Friday, July 31, 2020
NM u
NM u Most of my weeks at MIT have been crazy and cool and full of interesting things about which I cant wait to blog. The rest of the weeks, though, are less jam-packed. I just go about my routine running, reading, meetings and spend my nights awake with worry about how little I have to blog. Last Wednesday, I knew it was supposed to snow pretty much all day, so I curled up in Hayden with Moll Flanders. I usually sit up on the second floor, near the M-Z section of Current Periodicals so I can treat myself to New York Magazine during my breaks. Also, here I get an amazing view of Memorial Drive, the Charles River, and Boston. There are also several small balcony sections from which you can get a nice view of the whole second floor. At night, I put on my totally awesome red rainboots and trudged to the BPL (Boston Public Library) for the John Adams exhibit. I have to admit, it is pretty nifty to watch other people try to tiptoe around and hopscotch over these giant puddles when I just stomp right through them. I guess Lord Acton was right absolute power corrupts absolutely. Around Copley Square I saw a news crew filming, and since my secret life goal #11 is to get on television, I made a big show jumping in the puddles with the hopes of getting on the evening news. No such luck. The news anchor smiled and waved at me, but the person I was with obviously thought I was nuts. So I realize that the first paragraph of this entry makes it sound like I didnt find the John Adams exhibit exciting, which is not true. Its just not MIT-related excitement. There was lots of Ivy League drama at the exhibit: For present-day Ivy League drama, check out IvyGate. (Lets see how long I can keep this link up before I get in trouble. Ready. Go!)
Friday, May 22, 2020
Ethical Issues Within The Pharmaceutical Industry Essay
Introduction In this paper, I will cover ethical issues within the pharmaceutical industry, present opinion on Direct-to-Consumer marketing by drug companies, determine the parties responsible for regulation of compounding pharmacies, PharmaCARE used U.S. law to protect its own intellectual property, summarize at least one current example of intellectual property theft, analyze the potential issues surrounding the death of Johnââ¬â¢s wife, and lastly present major arguments that John can claim as a whistleblower. Ethical issues within the pharmaceutical industry PharmaCARE created a wholly-owned subsidiary called CompCARE. This company became PharmaCARE compounding pharmacy to sell the drug called AD23 to individuals on a prescription basis and also used this company to avoid the Food and Drug Administrationââ¬â¢s (FDA) scrutiny. The first problem that I recognize here is the company appears to have skipped all of the drug testings to determine if there are any problems with the AD23 drug. Instead the company jump on the idea that this drug might slow the progression of Alzheimerââ¬â¢s disease. But again, there is no medical research on the creation of the drug and also the research of any tests to support the safety of the drug and also the documentation of the slowing the progression of Alzheimerââ¬â¢s disease. Hence, why they avoided the Food and Drug Administrationââ¬â¢s (FDA). Next unethical problem is CompCARE benefited from PharmaCAREââ¬â¢s reputation, databases, n etworks, andShow MoreRelatedEthical Issues Within The Pharmaceutical Industry Essay2287 Words à |à 10 Pagescover ethical issues within the pharmaceutical industry, present opinion on Direct-to-Consumer marketing by drug companies, determine the parties responsible for regulation of compounding pharmacies, PharmaCARE used U.S. law to protect its own intellectual property, summarize at least one current example of intellectual property theft, analyze the potential issues surrounding the death of Johnââ¬â¢s wife, and lastly present major arguments that John can claim as a whistleblower. Ethical issues withinRead MoreThe Ethical Appropriateness Of Direct Consumer Advertising Of Drugs Essay1246 Words à |à 5 Pagesjudgement on the ethical appropriateness of direct consumer advertising of drugs? I believe in the case where pharmaceutical companies are advertising with television commercials or paid advertisements within magazines are well within moral and good ethical standards. Consumers can choose to remain on the same television channel or read an advertisement within a magazine to become more educated about a specific pharmaceutical. However, in the case referenced in the article, where a pharmaceutical companyRead MoreDrug Development Essay1537 Words à |à 7 PagesDrug development This entire section on drug development highlights concerns which are very particular to the industry. They therefore lead to the implementation of CSR