Just the facts, NOT opinions.
Topics are presented in alphabetical order.
DISCLAIMER: The following links will take you
off of our site. At the time we linked to them,
site content was educational and appropriate
for children.
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
From the US Fish & Wildlife Service
The Arctic Refuge is managed for all Americans by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, a federal agency within the Department of the Interior. The original 'Arctic
National Wildlife Range' was created in 1960 by Public Land Order 2214 "For the
purpose of preserving unique wildlife, wilderness and recreational values..." In 1980
the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) enlarged the area,
designated much of the original Range as Wilderness under the 1964 Wilderness
Act, renamed the whole area the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and added four
purposes. The ANILCA purposes are: (i) to conserve fish and wildlife populations
and habitats in their natural diversity including, but not limited to, the Porcupine
caribou herd (including participation in coordinated ecological studies and
management of this herd and the Western Arctic caribou herd), polar bears, grizzly
bears, muskox, Dall sheep, wolves, wolverines, snow geese, peregrine falcons and
other migratory birds and Arctic char [note that those residing in Alaska's North
Slope rivers and lagoons are now classified as Dolly Varden] and grayling; (ii) to
fulfill the international fish and wildlife treaty obligations of the United States; (iii) to
provide the opportunity for continued subsistence uses by local residents; and (iv) to
ensure water quality and necessary water quantity within the refuge. Section 1002
of ANILCA required that studies be performed to provide information to Congress.
These mandated studies included a comprehensive inventory and assessment of
fish and wildlife resources, an analysis of potential impacts of oil and gas exploration
and development on those resources, and a delineation of the extent and amount of
potential petroleum resources. Because this Congressionally designated part of the
Refuge coastal plain was addressed in Section 1002 of ANILCA, it is now referred to
as the "1002 Area." Also referring to this area of the coastal plain, Congress
declared in Section 1003 of ANILCA that the "production of oil and gas from the
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is prohibited and no leasing or other development
leading to production of oil and gas from the [Refuge] shall be undertaken until
authorized by an act of Congress.
Biodiesel
From the U.S. Department of Energy
Biodiesel is a domestically produced, renewable fuel that can be manufactured from
vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled restaurant greases. Biodiesel is safe,
biodegradable, and reduces serious air pollutants such as particulates, carbon
monoxide, hydrocarbons, and air toxics. Blends of 20% biodiesel with 80% petroleum
diesel (B20) can generally be used in unmodified diesel engines; however, users
should consult their OEM and engine warranty statement. Biodiesel can also be
used in its pure form (B100), but it may require certain engine modifications to avoid
maintenance and performance problems and may not be suitable for wintertime use.
Users should consult their engine warranty statement.
Bioscience
From the Flinn Foundation: Arizona BioBasics
Industry cluster comprised of five segments: agricultural feedstock and chemicals;
drugs and pharmaceuticals; medical devices and instruments; hospitals and
laboratories; and research and testing.
Biotechnology
From the Flinn Foundation: Arizona BioBasics
Technology based on biology, especially when used in agriculture, food science,
and medicine. Biotechnology is a subset of the biosciences.
Bird Flu
From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Avian influenza is an infection caused by avian (bird) influenza (flu) viruses. These
influenza viruses occur naturally among birds. Wild birds worldwide carry the viruses
in their intestines, but usually do not get sick from them. However, avian influenza is
very contagious among birds and can make some domesticated birds, including
chickens, ducks, and turkeys, very sick and kill them.
Ethanol
From the U.S. Department of Energy
Ethanol is an alcohol-based alternative fuel produced by fermenting and distilling
starch crops that have been converted into simple sugars. Feedstocks for this fuel
include corn, barley, and wheat. Ethanol can also be produced from "cellulosic
biomass" such as trees and grasses and is called bioethanol. Ethanol is most
commonly used to increase octane and improve the emissions quality of gasoline.
Ethanol can be blended with gasoline to create E85, a blend of 85% ethanol and
15% gasoline. E85 and blends with even higher concentrations of ethanol, E95, for
example, qualify as alternative fuels under the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct).
