1 Ace that I would like to share :

Q2. Suggested topic for journal writing: Fibre optics, which make use of total internal reflection of light are also used in medicine. For example a bronchoscope is inserted into through the mouth into the lungs. Light is sent down the outer fibres to illuminate the lungs and the reflected light returns up the central core set of fibres. Find out more about the use of fibre optics in other medical equipment such as endoscopes and colonoscopies.

A Journal: Applications of Fiber Optics in Medical Industry

Fiber Optics

Fiber Optics is a major invention which increases the efficiency of telecommunications and also the medical industry. Fiber Optics is a piece of tiny glass which is thinner than a strand of hair. It may be coated with a layer of plastic to prevent scratches as it the information might be refracted out of the tiny scratch. It works with the rule of total internal refraction whereby the information enters the fiber at an angle greater than the critical angle. Total internal refraction occurs and there is 0% signal loss. Copper wire has been replaced by it as there is lesser need to re-amplify the signals and the information transported remains clear. More information can also be carried as multiple optical fibers can be bundled together into the diameter similar to a copper wire. It has even now expanded to the medical industry, being used in the endoscopes and colonoscopies.

Endoscope

The use of fiber optics allows the doctors to catch a glimpse of the organs inside the body and to identify the illness that the patient is suffering without the need to make cuts on the body. Fiber optic endoscopes are delicate and expensive items. The fibers have to be made of special glass, and each fiber has to be coated with a layer of glass of a different refractive index. In addition the orientation of fibers in a bundle used for endoscopy has to be "coherent", that is, the spatial orientation of each one of thousands of fibers has to be constant and not tangled up like the fibers in a rope. Each endoscope has one set of fiber bundles to transmit light inside, and another set to transmit reflected light out to the eye of the viewer. Patients are usually given dosages of anesthesia. The endoscope is inserted into the body from the mouth, where it slides down the esophagus before reaching the stomach and small intestine. An endoscope has parts consisting of a rigid or flexible tube (of which contains the optical fibers), a light delivery system to illuminate the organ or object under inspection. The light source is normally outside the body and the light is typically directed via an optical fiber system, typically a relay lens system in the case of rigid endoscopes or a bundle of fiber optics in the case of a fiberscope, an eyepiece, an additional channel to allow entry of medical instruments or manipulators. It can be used to identify many different diseases in the intestines, duodenum and esophagus. The images can be viewed on a monitor and one black dot on the monitor represents one broken fiber.

The colonoscopies are inserted into the body via the rectum. Colonoscopy can remove polyps as small as one mm or less. It can go into the colon and parts of the bowel. Once polyps are removed, they can be studied with the aid of a microscope to determine if they are precancerous or not. The colonoscopies also make use of the fiber optic to transmit the view of the colon and bowel. This actually saves a lot of trouble without cutting open the stomach and performing operations and greatly decreases the after effects of treatments.  

Last reflections :(

 My aim still stay the same. To get an A1 in the exams. To pursue my passion in Science and to join SMTP next year. I have also found Science marvelous. Though it can be strenuous at times to understand formulas and comprehend facts, the feeling of accomplishing it at the end is indescribable. Just to do a rough revision at the same, time, I have made my own notes for Term 1's Chemistry topics. I'm still in the midst of revision, trying my very best to refresh my memory, Guess this will be the start of another journey. Next term will be a BIG RUSH, but there will be a visit to MacRitchie reservoir (? Not very sure) but if there is, I guess it will be another good learning opportunity for me. I can study about the biodiversity, the organism there and the relationship between one another (mutualism,competition, predator-prey relationship, parasitism) and the abitotic factors too. I would like to wrap things up, with a big thank you for Miss Lim. I am able to achieve 3 A1's this year. Compared with only 1 A1 last year. Seems like I'm getting one more step closer to understanding and feeling the "pulse" of Science. Science did give me a new impression and perspective of the world. If I can have the chance, I would like to choose biology next year, to accomplish my dream of becoming a doctor.

Science Breakthrough-- The discovery of the Immortal Jellyfish

Do all living things die? Do all living things age? This particular species of jellyfish, known as the Turritopsis Nutricula seemingly never dies! This jecclyfish can regenerate itself over and over again. The process used by the jellyfish to accomplish this feat is called transdifferentiation. Transdifferentiation is the ability of one cell to change into another type of cell; the Turritopis Nutricula can do this to its entire body. Salamanders use this ability on a smaller scale when they re-grow a lost tail. In simpler words, transdifferentiation in biology takes place when a non-stem cell transforms into a different type of cell, or when an already differentiated stem cell creates cells outside its already established differentiation path.Since the Jellyfish do not die, their numbers increase without a natural death holding it back. Once native the Carribean the Turritopsis Nutricula has now spread throughout oceans across the world and it might actually upset the natural balance. The Telegraph reported that Scientist have stumbled upon “The font of eternal youth”, Dr. Maria Miglietta from the Smithsonian Tropical Marine Institute chimed in the article saying, “We are looking at a worldwide silent invasion.” (Telegraph. Meanwhile, experts have already started to work the jellyfish, wondering if it could be the key to an anti-aging medicinal breakthrough. If the jellyfish’s reverse aging technique could somehow be implemented in humans there is no telling what could become medically feasible. Perhaps this jellyfish will put pharmaceutical companies out of business. Who Knows, Humans might be immortal one day :) and it certainly does go against the laws of science that states that all Living Things will die. :)