activities which are also very industry specific, although aspects such as animal testing and ethics in research can be shared by other industries such as the cosmetics industry, or the medical device sector for instance. Need for RD and innovation Today, the need for RD and innovation is great, maybe greater than ever. In theRead MoreControversy in the Pharmacy Industry1142 Words à |à 5 PagesThe pharmaceutical industry is a highly competitive business and its success depends on the sales and marketing of each particular drug. But more recently, there have been a rise in issues relating to the rapid growth of pharmaceutical use, spending for drugs and related concerns about drug prices, among many other issues relating to scandal with vaccinations. The pharmaceutical industry may have their issues, but there has been a lot of good to come from this industry when it comes to oneââ¬â¢s healthRead MoreExpensive Pharmaceutical Products versus Cheaper Analogs894 Words à |à 4 PagesThe major players of the pharmaceutical industry, producing expensive products, are under pressure of companies, producing cheaper analogs. The question is not only the high costs but also the high drug safety of these companies. Large ââ¬Å"originalâ⬠pharmaceutical companies argue that an imitation product cannot guarantee high drug safety and could harm the reputation of the original drug, thereby devalue it, and make it vulnerable to the market. Companies-producers of ââ¬Å"blockbustersâ⬠are in an advantageousRead MoreEthical Issue in Pharmacy1618 Words à |à 7 PagesEthical issues in the retail pharmaceutical industry: An analysis of the ethical dilemmas faced within Chaguanas Drug Mart Limited Abstract: The ethical duty of a pharmacy is to promote a patientââ¬â¢s best interest. However, certain obvious ethical issues will arise. Within any business involved in bulk purchasing the issue of unconscious theft will also occur. The following paper focuses on the application of ethical theories that supports as well as argues the behavior within Chaguanas Drug MartRead MoreCvs Sets High Standards For Csr Policies944 Words à |à 4 PagesCSR policies. The strategy is build upon three key factors, which include building healthy communities, protecting the planet, and creating economic opportunities. It ââ¬Å"is supported by strategic priorities and goals, and aligned with the CSR material issues we identified in 2013, a process that was informed by internal and external stakeholdersâ⬠(CVS Health). One of the factors, which are also included in our CVSà ´s mission statement, is to make healthcare accessible and affordable. The market reachRead MoreThe Medical Disaster Associated With Thalidomide Administration1319 Words à |à 6 PagesStructurally, Thalidomide exists in an asymmetric chiral configuration when administered. This chirality (the ability of a compound to exist in more than one isomer or chemical structure) may have resulted in thalidomide having many unknown actions within the body, one of which was the severing of blood supply to limbs and other organs (anti-angiogenesis) in developing fetuses before the 6th week of development. According, to Dââ¬â¢Amato et al (1994) experiments conducted post-thalidomide disaster showedRead MoreGsk a Merger Too Far1158 Words à |à 5 Pagesmacro-environment surrounding the pharmaceutical industry. (9 points) * PESTEL analysis of the pharmaceutical industry: Political: Since the creation of healthcare insurance, companies have to conform themselves to two kinds of systems: 1) The universal system applied for example in France, with less demand in new technologies. 2) The very selective anglo-saxon system which is looking for high technologies, excluding people who can pay for treatments. As we know the industry have to work on growingRead MoreThe Medical Disaster Associated With Thalidomide Administration1231 Words à |à 5 PagesStructurally, Thalidomide exists in an asymmetric chiral configuration when administered. This chirality (the ability of a compound to exist in more than one isomer or chemical structure) may have resulted in thalidomide having many unknown actions within the body, one of which was the severing of blood supply to the limbs and other organs (anti-angiogenesis) in developing fetuses before the 6th week of development. According, to Dââ¬â¢Amato et al (1994) experiments conducted post-thalidomide disaster
Sunday, May 10, 2020
Scenario Analysis - 857 Words
