testings and techniques are explained. The uses of NDT in different industrial applications are explained and a precise study on optical methods is done. According to the project plan, next task would be to conduct research on NDT applications. List of Tables Table1: Table showing a list of some of the key events in the chronology of NDT List of figures Figure1: Figure illustrating a simple Penetrant testing Figure2. Figure illustrating the basic concept of Magnetic Particle Testing Figure3: Figure illustrating Eddy Current Testing Figure4: Figure illustrating the basic principle of Radiographic Testing Figure5: Figure illustrating the basic concept of Ultrasonic Testing

Prospero’s Magic in Shakespeares The Tempest Essay -- Tempest essays

Prospero’s Magic in Shakespeare's The Tempest In order to understand the full effect the character of Prospero, in Shakespeare's The Tempest, would have had on the audience, it is important to understand how magic was regarded during the time. During the Tudor and early Stuart periods, interest in magic ran high, and attitudes toward magic were varied and complex. For instance, magic was to be avoided by God-fearing men, but "God permitted magic partly to demonstrate, by its overthrow, his own miraculous powers, and partly as one of the pitfalls that appeared in the world as a result of original sin" (Traister 3). Also, many scholars and philosophers were magicians, and it was difficult to draw a line between magic and science since medicine and astronomy were often associated with magic. So, people sought to clarify the ambiguities by distinguishing demonic magic from natural magic, or black magic from white magic. Basically, demonic magic was performed with the aid of spirits and natural magic was not. But even that definition became muddled with complexities during a revival of neoplatonism in England. There was a belief in a world spirit that could be tapped into by magic. Early neoplatonist ideas about magic can be traced to Marsilio Ficino. He developed theories of ways to "attract planetary daemons (to be carefully distinguished from 'demons' evil spirits) by the use of music, particular words similar to incantations, special colors, and perfumes" (Traister 7). Ficino argued this to be different from demonic magic because he intended to attract angelic spirits rather than evil spirits. Ficino's ideas were further developed by Henry Cornelius Agrippa (1486-1535) as he divided natural magic and create... ...-48. Craig, Hardin. "Magic in The Tempest." Philological Quarterly 47 (1968): 8-15. Egan, Robert. "This Rough Magic: Perspectives of Art and Morality in The Tempest." Shakespeare Quarterly 23 (1972): 171-82. Estrin, Barbara L. "Telling the Magician from the Magic in The Tempest." Bucknell Review: A Scholarly Journal of Letter, Arts and Science 25:1 (1980): 170-87. French, Peter J. John Dee: The World of an Elizabethan Magus. London: Routledge & Kegan Paul, 1972. Harris, Anthony. Night's Black Agents: Witchcraft and Magic in Seventeenth-Century English Drama. Manchester: Manchester University Press, 1980. Thomas, Keith. Religion and the Decline of Magic. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1971. Traister, Barbara Howard. Heavenly Necromancers: The Magician in English Renaissance Drama. Columbia: University of Missouri Press, 1984.

Method Of Communication And Different Uses Of Communication Essay

Method of Communication and Different Uses of Communication With the development of civilization and written languages came the need for more frequent and reliable methods of communication allowing messages to reach longer distances. This was essential to the control of trade and other affairs between nations and empires.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Early man used cave walls as the media on which messages could be transcribed, this was common for many years, until the Egyptians discovered a special kind of rush (Papyrus) that could be woven to form a portable writing material. In about 105AD the Chinese discovered a way to make a similar substance from wood pulp.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Over the next few centuries printing techniques advanced rapidly, especially through the use of steam power. The first typesetting machine, the Linotype, was patented in 1884 by the German-American Ottmar Mergenthaler. In the meantime, postal services and moved from being privately to nationally owned, and long distance postal services became an affordable option. For the first time, an ordinary person could correspond with people in other countries. A visual semaphore system was also implemented in both Europe and the United States, providing a way of ‘echoing' messages nationally via large towers placed in strategic positions; however this proved slow as each method had to be verified to ensure message accuracy. Following the discovery and partial understanding of electricity in t...