Term 3 Class Test+ Reflections

I have met my target:) This time my aim was a 37 and or above, and with a pinch of luck, I've got 37 again. There will be no more tests and the next challenge facing me would be the end of year exams. Some reflections to make for this test: I need to look deeper into data analysis in the science test this time. I lost most of my marks in the test at this section :( I have also started devising a plan for my exams, and to start revising on chemical equations and acids and alkali. My aim is to get into SMTP next year, so science is a fundamental aspect in the criteria. I love Science so I have confidence to do well. Hey! This however doesn't mean that my target has been met. This is a little ironic.. HoHo. It should be" This however doesn't mean that my AIM has been met." Everyone's aim is too score full marks, so is mine. Now, I understand that so much hard work must be put in. Marks and accomplishments don't appear out of nowhere, it takes effort and time. I only know that I worked hard and looking back now, it is really a time to behold! 

Something SHY

We know how copulation can result in pregnancy. However, in modern day society, many people are not only seeking for their pursuits and also the increasing cost of child raising in developing countries. As a result, birth control methods are introduced.There are 2 types of birth control methods, the temporary birth control and the permanent birth control. For temporary birth control, once its removed, a couple can get pregnant again. However, permanent birth control is irreversible. Such examples are vasectomy and tubal ligation. Vasectomy is the cutting and tying up of the sperm ducts to prevent sperms being ejaculated from the epididymis. Tubal ligation is the cutting and tying up of the fallopian tubes. In this way, no ovum can reach the uterus for implantation and no sperm can reach the ovum. The temporary methods includes rhythm, condom, withdrawal, Pill, diaphragm, IUD. Just to name a few. Being the most common, the condom. It is latex fitted over the penis of the man to hold the sperms after ejaculation. The diaphragm also acts in the same way, but being fitted on the cervix by a doctor. The IUD, being much rarer is "The intrauterine device (IUD) is a form of birth control; it is an object, placed in the uterus, to prevent pregnancy.[1] Among modern IUDs, the two types available are copper-containing devices, and a hormone-containing device that releases a progestogen." From WIKI.

Some expectations for Term 3

With the start of the new term tmr, I am looking forward the the science lesson. It's going to be whole new topic on biology, with a tinge of physice which I hope I can manage well this time. Again, I have set my target for my science test to be at 37 and or above. I have also devised a plan where I will revise the lessons learnt after each science lesson lesson! Hope this helps, The next time I post will be the results and reflections. Work Hard :)

CARBON CYCLE

Actually I've always believed that carbon, which can also exists as carbon dioxide is bad for the environment. Yes, its true but after my self-learning through ecology(P.S I did this during the hols), the carbon cycle is THE ROOT TO ALL LIFE. This simple cycle ensures that carbon dioxide in the air is always kept constant, not too much, nor too little. During photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide and give out oxygen. The carbon dioxide is turned into complex materials such as sugars, amino acids and stores energy. When the plant is eaten by the autotrophs on the next tropic level, the energy stored in the carbon is passed on to it. The autotrophs releases carbon back to the atmosphere when they are respiring. The feces and animal waste also contains the ingested carbon. Decomposer such as fungi and bacteria feed on them. When the bacteria and fungi respires, carbon dioxide is again released into the atmosphere. When organisms die, decomposition occurs and the same process goes on. By chance, the dead organisms can become fossil fuels or coals. They store tremendous amounts of carbon energy and it is released via combustion. Large amounts of carbon dioxide are released back into the atmosphere. Luckily, the plants take in more carbon dioxide compared to its intake of oxygen and this prevents the level of carbon from getting to high. THE 3 PROCESS THAT IS ESSENTIAL FOR RELEASE OF CARBON IS RESPIRATION, COMBUSTION and DECOMPOSITION. The carbon cycle is important as it transfers energy from one organisms to another as energy are locked up in the carbon. It also ensures that there is enough carbon dioxide in the air for the plants to photosynthesis and ensures that ecosystem, food chain and webs are disrupted. YAY! So next time you are respiring, remember that U are part of the cycle TOO!