Scenario Analysis Officers are faced with moral decisions everyday on and off duty. It is ultimately, up to the person who is faced to make the choice between right and wrong. ââ¬Å"Even if a man is answerable only to his conscience, he will answer more responsibly if he is compelled to articulate principles on which he acts.â⬠stated by Lon L. Fuller (1975). We were given a few scenarios to apply this saying to and the following are my opinions that I have regarding them. The Drugs at a Friendââ¬â¢s House scenario is a constant issue to most officers. Many officers want to go out with the same people or friends that they have had prior to the force. However, a lot has changed in the officer. Some will turn a blind eye and the othersâ⬠¦show more contentâ⬠¦Most police departments have specific guidelines on accepting gifts, regardless of who they are from or what they are. Most will always allow you to accept the basket but not the money card. This is because it is known, that by accepting gifts could lead to the slippery slope of corruption. This is showing moral conflict and possibly an integrity issue. I would accept the fruit basket but would explain to the store owner my appreciation of the thought, but would have to decline the gift card. The explanation would be somewhere along the lines of, I thank you for your offer but unfortunately I will not be able to accept the gift card because of the policies that the police department hold on money gifts. The final scenario is about discrimination against homosexuals. I believe that Officer Davis does not have moral problem but is showing his ignorance. What Officer Jones does on his off time is his business. Most police departmentsââ¬â¢ today state that there will be NO tolerance for discrimination of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, or disability in the conduct of law-enforcement activities. However, if Officer Jones is sexually harassing Officer Davis, then that would be a different story. I believe that it would have to be explained to Officer Davis that there I understand that he might be uncomfortable because of his beliefs is a form ofShow MoreRelatedScenario Thinking Or Scenario Analysis989 Words à |à 4 Pagesis based on scenarios, and the fact that they donââ¬â¢t predict the future, but they appear to be more like hypotheses that ask ââ¬Å"what ifâ⬠though in a disciplined manner. Scena rios are stories, images or maps of the future. There is more to a scenario than what meets the ear or eye and in this research report I will be explaining further to you what scenarios are by answering questions about them. Let us read further and discover more about scenarios. Definition of a Scenario A scenario is a view ofRead MoreScenario Analysis : The Gap Between Science And Decision Making877 Words à |à 4 PagesScenario analysis Scenario analysis explores trajectories of change that diverge from present conditions, ultimately leading to alternative possible future states or events. In so doing, it provides a dynamic and flexible way to evaluate policy or management options. Scenarios are not predictions or forecasts; but rather, they are ââ¬Ëââ¬Ëplausible and often simplified descriptions of how the future may develop based on a coherent and internally consistent set of assumptions about driving forces and keyRead MoreScenario Analysis971 Words à |à 4 PagesPorche Hamilton BSHS 321 Human Service Scenario Analysis Instructor: Julie Murphy ABSTRACT This analysis gives in detail the background, including age and gender of the patient in the evaluation. The details are that the treatment plan must be a clear and concise method to help the patient cope with her significant events. The underlying treatment and diagnosis for this patient are confirmed and may be requested for further treatment and examination. Diagnosis at this time is Major DepressiveRead MoreClassroom Scenario Analysis : Classroom Scenarios1285 Words à |à 6 PagesClassroom scenario analysis Education is the basis and foundation of knowledge for almost every being living in the current world. Due to diversification and adversities, many suitable teaching and learning techniques are being advanced to cater for each and every personââ¬â¢s knowledge quest. Technological advancement has also spearheaded development of education among nations. Professional learning communities, and webinar are some of the trending learning techniques in many developed countries (MarshallRead MoreMarket Scenario Analysis757 Words à |à 4 PagesMarket Outlook for October and Year End Throughout this year, we have seen a large bull run for most of the worldââ¬â¢s markets. Stocks have continued to reach all-time highs; the SP 500 has returned close to 13% year-to-date. Clearly, itââ¬â¢s been a good year so far for the markets and I think we can expect to see the overall market continue to increase in October and for the remainder of the year. By the end of the year I expect to see the SP have a return of around 15% for the year; below I discussRead MoreCase Analysis Of The Scenario Essay2416 Words à |à 10 PagesEthical Case Study: Analysis of The Scenario