Teleportation :: essays research papers

Teleportation   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  If I had a chose between two superpowers, to turn invisible or flight, I would break the rules and choose to have the ability of teleportation. I was ready to answer right away, but I put some thought into this question, such as the capabilities and limitations of these superpowers.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  If I fly, can I carry people or objects just by touching them (ala Superman 2)? Would I be able to carry something, someone equal to, or more than my own weight or would this be too much of a challenge while flying? I would probably worry about enough sufficient oxygen, since flying requires air to work, just as swimming requires water. The higher I go the more lack of oxygen, the slower I will travel in proportion to the thinning air, therefore no flying in space. In addition, it is very important to remember I am not invincible. Therefore, if I try to fly through a brick wall, I would definitely injure myself; this also applies if I collide with a plane or bird. If I would choose to be invisible, I hope that everything I am wearing will turn invisible too and I would not have to strip naked or anything. If other invisible people want to, fine, I am not going to stop them. More power to them for being comfortable with there body. I hope that this would not be required. If I am invisible, would I have a small invisibility aura surrounding me, and would the things caught in that aura go invisible? If I pick something up, does it turn invisible, or does it just float there or if I drop something, would it be visible again, whether I like it or not? For example, if I was wearing an invisible baseball cap, and threw it in the air, would it be visible after leaving my hand? In addition, would it be invisible again if I catch it? If I want that hat to be invisible, do have to tuck it under my shirt (ala Harry Potter's invisibility cloak), or turn visible and then back invisible to catch the stuff I am holding. Therefore, if I were going to choose this superpower, God forbid, if I rob a bank, and slip into the vault, I would have to stuff the money into my pants and shirt to avoid the cheesy movie effect of money floating out of the bank.

Craig Ventors First Cell

Cr Craig Ventor first first self-replicating, synthetic bacterial cell ROCKVILLE, MD and San Diego, CA (May 20, 2010)— Researchers at the J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI), a not-for-profit genomic research organization, published results today describing the successful construction of the first self-replicating, synthetic bacterial cell. The team synthesized the 1. 08 million base pair chromosome of a modified Mycoplasma mycoides genome. The synthetic cell is called Mycoplasma mycoides JCVI-syn1. and is the proof of principle that genomes can be designed in the computer, chemically made in the laboratory and transplanted into a recipient cell to produce a new self-replicating cell controlled only by the synthetic genome. This research will be published by Daniel Gibson et al in the May 20th edition of Science Express and will appear in an upcoming print issue of Science. â€Å"For nearly 15 years Ham Smith, Clyde Hutchison and the rest of our team have been working toward thi s publication today–the successful completion of our work to construct a bacterial cell that is fully controlled by a synthetic genome,† said J.Craig Venter, Ph. D. , founder and president, JCVI and senior author on the paper. â€Å"We have been consumed by this research, but we have also been equally focused on addressing the societal implications of what we believe will be one of the most powerful technologies and industrial drivers for societal good. We look forward to continued review and dialogue about the important applications of this work to ensure that it is used for the benefit of all. † According to Dr.Smith, â€Å"With this first synthetic bacterial cell and the new tools and technologies we developed to successfully complete this project, we now have the means to dissect the genetic instruction set of a bacterial cell to see and understand how it really works. † To complete this final stage in the nearly 15 year process to construct and boot u p a synthetic cell, JCVI scientists began with the accurate, digitized genome of the bacterium, M. mycoides. The team designed 1,078 specific cassettes of DNA that were 1,080 base pairs long. These cassettes were designed so that the ends of each DNA cassette overlapped each of its neighbors by 80bp.The cassettes were made according to JCVI’s specifications by the DNA synthesis company, Blue Heron Biotechnology. The JCVI team employed a three stage process using their previously described yeast assembly system to build the genome using the 1,078 cassettes. The first stage