Vehicles that run on E85 are called flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) and are offered by
several vehicle manufacturers. See the ethanol vehicles page for more information
on FFVs. In some areas of the United States, lower concentrations of ethanol are
blended with gasoline. The most common low concentration blend is E10 (10%
ethanol and 90% gasoline). While it reduces emissions, E10 is not considered an
alternative fuel under EPAct regulations. For more information on E10, see the
ethanol blends page.
Evolution
From California State University at Berkeley
Biological evolution, simply put, is descent with modification. This definition
encompasses small-scale evolution (changes in gene frequency in a population from
one generation to the next) and large-scale evolution (the descent of different
species from a common ancestor over many generations). Evolution helps us to
understand the history of life.
Fair Trade
From Fair Trade Certified
Fair Trade is a market-based approach to sustainable development, seeking to
empower millions of disadvantaged producers worldwide while protecting the
environment for future generations. Fair Trade also empowers U.S. consumers to
make a difference in the world simply by adjusting their shopping list, giving industry
an incentive to do the right thing. The dramatic growth of Fair Trade products
proves that consumers are voting for a better world with their purchases, demanding
sustainable, ethically sourced goods.
Global sustainability
From the Centre of Indigenous Environmental Resources
"Sustainability is different things to different people, and to different groups of
people.
To an ecologist, sustainability is the ability of ecosystems, such as a lake ecosystem,
to maintain its structure and function and to remain resilient in order to continue to
give and support life. To an economist, sustainability is the ability of the market to
optimally allocate scarce resources, to send proper price signals, to provide a
mechanism for investment, and to maintain a healthy labour market. To a sociologist,
sustainability is the ability of individuals and communities to remain in good health
physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, and ensure equity among and
between generations. To us, sustainability is all of these strands - sustainability of
ecosystems, sustainability of economies, and social/community sustainability or
equity - and the interconnections between them. The many interconnections
between the strands - for example, between the number of fish in the ocean and the
economic stability of a commercial fishery - are like a web. Like a web, it is difficult to
tell where one strand ends and another begins. It is equally difficult, almost
impossible, to touch one strand without vibrations, however small, felt elsewhere
within the web. Thus, sustainability requires an understanding of these
interconnections in order to meet local and global sustainability objectives."
Global warming
From the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Kid's Site
Global warming refers to an average increase in the Earth's temperature, which in
turn causes changes in climate. A warmer Earth may lead to changes in rainfall
patterns, a rise in sea level, and a wide range of impacts on plants, wildlife, and
humans. When scientists talk about the issue of climate change, their concern is
about global warming caused by human activities.
Genetically modified foods (GMOs)
From the Human Genome Project
Although "biotechnology" and "genetic modification" commonly are used
interchangeably, GM is a special set of technologies that alter the genetic makeup of
such living organisms as animals, plants, or bacteria. Biotechnology, a more general
term, refers to using living organisms or their components, such as enzymes, to
make products that include wine, cheese, beer, and yogurt. Combining genes from
different organisms is known as recombinant DNA technology, and the resulting
organism is said to be "genetically modified," "genetically engineered," or
"transgenic." GM products (current or in the pipeline) include medicines and
vaccines, foods and food ingredients, feeds, and fibers.
Greenhouse gasses
From U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
Some greenhouse gases occur naturally in the atmosphere, while others result from
human activities. Naturally occuring greenhouse gases include water vapor, carbon
dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone. Certain human activities, however, add
to the levels of most of these naturally occurring gases: Carbon dioxide is released
to the atmosphere when solid waste, fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, and coal), and
wood and wood products are burned. Methane is emitted during the production and
transport of coal, natural gas, and oil. Methane emissions also result from the
decomposition of organic wastes in municipal solid waste landfills, and the raising of
livestock. More information on methane. Nitrous oxide is emitted during agricultural
and industrial activities, as well as during combustion of solid waste and fossil fuels.
Very powerful greenhouse gases that are not naturally occurring include
hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6),
which are generated in a variety of industrial processes. Each greenhouse gas
differs in its ability to absorb heat in the atmosphere. HFCs and PFCs are the most
heat-absorbent. Methane traps over 21 times more heat per molecule than carbon
dioxide, and nitrous oxide absorbs 270 times more heat per molecule than carbon
dioxide. Often, estimates of greenhouse gas emissions are presented in units of
millions of metric tons of carbon equivalents (MMTCE), which weights each gas by its
GWP value, or Global Warming Potential.