ââ¬Å"Caught in The Middleâ⬠One of the most important aspects of working as a counselor is to adhere to the application of ACA Code of Ethics at the time of making decisions in regards to professional work. The ACA Code of Ethics serves as guidance for counselors when it is necessary to resolve conflicts with clients in a responsible way. However, sometimes counselors can be unaware of its importance or careless when dealing with difficult situations. ThusRead MoreCase Study : Scenario Analysis1277 Words à |à 6 Pages CHOCOBERRY CASE STUDY - SCENARIO ANALYSIS Name Institution Ã¢â¬Æ' Chocoberry Case Study - Scenario Analysis Idea Generation 1. What techniques will you propose to CB to generate ideas that can be developed into viable concepts? Three types of concept generation techniques that would be ideal for CB in generating viable ideas include: CB could consider evolutionary ideas generated from somewhere else; they could take existing product ideas and improve on them. Alternatively, CB could considersRead MoreThe Issue Of Availability And Quality Of The Information That You Base Scenarios1427 Words à |à 6 Pagesyou base scenarios on. In order for any scenario to be successful, the type of information used must be current, relevant and reliable. If this is not the case then your scenario will not be effective at all, leading to a disastrous event which might even proceed to an organisation losing a lot of money eventually closing down. So carefully analysis of the type of information received and from which source is this information received from must be considered. When developing a scenario, a deep insightfulRead MoreEthical And Legal Scenario Analysis1052 Words à |à 5 Pages Ethical and Legal Scenario Analysis Name Name Ethical and Legal Scenario Analysis In the global market, femaleââ¬â¢s advancement and progression in the various workplaces have taken tremendous strides for the past five decades. However, several studies demonstrate that in spite of the rising number of female employees in different management positions, managerial positions across the world continue to be dominated by the male gender. By presenting the current existence of women in severalRead MoreScenario Analysis: Funding the Homeless775 Words à |à 3 Pagesshowers, etc. Many of these individuals are working, but women and children of a class known as the working poor. Those opposed are worried about a number of emotional issues: crime, property values, perception of the area around the hotel, etc. The scenario surrounds the Board meeting that will decide the fate of the shelter. Members of the Board and their Psychogramographics Name Demographics Psychographics Henry White Male Worked all his life, believes homeless just need a handout and are
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
The Cognitive Behavioral Approach Free Essays
The Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) is one of the models of the Cognitive Behavioral Approach for group psychotherapy. The thrust of the Cognitive Behavioral Approach applied to group psychotherapy is to understand cognitive and behavioral patterns in order to determine how to modify them. The modification of cognitive and behavioral patterns is instrumental in changing dysfunctional and maladaptive behaviors. We will write a custom essay sample on The Cognitive Behavioral Approach or any similar topic only for you Order Now à (Young, 2005) Moreover, CBT considers the cognitive schema and the ruling beliefs, which dictate how people lead their daily lives. This shall be the secondary basis for conducting group psychotherapy. (Beck, Freeman, Davis, 2004) The REBT is a likely model patterned after Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) because it supports the objectives of CBT. The REBT is considered a model of Cognitive Behavioral Approach in group psychotherapy because it focuses on understanding cognitive and behavioral patterns by teaching the concepts of REBT to group members and learning how to apply it to themselves and other members of the group. The model works such that there are three factors (ABC model) that influence the understanding of an individualââ¬â¢s way of thinking and behavioral patterns. These three factors include determining a particular event or scenario (A), identifying the feelings or way of thinking of the individual regarding the particular event or scenario (B), and evaluating the manifestation of the individualââ¬â¢s way of thinking in his behavior (C). (Jacobs, Mason Harvill, 2006, Ellis, 2002) The application of REBT to group psychotherapy is conducted by informing participants of the group about the theories and concepts underlying REBT. The ABC model is then applied to the personal experiences of the participants. Using personal