Golden Rice Essay -- Biology Essays Research Papers

'Golden Rice': Who Would Have Thought Something So Dry Could Raise So Much Controversy? Heated debate over the bioengineering of a type of rice that has come to be called 'golden rice' has been taking place in the past five years. Exploration of the possibilities that would follow the mapping of the rice genome began in response to the huge populations in developing countries that experience vitamin deficiencies; namely, vitamin A. When biotech company, Syngenta, announced that they had mapped the rice genome, a series of activist groups spoke out against a project that was, many argued, politically and financially motivated. This has been a topic of intense debate that I was surprised to find. Developing a kind of rice containing a vitamin that is lacking among large populations seems to be such a great idea. So why does so much controversy surround the project? There are many more disadvantages to the introduction of the new technology than one might anticipate. The following first explores the effects of vitamin a deficiency and then the arguments of the opposition a nd supporters' responses to it. Vitamin A is an organic compound that is needed in small amounts in the human body; however a deficiency in this micronutrient can lead to problems and illnesses (3). The vitamin is found naturally in many plant and animal foods in the forms of retinal in animals and carotene in plants (3). Retinal pigments that are very important for night vision are produced by Vitamin A; the vitamin is also important in maintaining the strength of epithelial tissues (5). Without proper amounts of Vitamin A, the outer lining of the eyeball becomes dry and wrinkled, leading to redness and inflammation and, which brings potential of blindness... ...ww.indiatogether.org/reports/goldenrice/science.htm 9)"An exercise on how not to do science.", Author of this article is adamant critic of 'golden rice.' http://www.indiatogether.org/reports/goldenrice/science2.htm 10)"Golden Rice and Vitamin A Deficiency.", This article addresses problems with Golden Rice http://www.foe.org/safefood/rice.html 11) "Golden Rice: blind ambition?" Friends of the Earth International. Link Magazine: Issue 93, April/June 2003. More arguments against Golden Rice 12)"Grains of delusion: Golden rice seen from the ground.", Assessment of pros and cons of Golden rice. http://www.grain.org/grain/error404.cfm?url=/publications.delusion-en-p.html 13)"Golden Rice and Beyond.", This article contains arguments supporting Golden Rice research and the importance of technology transfer. http://www.biotech-info.net/Grandbeyond.html