involved taking 10 cassettes of DNA at a time to build 110, 10,000 bp segments. In the second stage, these 10,000 bp segments are taken 10 at a time to produce eleven, 100,000 bp segments. In the final step, all 11, 100 kb segments were assembled into the complete synthetic genome in yeast cells and grown as a yeast artificial chromosome.The complete synthetic M. mycoides genome was isolated from the yeast c ell and transplanted into Mycoplasma capricolum recipient cells that have had the genes for its restriction enzyme removed. The synthetic genome DNA was transcribed into messenger RNA, which in turn was translated into new proteins. The M. capricolum genome was either destroyed by M. mycoides restriction enzymes or was lost during cell replication. After two days viable M. mycoides cells, which contained only synthetic DNA, were clearly visible on petri dishes containing bacterial growth medium.The initial synthesis of the synthetic genome did not result in any viable cells so the JCVI team developed an error correction method to test that each cassette they constructed was biologically functional. They did this by using a combination of 100 kb natural and synthetic segments of DNA to produce semi-synthetic genomes. This approach allowed for the testing of each synthetic segment in combination with 10 natural segments for their capacity to be transplanted and form new cells. Ten out of 11 synthetic fragments resulted in viable cells; therefore the team narrowed the issue down to a single 100 kb cassette.DNA sequencing revealed that a single base pair deletion in an essential gene was responsible for the unsuccessful transplants. Once this one base pair error was corrected, the first viable synthetic cell was produced. Dr. Gibson stated, â€Å"To produce a synthetic cell, our group had to learn how to sequence, synthesize, and transplant genomes. Many hurdles had to be overcome, but we are now able to combine all of these steps to produce synthetic cells in the laboratory. † He added, â€Å"We can now begin working on our ultimate objective of synthesizing a minimal cell containing only the genes necessary to sustain life in its simplest form.This will help us better understand how cells work. † This publication represents the construction of the largest synthetic molecule of a defined structure; the genome is almost double the size of the previou s Mycoplasma genitalium synthesis. With this successful proof of principle, the group will now work on creating a minimal genome, which has been a goal since 1995. They will do this by whittling away at the synthetic genome and repeating transplantation experiments until no more genes can be disrupted and the genome is as small as possible. This minimal cell will be a platform for analyzing the function of every essential gene in a cell.According to Dr. Hutchison, â€Å"To me the most remarkable thing about our synthetic cell is that its genome was designed in the computer and brought to life through chemical synthesis, without using any pieces of natural DNA. This involved developing many new and useful methods along the way. We have assembled an amazing group of scientists that have made this possible. † As in the team’s 2008 publication in which they described the successful synthesis of the M. genitalium genome, they designed and inserted into the genome what they called watermarks.These are specifically designed segments of DNA that use the â€Å"alphabet† of genes and proteins that enable the researcher to spell out words and phrases. The watermarks are an essential means to prove that the genome is synthetic and not native, and to identify the laboratory of origin. Encoded in the watermarks is a new DNA code for writing words, sentences and numbers. In addition to the new code there is a web address to send emails to if you can successfully decode the new code, the names of 46 authors and other key contributors and three quotations: â€Å"TO LIVE, TO ERR, TO FALL, TO TRIUMPH, TO RECREATE LIFE OUT OFLIFE. † – JAMES JOYCE; â€Å"SEE THINGS NOT AS THEY ARE, BUT AS THEY MIGHT BE. †-A quote from the book, â€Å"American Prometheus†; â€Å"WHAT I CANNOT BUILD, I CANNOT UNDERSTAND. † – RICHARD FEYNMAN. The JCVI scientists envision that the knowledge gained by constructing this first self-replicatin g synthetic cell, coupled with decreasing costs for DNA synthesis, will give rise to wider use of this powerful technology. This will undoubtedly lead to the development of many important applications and products including biofuels, vaccines, pharmaceuticals, clean water and food products.The group continues to drive and support ethical discussion and review to ensure a positive outcome for society. Funding for this research came from Synthetic Genomics Inc. , a company co-founded by Drs. Venter and Smith. Background The research published today was made possible by previous breakthroughs