examples is instrumental in having them understand the true meaning of REBT. If they get to apply the ABC model of REBT to their personal experiences and the experiences of other members of the group, then they get to understand the concept that way of thinking has something to do with how they act. Therefore, they get the idea that their maladaptive behaviors are caused by how they think about certain things and situations and not by other people or other external factors. From this, they are able to understand that in order to behave accordingly, they should be able to think correspondingly. (Jacobs, Mason Harvill, 2006) In a research study, the CBT was applied to young children with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Before exploring the employment of CBT to OCD in young children, the influence of REBT to the particular situation shall be studied. OCD is diagnosed in children as young as 3 years of age. Applying REBT in group psychotherapy for early childhood OCD, the concept of REBT is taught to the members of the group, such that the way of thinking has something to do with how individuals behave. This shall be accomplished by teaching the ABC model. In this case, OCD surfaces when individuals think of extreme fears and anxieties regarding a particular thing or event. Once the group understands the ABC model, the leader asks a volunteer from the group to share a particular situation wherein OCD manifests. For instance, one member will share his fear of holding other peopleââ¬â¢s things, and this is because he is afraid of contracting bacteria or diseases from touching unclean objects. From this way of thinking, he washes his hands too often and excessively. From this experience, other members of the group are able to think about how OCD manifests in their behavior and thinks about what they think when it does. Moreover, they are able to understand that OCD surfaces because of how they think. From the example aforementioned, perhaps, the individual is able to understand that it is his way of thinking that hinders him from becoming more open to other people and his surroundings, and not the other way around. He observes that other people who do what he fears do not experience what he thinks will happen. Through continued therapy, they are able to conquer their fears and anxieties. The group involved in psychotherapy is developed in such a way that it will affect positive outcomes to the behavior of the group members. Therefore, leaders that are assigned to particular groups should have in depth knowledge about counseling, the issues behind counseling, and the knowledge regarding the characteristics of a specific group. Group psychotherapy is done simultaneously with each member of the group. (Jacobs, Mason Harvill, 2006) References Beck, A. T., Freeman, A., Davis. D. D. (2004). ââ¬Å"Cognitive Therapy of Personality Disorders.â⬠Retrieved April 21, 2008, from Questia Media America. Website: https://www.questia.com/read/119384443/cognitive-therapy-of-personality-disorders Ellis, A. (2002). ââ¬Å"Overcoming Resistance: A Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy Integrated Approach.â⬠Retrieved April 21, 2008, from Questia Media America. Website: https://www.questia.com/read/111729203 Jacobs, E. E., Mason, R. L., Harvill, R. L. (2006) ââ¬Å"Counseling.â⬠Belmont: Thomson Brooksà Cole. Young, B. H. (2005). ââ¬Å"Intentional Behavioral Change: A Cognitive-Behavioral Model.â⬠How to cite The Cognitive Behavioral Approach, Essay examples
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
The Kite Runner and Number the Stars Essay Example
The Kite Runner and Number the Stars Essay Often in novels, the life of an author is reflected in their literature and writing. There personal experiences determine what they write, and how the readers and critics will interpret their novel. The authorââ¬â¢s life usually has an influence on the topical and thematic concerns of the work. Some criticisms use the authorââ¬â¢s information in the novel to understand the authorââ¬â¢s intention within the work. Authors may sometimes be classified by their national affiliation, suggesting that the novel takes on particular characters based on the identity of the author. In some literature, national identity shapes the self-definition of the novelists. In, Khaled Hosseiniââ¬â¢s, The Kite Runner, the author demonstrates how his past experiences reflect in the book. Khaled Hosseini reflects his personal experiences and struggles that he faced as the main character in book which inspired him to write The Kite Runner, to share his thoughts and experiences to the world. The pur pose of writing The Kite Runner is to show the world that some common issues such as identity, assimilation and power are carried out in his