Hurricanes
From the Federal Emergency Management Agency
Hurricanes are severe tropical storms that form in the southern Atlantic Ocean,
Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Hurricanes gather
heat and energy through contact with warm ocean waters. Evaporation from the
seawater increases their power. Hurricanes rotate in a counter-clockwise direction
around an "eye." Hurricanes have winds at least 74 miles per hour. When they come
onto land, the heavy rain, strong winds and heavy waves can damage buildings,
trees and cars. The heavy waves are called a storm surge. Storm surges are very
dangerous and a major reason why you MUST stay away from the ocean during a
hurricane warning or hurricane.
Hydrogen
From the U.S. Department of Energy
Hydrogen (H2) will play an important role in developing sustainable transportation in
the United States, because in the future it may be produced in virtually unlimited
quantities using renewable resources. Hydrogen has been used effectively in a
number of internal combustion engine vehicles as pure hydrogen mixed with natural
gas. For more information on this fuel blend, see the hydrogen/natural gas blend
site. In addition, hydrogen is used in a growing number of demonstration fuel cell
vehicles. Hydrogen and oxygen from air fed into a proton exchange membrane
(PEM) fuel cell "stack" produce enough electricity to power an electric automobile,
without producing harmful emissions. For more information, see our "hydrogen
vehicles" page.
Intelligent Design
From The Center For Science And Culture
The theory of intelligent design holds that certain features of the universe and of
living things are best explained by an intelligent cause, not an undirected process
such as natural selection.
Nanotechnology
From the National Nanotechnology Initiative
Nanotechnology is the understanding and control of matter at dimensions of roughly
1 to 100 nanometers, where unique phenomena enable novel applications.
Encompassing nanoscale science, engineering and technology, nanotechnology
involves imaging, measuring, modeling, and manipulating matter at this length scale.
At the nanoscale, the physical, chemical, and biological properties of materials differ
in fundamental and valuable ways from the properties of individual atoms and
molecules or bulk matter. Nanotechnology R&D is directed toward understanding
and creating improved materials, devices, and systems that exploit these new
properties. One area of nanotechnology R&D is medicine. Medical researchers work
at the micro- and nano-scales to develop new drug delivery methods, therapeutics
and pharmaceuticals. For a bit of perspective, the diameter of DNA, our genetic
material, is in the 2.5 nanometer range, while red blood cells are approximately 2.5
micrometers. Additional information about nanoscale research in medicine is
available from the National Institutes of Health. A nanometer is one-billionth of a
meter; a sheet of paper is about 100,000 nanometers thick.
Organic foods
From the United States Department of Agriculture, Alternative Farming Systems
Information Center
Organic agriculture is an ecological production management system that promotes
and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. It is based on
minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain
and enhance ecological harmony." 'Organic' is a labeling term that denotes products
produced under the authority of the Organic Foods Production Act. The principal
guidelines for organic production are to use materials and practices that enhance
the ecological balance of natural systems and that integrate the parts of the farming
system into an ecological whole." "Organic agriculture practices cannot ensure that
products are completely free of residues; however, methods are used to minimize
pollution from air, soil and water." "Organic food handlers, processors and retailers
adhere to standards that maintain the integrity of organic agricultural products. The
primary goal of organic agriculture is to optimize the health and productivity of
interdependent communities of soil life, plants, animals and people.
Pandemic Flu
From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Pandemic flu is flu that causes a global outbreak, or pandemic, of serious illness that
spreads easily from person to person.
STEM cells
From the National Institutes of Health
Stem cells have the remarkable potential to develop into many different cell types in
the body. Serving as a sort of repair system for the body, they can theoretically
divide without limit to replenish other cells as long as the person or animal is still
alive. When a stem cell divides, each new cell has the potential to either remain a
stem cell or become another type of cell with a more specialized function, such as a
muscle cell, a red blood cell, or a brain cell.
Tsunamis
From the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
A tsunami is a series of ocean waves generated by sudden displacements in the sea
floor, landslides, or volcanic activity. In the deep ocean, the tsunami wave may only
be a few inches high. The tsunami wave may come gently ashore or may increase in
height to become a fast moving wall of turbulent water several meters high. Although
a tsunami cannot be prevented, the impact of a tsunami can be mitigated through
community preparedness, timely warnings, and effective response.