at JCVI. In 2007 the team published results from the transplantation of the native M. mycoides genome into the M. capricolum cell which resulted in the M. capricolum cell being transformed into M. mycoides. This work established the notion that DNA is the software of life and that DNA dictates the cell phenotype.In 2008 the same team reported on the construction of the first synthetic bacterial ge nome by assembling DNA fragments made from the four chemicals of life—ACGT. The final assembly of DNA fragments into the whole genome was performed in yeast by making use of the yeast genetic systems. However, when the team attempted to transplant the synthetic bacterial genome out of yeast and into a recipient bacterial cell, viable transplants could not be recovered. Ethical Considerations: Since the beginning of the quest to understand and build a synthetic genome, Dr.Venter and his team have been concerned with the societal issues surrounding the work. In 1995 while the team was doing the research on the minimal genome, the work underwent significant ethical review by a panel of experts at the University of Pennsylvania (Cho et al, Science December 1999:Vol. 286. no. 5447, pp. 2087 – 2090). The bioethical group's independent deliberations, published at the same time as the scientific minimal genome research, resulted in a unanimous decision that there were no stron g ethical reasons why the work should not continue as long as the scientists involved continued to engage public discussion. Dr.Venter and the team at JCVI continue to work with bioethicists, outside policy groups, legislative members and staff, and the public to encourage discussion and understanding about the societal implications of their work and the field of synthetic genomics generally. As such, the JCVI’s policy team, along with the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS), and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), were funded by a grant from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation for a 20-month study that explored the risks and benefits of this emerging technology, as well as possible safeguards to prevent abuse, including bioterrorism.After several workshops and public sessions the group published a report in October 2007 outlining options for the field and its researchers. Most recently in December of 2008, JCVI received funding from the Alfred P. Sloa n Foundation to examine ethical and societal concerns that are associated with the developing science of synthetic genomics. The ongoing research is intended to inform the scientific community as well as educate our policymakers and journalists so that they may engage in informed discussions on the topic.About the J. Craig Venter Institute The JCVI is a not-for-profit research institute in Rockville, MD and La Jolla, CA dedicated to the advancement of the science of genomics; the understanding of its implications for society; and communication of those results to the scientific community, the public, and policymakers. Founded by J. Craig Venter, Ph. D. , the JCVI is home to approximately 400 scientists and staff with expertise in human and evolutionary biology, genetics, ioinformatics/informatics, information technology, high-throughput DNA sequencing, genomic and environmental policy research, and public education in science and science policy. The legacy organizations of the JCVI are: The Institute for Genomic Research (TIGR), The Center for the Advancement of Genomics (TCAG), the Institute for Biological Energy Alternatives (IBEA), the Joint Technology Center (JTC), and the J. Craig Venter Science Foundation. The JCVI is a 501 (c) (3) organization. For additional information, please visit http://www. JCVI. org. Media Contact: Heather Kowalski, 301-943-8879, hkowalski(AT)jcvi. org

The Environmental Issue of Overpopulation

The Environmental Issue of Overpopulation Jakira West June 10, 2012 The Environmental Issue of Overpopulation As time passes and our world’s population continues to grow, overpopulation is becoming a very serious issue deserving of the upmost acknowledgement and consideration. Throughout history crowding of the earth and the overuse of the world’s natural resources has hardly been a main concern. Today however, with a population of 7 billion people and counting, the diminishment of the earth’s resources has become a more serious issue than ever before.According to the Environmental Protection Agency, overpopulation occurs when a population’s density exceeds the capacity of the environment to supply the health requirements of an individual. In other words, overpopulation happens when the amount of individuals exceeds the amount of resources the individuals require in order to satisfy their most basic needs. Overpopulation has become an issue because our ear th can only provide so much for the sustainment of every human life. In