culture in Afghanistan. Also, Hosseini shows the difficulties of assimilation into a new culture and country and put us on the same level of human beings, by appreciating the Afghan culture. Similarly, Lois Lowryââ¬â¢s, Number the Stars, demonstrate the dreadful events of World War 2. Lois Lowry also reflects her friends and families past experiences to the main characters in the book. It inspired her to write, Number the Stars after she was piqued by a friends story, which inspired her interest to write about the German occupation topic.The purpose of writing Number the Stars is Lois Lowry wanted to inform people about the tragic events that happened during World War 2, reminding the readers about the Holocaust and discrimination that happened against the Jews by the Nazi Party. Both authors were inspired to write their novels by their pe
Friday, March 20, 2020
Opposites Attract essays
Opposites Attract essays Persons attempting to find a motive in this narrative will be prosecuted; persons attempting to find a moral will be banished; persons attempting to find a plot in it will be shot - By Order of the Author, (Twain 1) reads the Notice before The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain. Twain claims that he wrote the entire novel purely as an adventure story, and had no intention of creating a deeper statement about the human condition. On the contrary, Twain creates an insight into humanity that the reader hardly expects from the authors impractical notice. He does this by using the two main characters in the novel, Huck Finn, an uneducated boy running away from civilization and Jim, the runaway slave. As these two misfits float down the Mississippi River on a raft, Twain uses the character of Jim and his interactions with others to defy the white perception of the Negro and to ultimately demonstrate his place in American society. Twain does this by showing how Jim does not form to the mold of the stereotypical slave, has real emotions just like anyone else and is an example of the Negros social standing at that time. In the beginning of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Twain introduces Jim by describing the stereotypical Negro. Jim represents the ignorance and superstitions that most white believed to be the slaves persona. As seen through the eyes of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn, Jim personifies the stereotypical characteristics of the carefree and often ridiculous Negro. This is demonstrated when the reader first meets Jim, as Tom and Huck attempt to sneak out of the house. Jim, hears the boys moving and decides to wait until he hears it again but promptly falls asleep. Tom moves Jims hat by hanging it on a tree limb. Afterward Jim said the witches bewitched him and put him in a trance, and rode him all over the state, and then set him under the trees again, and hung ...
Wednesday, March 4, 2020
Sea Sponges Facts
Sea Sponges Facts When you look at a sponge, the word animalà might not be the first that comes to mind, but sea sponges are animals. There are over 6,000 species of sponges; most live in the marine environment, although there are also freshwater sponges. Natural sponges have been used by humans to clean and bathe with for at least 3,000 years. Sponges are classified in the phylum Porifera. The word Poriferaà comes from the Latin words porus (pore) and ferre (bear), meaning pore-bearer. This is a reference to the numerous pores or holes on a sponges surface. It is through these pores that the sponge draws in water from which it feeds. Fast Facts: Sponges Scientific Name: PoriferaCommon Name: SpongeBasic Animal Group: InvertebrateSize: Various species range from under a half inch to 11 feet in lengthWeight: Up to approximately 20 poundsLifespan: Up to 2,300 yearsDiet:à CarnivoreHabitat: Oceans and freshwater lakes the world overPopulation: UnknownConservation Status: One species is classified Least Concern; most are Not Evaluated. Description Sponges come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. Some, like the liver sponge, look like a low-lying crust on a rock, while others can be taller than humans. Some sponges are in the form of encrustations or masses, some are branched, and some look like tall vases. Sponges are relatively simple multi-celled animals. They do not have tissues or organs like some animals do; rather, they have specialized cells to perform necessary functions. These cells each have a job. Some are in charge of digestion, some reproduction, some bringing in water so the sponge can filter feed, and some are used for getting rid of wastes. The skeleton of a sponge is formed from spicules which are made of silica (a glass-like material) or calcareous (calcium or calcium carbonate) materials, and spongin, a protein