Topics are presented in alphabetical order.
DISCLAIMER: The following links will take you
off of our site. At the time we linked to them,
site content was educational and appropriate
for children.
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
From the US Fish & Wildlife Service
The Arctic Refuge is managed for all Americans by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, a federal agency within the Department of the Interior. The original 'Arctic
National Wildlife Range' was created in 1960 by Public Land Order 2214 "For the
purpose of preserving unique wildlife, wilderness and recreational values..." In 1980
the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) enlarged the area,
designated much of the original Range as Wilderness under the 1964 Wilderness
Act, renamed the whole area the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and added four
purposes. The ANILCA purposes are: (i) to conserve fish and wildlife populations
and habitats in their natural diversity including, but not limited to, the Porcupine
caribou herd (including participation in coordinated ecological studies and
management of this herd and the Western Arctic caribou herd), polar bears, grizzly
bears, muskox, Dall sheep, wolves, wolverines, snow geese, peregrine falcons and
other migratory birds and Arctic char [note that those residing in Alaska's North
Slope rivers and lagoons are now classified as Dolly Varden] and grayling; (ii) to
fulfill the international fish and wildlife treaty obligations of the United States; (iii) to
provide the opportunity for continued subsistence uses by local residents; and (iv) to
ensure water quality and necessary water quantity within the refuge. Section 1002
of ANILCA required that studies be performed to provide information to Congress.
These mandated studies included a comprehensive inventory and assessment of
fish and wildlife resources, an analysis of potential impacts of oil and gas exploration
and development on those resources, and a delineation of the extent and amount of
potential petroleum resources. Because this Congressionally designated part of the
Refuge coastal plain was addressed in Section 1002 of ANILCA, it is now referred to
as the "1002 Area." Also referring to this area of the coastal plain, Congress
declared in Section 1003 of ANILCA that the "production of oil and gas from the
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is prohibited and no leasing or other development
leading to production of oil and gas from the [Refuge] shall be undertaken until
authorized by an act of Congress.
Biodiesel
From the U.S. Department of Energy
Biodiesel is a domestically produced, renewable fuel that can be manufactured from
vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled restaurant greases. Biodiesel is safe,
biodegradable, and reduces serious air pollutants such as particulates, carbon
monoxide, hydrocarbons, and air toxics. Blends of 20% biodiesel with 80% petroleum
diesel (B20) can generally be used in unmodified diesel engines; however, users
should consult their OEM and engine warranty statement. Biodiesel can also be
used in its pure form (B100), but it may require certain engine modifications to avoid
maintenance and performance problems and may not be suitable for wintertime use.
Users should consult their engine warranty statement.
Bioscience
From the Flinn Foundation: Arizona BioBasics
Industry cluster comprised of five segments: agricultural feedstock and chemicals;
drugs and pharmaceuticals; medical devices and instruments; hospitals and
laboratories; and research and testing.
Biotechnology
From the Flinn Foundation: Arizona BioBasics
Technology based on biology, especially when used in agriculture, food science,
and medicine. Biotechnology is a subset of the biosciences.
Bird Flu
From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Avian influenza is an infection caused by avian (bird) influenza (flu) viruses. These
influenza viruses occur naturally among birds. Wild birds worldwide carry the viruses
in their intestines, but usually do not get sick from them. However, avian influenza is
very contagious among birds and can make some domesticated birds, including
chickens, ducks, and turkeys, very sick and kill them.
Ethanol
From the U.S. Department of Energy
Ethanol is an alcohol-based alternative fuel produced by fermenting and distilling
starch crops that have been converted into simple sugars. Feedstocks for this fuel
include corn, barley, and wheat. Ethanol can also be produced from "cellulosic
biomass" such as trees and grasses and is called bioethanol. Ethanol is most
commonly used to increase octane and improve the emissions quality of gasoline.
Ethanol can be blended with gasoline to create E85, a blend of 85% ethanol and
15% gasoline. E85 and blends with even higher concentrations of ethanol, E95, for
example, qualify as alternative fuels under the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct).
Vehicles that run on E85 are called flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) and are offered by
several vehicle manufacturers. See the ethanol vehicles page for more information
on FFVs. In some areas of the United States, lower concentrations of ethanol are
blended with gasoline. The most common low concentration blend is E10 (10%
ethanol and 90% gasoline). While it reduces emissions, E10 is not considered an
alternative fuel under EPAct regulations. For more information on E10, see the
ethanol blends page.