the past, more industrialized and populated countries have been main contributors to the pollution and plundering of the Earth.The United Nations reports that population increases have slowed and even stopped in places such as North America, Japan, and Europe. Still, the growth in population of places such as sub-Saharan Africa and south and western Asia has been a significant factor in the increase of the world’s population. â€Å"Industrialized countries in the past have done their share of plundering and polluting. But today most such problems occur in developing countries commonly called the Third World, which also happen to be the areas of greatest population growth† (Nat Geo).The global population rises at the rate of 78 million people per year. A problem within the problem of overpopulation is the fact that the fastest growing countries are the least able to afford their large populations. à ¢â‚¬Å"Africa’s population has tripled since 1960 and continues to grow the fastest. Europe had twice as many people as Africa in 1960. By 2050 experts estimate there will be three times as many Africans as Europeans† (Nat Geo). The idea of more people may not seem like a big deal, but it is a huge deal when everyone’s most basic needs cannot be met because there are too many people.The United Nations believes that as the 21st century approaches, more than a billion people will lack their most basic needs. Nearly three-fifths of the 4. 8 people in developing countries lack sanitation and other needs as it is. In 1798, British economist Thomas Malthus proposed the theory that population growth would surpass that ability to produce food, and this, he said, would lead to war, famine, and disease (Nat Geo). Pollution, exploitation of natural resources, and deforestation are just a few of the effects of overpopulation. Another negative aspect of overpopulation is the i ssue of waste management.More people means more waste, and more waste means that a serious innovation in waste management must occur. Otherwise the poor management of waste will lead to massive disease outbreaks. Besides this, more waste also means more pollution. Every year the United Nations observes a World Population Day. On this day there is great fanfare, the government officials issues statements regarding depopulation programs, and the media has a field day with the talk of depopulation methods. Many people are apprehensive in regards to the subject of overpopulation and some blame overpopulation as the real cause for poverty and underdevelopment.However, there are those that don’t view the subject as a threat and that the facts should be thoroughly reviewed before making such claims. Doug Allen, dean of the school of Architecture at Georgia Institute of Technology, believes that overpopulation isn’t a serious concern seeing as how architects and urban design e xperts don’t even consider the theory when they build their models. He also goes on to cite the falling birthrates in urban populations such as Italy as further proof. Many researchers have claimed that the problem is not too many people and that contrary to popular belief, world population growth is actually declining.According to UN figures, the 79 countries that comprise 40 percent of the world’s population now have fertility rates too low to prevent population decline. According to Dr. Osterfeld of St. Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Indiana, â€Å"by meaningful measure the world is actually becoming relatively less populated (Jan). Despite the belief that the world is not becoming overpopulated, the world’s population has been increasing since the eighteenth century. Population has risen six-fold in the past 200 years and this has been made possible by explosions in productivity, resources food, information, communications, science, and medicine.Sup posedly, the six-fold increase is thus dwarfed by the eighty-fold in world output during the same 200-year period. The current overpopulation hysteria began in the sixties with Paul Ehrlich who wrote the book â€Å"The Population Bomb† and frightened millions with prophesies of starvation, death, and destruction (Jan). Ehrlich predicted increases in famine, dwindling and rising expenses of natural resources, piles of waste, and environmental destruction, all of which are occurring as we speak. According to the U. S.Census Bureau’s International Data Base, by the year 2050, India will replace China as the world’s most populated country (Hoevel). This will happen as a result of each country’s rapid population growth rate. If India and China continue to grow at their current rates, their countries will become overpopulated and their resources will become jeopardized. The president of the Population Institute, Lawrence Smith, believes that the worst possible result of overpopulation would be the diminishment of fresh, clean water (Hoevel). I completely agree with this because obviously no living organism can be so without water.Fresh water is a valuable and diminishing resource. Two percent of the earth’s water is fresh and 1. 