that supports the spicules. Sponge species may be most readily identified by examining their spicules under a microscope. Sponges do not have a nervous system, so they dont move when touched. à Placebo365/Getty Imagesà Species There are an enormous number of species in the phylum Porifera, broken into five classes: Calcarea (Calcareous sponges)Demospongiae (Horny sponges)Hexactinellida (Glass sponges)Homoscleromorpha (Includes about 100 species of encrusting sponges)Porifera incertae sedis (Sponges whose classification has not yet been defined) There are over 6,000 formally described sponge species, measuring from under a half inch to 11 feet. The largest sponge discovered to date was found in Hawaii in 2015, and has not yet been named. Habitat and Distribution Sponges are found on the ocean floor or attached to substrates such as rocks, coral, shells, and marine organisms. Sponges range in habitat from shallow intertidal areas and coral reefs to the deep sea. They are found in oceans and freshwater lakes throughout the world. Diet and Behavior Most sponges feed on bacteria and organic matter by drawing water in through pores called ostia (singular: ostium), which are openings through which water enters the body. Lining the channels in these pores are collar cells. The collars of these cells surround a hair-like structure called a flagellum. The flagella beat to create water currents. Most sponges also feed on small organisms that come in with the water. There are also a few species of carnivorous sponges that feed by using their spicules to capture prey such as small crustaceans. Water and wastes are circulated out of the body by pores called oscula (singular: osculum). Reproduction and Offspring Sponges reproduce both sexually and asexually. Sexual reproduction occurs through the production of egg and sperm. In some species, these gametes are from the same individual; in others, separate individuals produce eggs and sperm. Fertilization occurs when the gametes are brought into the sponge by currents of water. A larva is formed, and it settles on a substrate where it becomes attached to the rest of its life. Asexual reproduction occurs by budding, which happens when a part of a sponge is broken off, or one of its branch tips is constricted, and then this small piece grows into a new sponge. They may also reproduce asexually by producing packets of cells called gemmules. Threats In general, sponges arent very tasty to most other marine animals. They can contain toxins, and their spicule structure probably doesnt make them very comfortable to digest. Two organisms that eat sponges though are hawksbill sea turtles and nudibranchs. Some nudibranchs will even absorb a sponges toxin while it eats it and then uses the toxin in its own defense. Most of the sponges have been evaluated by the IUCN, as Least Concern. RainervonBrandis/Getty Images Sponges and Humans The modern plastic sponge in our kitchens and bathrooms are named after natural sponges, living animals which were harvested and widely used as long ago as the 8th century BCE as implements for bathing and cleaning, as well as in medical practices such as assisting in healing and to cool or warm or comfort a body part. Ancient Greek writers such as Aristotle (384ââ¬â332 BCE) suggested the best sponge for such tasks was one that is compressible and squeezable but not sticky, and holds great quantities of water in its canals and expels it out when compressed.à You can still buy natural sponges in health food stores or on the Internet. Artificial sponges were not invented until the 1940s, and long before that, commercial sponge harvesting industries developed in many areas, including Tarpon Springs and Key West, Florida. Sources Brusca Richard C. and Gary J. Brusca. Phylum Porifera: the sponges. Invertebrates. Cambridge, MA: Sinauer Press, 2003. 181ââ¬â210.Castro, Fernando, et al. Agalychnis The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: e.T55843A11379402, 2004.à à Coulombe, Deborah A. The Seaside Naturalist. New York: Simon Schuster, 1984.Denoble, Peter. The Story of Sponge Divers. Alert Diver Online, 2011.Hendrikse, Sandra and Andrà ©Ã Merks, A. Sponge Fishing in Key West and Tarpon Springs, American Sponge Diver, 2003Martinez, Andrew J. Marine Life of the North Atlantic. New York: Aqua Quest Publications, Inc., 2003.UCMP. Porifera: Life History and Ecology. University of California Museum of Paleontology.Wagner, Daniel, and Christopher D. Kelley. The Largest Sponge in the World? Marine Biodiversity 47.2 (2017): 367ââ¬â68.à Voultsiadou, Eleni. Sponges: An Historical Survey of Their Knowledge in Greek Antiquity. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 87.6 (2007): 1757 ââ¬â63. Print.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)