Coffee drinking enhances the analgesic effect of cigarette smoking Essay

              Addiction is defined as a state whereby one becomes one cannot do without a certain stimuli which one has compulsive engagement often getting a reward but the end results are adverse. An individual is not able to control the various aspects which form part of their addiction and they often compelled to repeat the same behavior or have the same substance over and over again. A habit may also become an addiction if one engages in the same habit often. Furthermore, the addiction of an individual to a certain substance or even an activity often leads to very serious problems which can be experienced at school, home and even within the social network that an individual has. There are several types of addictions and some of whi9ch will be analyzed and discussed in this essay include coffee addiction, internet addiction as well as cigarette or nicotine addiction. Internet addiction             Internet addiction, as the name suggests results from the constant and continued browsing through the internet and being online for longer hours without having any specific objective that one wants to achieve (Christakis, 61). The daily routine browsing and surfing ion the internet for longer hours whereby any interruptions of such activity causes one to become irritated often can be considered as internet addiction. The constant and unstoppable yet obsessive browsing of the internet started with the introduction and the use of internet. Over the years, this has grown a lot as a result of the developments and the ease of access to the internet which has been experienced (Christakis, 61). Internet addiction is experienced through the effect that online materials such as pornography, gaming, blogging, gambling and even networking have on individuals in the society. Internet addiction will manifest itself when one is seen to be pre-occupied with thoughts about the in ternet on the various activities they carry out on the internet.                Furthermore, the increased use of internet, depression, seemingly to be moody as well as restless when one attempt to stop using the internet also form signs of internet addiction (Christakis, 61). When one uses the internet to avoid real life situations, often tells lies about their involvement with the internet are also signs one may be addicted to the internet. The effects are that one becomes withdrawn from real life relationships, physical discomfort, anxiety and depression. Furthermore, it has negative effects on family, occupations, financial status as well as academic work and performance. To address this issue, one has to recognize and accept they have a problem (Christakis, 61). After determining and accepting there is a problem, one should seek a â€Å"Certified Addictions Counselor† who is trained on handling and treating internet addiction. Cigarette/Nicotine Addiction               The second type of addiction that is addressed in this paper is cigarette or nicotine addiction. This kind of addiction started long time ago and for many centuries people have been addicted to cigarette. The use of cigarette was in the past viewed as a way of showing prestige since people that were wealthy were the ones often seen smoking cigarettes (Balfour, et al., 438-45). It tobacco has been used for a long time across the world. However, it is to be noted that tobacco contains nicotine, an addictive substance and quite poisonous. Furthermore, when nicotine is taking in small doses, it can act as a stimulant to the central nervous system of the body which makes one become more active. The large part of nicotine is often metabolized in the liver after which it is excreted from the kidney. Nicotine is known to remain in the blood system for up to eight hours after one has stopped smoking. Smoking is a habit that one adopts and regular smoking makes the body tolerant to nicotine which then means one has to smoke more cigarettes to satisfy the craving that is developed (Balfour, et al., 438-45). As one continues to use cigarettes, the symptoms of withdr5awal are experienced which becomes an indication that one has developed dependency on cigarettes and cannot do without it hence addiction.               The signs of cigarette addiction can be seen when one starts smoking â€Å"few† sticks of cigarette after which one starts smoking a whole pack of cigarettes in a day. This is a clear indication that the individual has developed tolerance to the nicotine contained in the cigarettes hence needs large amounts of the same to satisfy the urge. The other sign of dependency on cigarette is withdrawal. This refers to the physical symptoms which can be observed in an individual when they stop of fail to use the cigarette which may include restlessness, anxiety as well as drowsiness among others (Balfour, et al., 438-45). Furthermore, a tobacco addict will also be seen to select to engage and be around people who smoke, take on jobs that will allow them to smoke as well as hiding or even sneaking cigarettes in areas where it is prohibited. For parents who are addicted, they will be seen to smoke even around their children despite knowing that it is harmful to th e health of their children.               The side effects of this addiction include lung cancer, emphysema, as well as heart disease.   The continued use of nicotine often results in high blood pressure, contraction of blood vessels hence inhibiting flow of blood (Balfour, et al., 438-45). The carbon monoxide from the cigarette smoke often results in insufficient oxygen in the blood. Furthermore, cigarette addiction results in one becoming nervous, always feeling shaky and even anxious for no good reason if they fail to use the cigarette. To address this type of addiction, one is required to seek professional help from â€Å"Certified Addictions Counselor† who will be able to provide professional help (Balfour, et al., 438-45). The support from family members as well as friends is also important in overcoming this addiction. Coffee Addiction             Coffee addiction is also another type of addiction which is seen to have affected the society quite a lot. Coffee addiction results from the intake of caffeine which is a stimulant (Nastase, Anca, et al., 921-24). Caffeine when taken often stimulates the nervous system and the continued use of coffee often results in physical dependence although quite mild. However, it is to be noted that caffeine is not as addictive as the other types of stimulants which people often use and it does not have the same threats to social, physical as well as economic health of an individual (Nastase, Anca, et al., 921-24).               Coffee has been in use for many centuries as a household drink most often taken in the morning or anytime that one feels they need to have coffee. It has been noted that when one takes two or even more cups of coffee in a day, and then stops abruptly the use of coffee, there are several symptoms which will be experienced. One is likely to experience symptoms of withdrawal such as headaches, anxiety, fatigue, depressed moods, irritability as well as difficulty in concentrating on one issue (Nastase, Anca, et al., 921-24). Caffeine use and dependency can be stopped, gradually by talking coffee in small quantities until that time when one completely stops using coffee. It is also advisable to seek professional help from a â€Å"Certified Addictions Counselor† who is in a better position to help out with the dependency. References Balfour, D., et al. â€Å"Diagnosis and treatment of nicotine dependence with emphasis on nicotine replacement therapy. A status report.† European Heart Journal 21.6 (2000): 438-445. Christakis, Dimitri A. â€Å"Internet addiction: a 21st century epidemic?.† BMC medicine 8.1 (2010): 61. Nastase, Anca, et al. â€Å"Coffee drinking enhances the analgesic effect of cigarette smoking.† Neuroreport 18.9 (2007): 921-924. Source document

Ghandi An Exemplary Leader Essay - 931 Words

Ghandi was a man with no official title who led his country to freedom because he stood up for his core beliefs. He saw value in those who needed his help, and was beloved by his followers. Great dignitaries paid homage to Ghandi after his death for the honor he brought to his country. How would you describe Gandhi’s leadership style? Provide specific examples. Ghandi proved himself to be an exceptional leader. The first leadership style theory that relates to Ghandi is the born again leader. A twice born leader is someone who faces adversity or struggles but their resilience allows them to develop their own beliefs and ideas. Ghandi never saw himself as someone who would lead his country. However, when he saw that people needed help,†¦show more content†¦I propose that Gandhis leadership skills were being developed during his time in South Africa. In one of the earlier scenes in the movie, Ghandi is on the train and white men gave him a hard time because he was different. It was that moment, that sparked something within Gandhi. He knew that the way he was being treated was not acceptable. Gandhi had a vision of the end. The end to Gandhi was the successful completion of his goals. He wanted his followers to have freedom. Gandhis dedication to th e cause made him a strong leader. Although, the obstacles and regulations that set him back were difficult. Gandhi continued to guide himself with the vision that the people of his country could live happy without discrimination. What did Gandhi do to build his influence and credibility with followers? Cite a specific scene from both South Africa and India that illustrate his effectiveness. Gandhi build influence and credibility with his followers because he was passionate about the citizens. He cared about equality and had a drive to bring freedom to his country. He had a focus for the people, rather than himself. Gandhi was effective in his leadership because he was daring. While in South Africa, Gandhi kept to his word. He truly believed in what he was fighting for. Gandhi began telling people that the new rules for entering England were not fair. He was a non-violent man, and advised his following to do that as well for their own morality. This was a smartShow MoreRelatedLeadership Ethics : Martin Luther King, Mahatma Gandhi And Jack Welch933 Words   |  4 Pages Team 9 1. Introduction Great leaders throughout human history have emerged from different eras but seem to be at the right place at the right time. Each of their stories has been studied, dissected and exemplified. We agree that there is no single formula for leadership, and it will be best understood from multiple perspectives (Shriberg and Shriberg, 2011). We also accept the fact that every leader leads differently. 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