6 percent is frozen in polar ice caps and glaciers. A huge issue we will have in the near future is how the increasing population will share less than half percent of the earths usable freshwater. With that said, uranium will also become a valuable and diminishing resource because the nuclear power generated by uranium is used to run seawater desalinization plants (Mills). One of the biggest issues with the growing population rate is that it means there will be many more mouths to feed.As of right now, we do not have enough food to do that, so we will need to grow more. To grow more food, we will need to yield to arable lands and find more fresh water, and we will also need more nuclear energy (uranium). Po tash will also become a valuable and diminishing resource because it is one of the macronutrients essential for plants to grow and thrive. Potash is a major source of potassium, which is found in every plant cell. The increase use of plant nutrients will be most effective in increasing crop yields in the face of an increasing global population and water shortages (Mills).In conclusion, overpopulation has a number of effects and will cause a myriad of chain effects. Scientists, economists, and investors alike all see vital issues aroused by the growth in our population. It is a serious matter because it will lead to the exhaustion of our already diminishing natural resources as well as disease outbreaks and even more pollution. Technology has struggled to keep up with and tend to the problem of overpopulation, yet the challenge to find more efficient and environmentally friendly ways to preserve the earth and feed the world still remains.Our natural resources must be reserved and use d efficiently. While some countries are making strides within their own borders to halt the issue, the only solution to the problem of overpopulation is for the nations to come together and decide a civil, humane, and environmentally friendly way to work towards the management and preservation of the earth and her resources. Works Cited Hoevel, Ann. â€Å"Overpopulation Could Be People, Planet Problem. † CNN. 25 Sept. 2007. Web. 19 May 2012. . Hovel describes some potential effects of overpopulation and cites credible references. India will replace China as world’s most populated country by 2050. There will be 9 billion people by 2050. Highlights issues of freshwater scarcity and waste management. Hopkins, James. â€Å"Overpopulation: The Human Population Crisis. â€Å"Overpopulation: The Human Population Crisis. Web. 19 May 2012. . Hopkins describes the issue of overpopulation from a mathematical and scientific standpoint. Exponential growth is applied to human popu lation.Compares past population growth to recent growth. States that human population will reach 8 Billion by 2028. Describes carrying capacity. Compares population growth in third countries to that of rich countries. Describes nature â€Å"a the balance of existence. † Jan, Abid Ullah. â€Å"Overpopulation: Myths, Facts, and Politics. † Overpopulation:Myths, Facts, and Politics. Web. 19 May 2012. . This source is valuable because Jan views overpopulation from a different standpoint. Believes world population is actually declining.Recalls â€Å"hysteria† beginning in the 60s with Paul Ehrlich. Discusses poverty and underdevelopment in relation to overpopulation. â€Å"Latest Video. † Overpopulation Is a Myth |. Web. 19 May 2012. . This source is valuable because it also views overpopulation from the opposite standpoint. Challenges United Nations’ theory. Uses â€Å"scientific evidence. † Provides visuals. Mills, Richard. â€Å"Resource Scar city and Population Growth. † FINANCIAL SENSE. N. p. , 01 June 2012. Web. 10 June 2012. . National Geographic: Eye in the Sky–Overpopulation. † National Geographic:Eye in the Sky–Overpopulation. Web. 13 May 2012. . Talks about population growth in third world countries. Mentions British economist Thomas Malthus. Cites United Nations. â€Å"OVERPOPULATION: A Key Factor in Species Extinction. † Overpopulation. Web. 19 May 2012. . Discusses doubling of world population. Describes overpopulation as a key factor in species extinction. World Overpopulation Awareness. † WOA!! World Ovepopulation Awareness. Web. 19 May 2012. . Aims to solve issue with justice and compassion. Provides information on environment, sustainability, and human impacts and also covers a range of topics from nitrogen to global warming. Provides information on potential solutions. â€Å"Worst Environmental Problem? Overpopulation, Experts Say. † ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily , 18 Apr. 2009. Web. 19 May 2012. . Describes overpopulation as planet’s most pressing issue.