Evolution
From California State University at Berkeley
Biological evolution, simply put, is descent with modification. This definition
encompasses small-scale evolution (changes in gene frequency in a population from
one generation to the next) and large-scale evolution (the descent of different
species from a common ancestor over many generations). Evolution helps us to
understand the history of life.
Fair Trade
From Fair Trade Certified
Fair Trade is a market-based approach to sustainable development, seeking to
empower millions of disadvantaged producers worldwide while protecting the
environment for future generations. Fair Trade also empowers U.S. consumers to
make a difference in the world simply by adjusting their shopping list, giving industry
an incentive to do the right thing. The dramatic growth of Fair Trade products
proves that consumers are voting for a better world with their purchases, demanding
sustainable, ethically sourced goods.
Global sustainability
From the Centre of Indigenous Environmental Resources
"Sustainability is different things to different people, and to different groups of
people.
To an ecologist, sustainability is the ability of ecosystems, such as a lake ecosystem,
to maintain its structure and function and to remain resilient in order to continue to
give and support life. To an economist, sustainability is the ability of the market to
optimally allocate scarce resources, to send proper price signals, to provide a
mechanism for investment, and to maintain a healthy labour market. To a sociologist,
sustainability is the ability of individuals and communities to remain in good health
physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, and ensure equity among and
between generations. To us, sustainability is all of these strands - sustainability of
ecosystems, sustainability of economies, and social/community sustainability or
equity - and the interconnections between them. The many interconnections
between the strands - for example, between the number of fish in the ocean and the
economic stability of a commercial fishery - are like a web. Like a web, it is difficult to
tell where one strand ends and another begins. It is equally difficult, almost
impossible, to touch one strand without vibrations, however small, felt elsewhere
within the web. Thus, sustainability requires an understanding of these
interconnections in order to meet local and global sustainability objectives."
Global warming
From the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Kid's Site
Global warming refers to an average increase in the Earth's temperature, which in
turn causes changes in climate. A warmer Earth may lead to changes in rainfall
patterns, a rise in sea level, and a wide range of impacts on plants, wildlife, and
humans. When scientists talk about the issue of climate change, their concern is
about global warming caused by human activities.
Genetically modified foods (GMOs)
From the Human Genome Project
Although "biotechnology" and "genetic modification" commonly are used
interchangeably, GM is a special set of technologies that alter the genetic makeup of
such living organisms as animals, plants, or bacteria. Biotechnology, a more general
term, refers to using living organisms or their components, such as enzymes, to
make products that include wine, cheese, beer, and yogurt. Combining genes from
different organisms is known as recombinant DNA technology, and the resulting
organism is said to be "genetically modified," "genetically engineered," or
"transgenic." GM products (current or in the pipeline) include medicines and
vaccines, foods and food ingredients, feeds, and fibers.
Greenhouse gasses
From U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
Some greenhouse gases occur naturally in the atmosphere, while others result from
human activities. Naturally occuring greenhouse gases include water vapor, carbon
dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone. Certain human activities, however, add
to the levels of most of these naturally occurring gases: Carbon dioxide is released
to the atmosphere when solid waste, fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, and coal), and
wood and wood products are burned. Methane is emitted during the production and
transport of coal, natural gas, and oil. Methane emissions also result from the
decomposition of organic wastes in municipal solid waste landfills, and the raising of
livestock. More information on methane. Nitrous oxide is emitted during agricultural
and industrial activities, as well as during combustion of solid waste and fossil fuels.
Very powerful greenhouse gases that are not naturally occurring include
hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6),
which are generated in a variety of industrial processes. Each greenhouse gas
differs in its ability to absorb heat in the atmosphere. HFCs and PFCs are the most
heat-absorbent. Methane traps over 21 times more heat per molecule than carbon
dioxide, and nitrous oxide absorbs 270 times more heat per molecule than carbon
dioxide. Often, estimates of greenhouse gas emissions are presented in units of
millions of metric tons of carbon equivalents (MMTCE), which weights each gas by its
GWP value, or Global Warming Potential.
