EXPLORING BIOLOGY!

THE NERVOUS SYSTEM: THE BODY'S COMMAND CENTER

Have you encountered a situation that is a matter of life and death? Like if you are going fast and going to hit a car. You will probably reacted with an automatic response by running to the side of the road to avoid the accident.And you are probably wondering how you reacted fast and made a very quick reaction.

NEURONS

Well I learned that Neurons or Nerve cells are the one responsible for our quick responses and our natural actions. Because they are the one that sends the information through the nervous system in the form of nerve impulses. Neurons are unique because, unlike any other cells in the body, neurons don't reproduce. but don't worry we are born with neurons that is more than enough for a lifetime.

Figure 1
The Parts of a Neuron

The neurons have parts just like our body they have a purpose. The Cell body the largest part of the neuron holds the nucleus which controls all the activities of the cell. Dendrites are a threadlike structures that receives and carry information toward the cell body. axon a taillike fiber that extends from the cell body, carries messages away from the cell body. The myelin sheath covers the axon, which speeds up the travel of the nerve impulses. Axon terminal passes the message to the dendrites of other neurons.    

Figure 2
Types of Neurons

THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT PHYSICS!

What we have learned...so far.

 The parts of a wave

The first lessons of the quarter focuses on physics, one of which is about electromagnetism. Electromagnetism is defined as the study of the electromagnetic spectrum.I learned through the discussion about its 7 components and their uses. At first it may seem like we know nothing about the electromagnetic spectrum, but as the components were discussed one by one, I was able to find out that we ecounter electromagnetism everyday.

For example, radio stations make use of radio waves, remote controls make use of infrared waves, and several medical equipment use UV rays, x rays, and gamma rays. We should be able to use all these in moderation so as to prevent its negative effects. Aside from electromagnetism, I also learned about light. Light is something we use everyday, but we dont know that using it too much causes a new kind of pollution, light pollution. This, like other pollutions have effects not just to us but to animals aswell. If light is not in need, dont use it. We should all know how to use light wisely. I also learned of the reflection and refraction of light, and various computations for wavelength, energy, and refraction of light. In conclusion, I learned a lot so far, and I look forward to learning more in the succeeding weeks/quarters.

~ FAUSTINO, Alyanna Ysabelle

VISIBLE LIGHT:
 Light is an electromagnetic radiation that is within a certain portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. The word usually refers to visible light, which is visible to the human eye and is responsible for the sense of sight. Visible light is usually defined as having wavelengths. 

 The main source of light is the sun. Sunlight provides energy for plants and gives us vitamins. For the 20th century technology rapidly increased its inventions and the development of different types of lighting like electric light and power systems. Some species are able to produce their on light, using a process called bioluminescence.

The sun, the main source of visible light

The primary properties of visible light are intensity, propagation direction, frequency or wavelength spectrum, and polarization, while its speed in a vacuum, 299,792,458 metres per second, is one of the fundamental constants of nature. 

Table 1
The wavelength and frequency intervals of visible light

BIOLUMINESCENCE:

 This process is the production and emission of light by a living organism. It is a form of chemiluminescence. Bioluminescence occurs widely in marine vertebrates and invertebrates, as well as in some fungi, microorganisms including some bioluminescent bacteria and terrestrial invertebrates such as fireflies. In some animals, the light is produced by symbiotic organisms such as Vibrio bacteria.

                         

A jellyfish is an example of organisms showcasing bio-luminescence as it
produces its own light.

IN PHYSICS:

The term light sometimes refers to electromagnetic radiation of any wavelength, whether visible or not. In this sense, gamma rays, X-rays, microwaves and radio waves are also light. Like all types of light, visible light is emitted and absorbed in tiny "packets" called photons and exhibits properties of both waves and particles. This property is referred to as the wave–particle duality. The study of light, known as optics, is an important research area in modern physics.

 ~ SY, Jacob

Figure of the Earth showing the amount of light used.

LIGHT POLLUTION

This quarter, I learned that light pollution disrupts the natural process of the environment. This is the reason why Earth Day was made, to lessen light pollution in the world. 

~ ORDOYO, Daniel Elison

Photos where Electromagnetic Waves takes place.

I have learned that the Electromagnetic Spectrum is the entire range of EM waves in order of increasing frequency and decreasing wavelength. I also learned that the different types of waves has pros and cons. One of the pros is that it helps us in communication because of rapid waves. On the other hand, the cons include having dangerous effects on our health. My overall thought is that the EM waves is beneficial to us, but may also bring us danger. So, in conclusion, we must all learn how to control the usage of these waves.
~ MERTO, Aldrine Nicole

Within these past few weeks, I've acquired a lot of information about electromagnetism up to light. Academically speaking, I learned how to solve problems about frequency and wave lengths. Not to mention the different types of waves from infrared to gamma rays — which is very beneficial I may add. It's quite extraordinary knowing that something invisible to the naked eye and unfelt could have such an effect to us and the surroundings both pros and cons. Realizing that electromagnetic waves are present in hospital equipment and is used in treatments such as brachytherapy. Although a few waves do cause us harm, too much ultraviolet and radiation may cause defects to our body including skin cancer. And thanks to this lesson now my knowledge regarding this topic is broader.

A machine used for medical purposes that has a Gamma Radiation.

Same applies with light, including both its reflection and retraction. Computing for the angle of incidence and reflection was a breeze. But saying the same thing to the computation of the reflection of convex and concave mirrors would be wrong. I struggled a couple of times to be frank. But moving on to the real life applications of reflection and refraction would be quite evident since they're different types of mirrors. From periscopes, mouth mirrors and even in our side view car mirrors - because not all mirrors are flat. Whether this may be essential to you now or not, one day this information would be crucial at one point in your life.

~ KONG, Mikaela Kate Andrelle