Hurricanes
From the Federal Emergency Management Agency
Hurricanes are severe tropical storms that form in the southern Atlantic Ocean,
Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Hurricanes gather
heat and energy through contact with warm ocean waters. Evaporation from the
seawater increases their power. Hurricanes rotate in a counter-clockwise direction
around an "eye." Hurricanes have winds at least 74 miles per hour. When they come
onto land, the heavy rain, strong winds and heavy waves can damage buildings,
trees and cars. The heavy waves are called a storm surge. Storm surges are very
dangerous and a major reason why you MUST stay away from the ocean during a
hurricane warning or hurricane.
Hydrogen
From the U.S. Department of Energy
Hydrogen (H2) will play an important role in developing sustainable transportation in
the United States, because in the future it may be produced in virtually unlimited
quantities using renewable resources. Hydrogen has been used effectively in a
number of internal combustion engine vehicles as pure hydrogen mixed with natural
gas. For more information on this fuel blend, see the hydrogen/natural gas blend
site. In addition, hydrogen is used in a growing number of demonstration fuel cell
vehicles. Hydrogen and oxygen from air fed into a proton exchange membrane
(PEM) fuel cell "stack" produce enough electricity to power an electric automobile,
without producing harmful emissions. For more information, see our "hydrogen
vehicles" page.
Intelligent Design
From The Center For Science And Culture
The theory of intelligent design holds that certain features of the universe and of
living things are best explained by an intelligent cause, not an undirected process
such as natural selection.
Nanotechnology
From the National Nanotechnology Initiative
Nanotechnology is the understanding and control of matter at dimensions of roughly
1 to 100 nanometers, where unique phenomena enable novel applications.
Encompassing nanoscale science, engineering and technology, nanotechnology
involves imaging, measuring, modeling, and manipulating matter at this length scale.
At the nanoscale, the physical, chemical, and biological properties of materials differ
in fundamental and valuable ways from the properties of individual atoms and
molecules or bulk matter. Nanotechnology R&D is directed toward understanding
and creating improved materials, devices, and systems that exploit these new
properties. One area of nanotechnology R&D is medicine. Medical researchers work
at the micro- and nano-scales to develop new drug delivery methods, therapeutics
and pharmaceuticals. For a bit of perspective, the diameter of DNA, our genetic
material, is in the 2.5 nanometer range, while red blood cells are approximately 2.5
micrometers. Additional information about nanoscale research in medicine is
available from the National Institutes of Health. A nanometer is one-billionth of a
meter; a sheet of paper is about 100,000 nanometers thick.
Organic foods
From the United States Department of Agriculture, Alternative Farming Systems
Information Center
Organic agriculture is an ecological production management system that promotes
and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. It is based on
minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain
and enhance ecological harmony." 'Organic' is a labeling term that denotes products
produced under the authority of the Organic Foods Production Act. The principal
guidelines for organic production are to use materials and practices that enhance
the ecological balance of natural systems and that integrate the parts of the farming
system into an ecological whole." "Organic agriculture practices cannot ensure that
products are completely free of residues; however, methods are used to minimize
pollution from air, soil and water." "Organic food handlers, processors and retailers
adhere to standards that maintain the integrity of organic agricultural products. The
primary goal of organic agriculture is to optimize the health and productivity of
interdependent communities of soil life, plants, animals and people.
Pandemic Flu
From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Pandemic flu is flu that causes a global outbreak, or pandemic, of serious illness that
spreads easily from person to person.
STEM cells
From the National Institutes of Health
Stem cells have the remarkable potential to develop into many different cell types in
the body. Serving as a sort of repair system for the body, they can theoretically
divide without limit to replenish other cells as long as the person or animal is still
alive. When a stem cell divides, each new cell has the potential to either remain a
stem cell or become another type of cell with a more specialized function, such as a
muscle cell, a red blood cell, or a brain cell.
Tsunamis
From the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
A tsunami is a series of ocean waves generated by sudden displacements in the sea
floor, landslides, or volcanic activity. In the deep ocean, the tsunami wave may only
be a few inches high. The tsunami wave may come gently ashore or may increase in
height to become a fast moving wall of turbulent water several meters high. Although
a tsunami cannot be prevented, the impact of a tsunami can be mitigated through
community preparedness, timely warnings, and effective response.
Angie's Hot Topics in
the News
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