#Blogflash2013: science fact or fiction?

Day 21 Success

Thanks to all the BlogFlashers. I've enjoyed reading your posts, and have tried to write to most of the prompts. In my own mind, I've achieved some success. I've brought science to creative writing, and I'd like to do more.

So while BlogFlash2013 comes to an end, science fact or fiction is only just beginning.

#Blogflash2013

#Blogflash2013: science fact or fiction?

Day 15 Friendship

I volunteer in the care of the elderly. As a day care assistant at a drop-in centre for people with dementia, and more recently in the management of a local day centre.

A key role of the day centre is to provide a sense of belonging, friendship; a place to to share a meal with friends.

New research addresses the importance of a positive mealtime experience for older people. Carers, family and friends, and services such as the day centre, all play an important role in reducing levels of anxiety and isolation.

Funding for these services has been slashed by government and local authorities. More people rely on the kindness of others, volunteers, for caring and friendship. 

Reference: J Hum Nutr Diet. 2013 Mar 13. Assisted-living elderly and the mealtime experience.Mahadevan M, Hartwell HJ, Feldman CH, Ruzsilla JA, Raines ER.

116 words

#Blogflash2013

#Blogflash2013: science fact or fiction?

Day 14 Home

When we are first old enough to leave the house on our own, the first thing we have to learn is how to get home. Recite your address and phone number. Know how to get safely home.

My childhood home was safe and warm and loving. I was encouraged and nurtured at home. It was a happy environment, which shaped my life, where memories were made.

How sad, then, when Granny and Grandpa moved out of their home to live with us, because they were no longer safe in their home. Frail and forgetful, their home was full of danger for them.

How we take for granted the luxury of home.

Reference: 

Cleve Clin J Med. 2013 Jan;80 Electronic Suppl 1:eS27-9. The case for "connected health" at home.
Landers SH.


113 words

#Blogflash2013

#Blogflash2013: science fact or fiction?

Day 13 Darkness

Human beings as well as other mammals are responsive to light and dark. It's called the circadian clock and without it we would be zombies. The circadian clock regulates many body functions, such as hormone levels, which help us to sleep, eat and reproduce. Without these basic functions, and no body clock, a healthy body is difficult to sustain.

This interesting publication helped to explain the research that has taken place since I first learnt about rods and cones in the eye, way back in 1980.

'Eat your carrots' my Grandmother used to say. 'It will help you see in the dark'. But everyone knows that rod photoreceptor cells help you see in the darkness.

Prog Brain Res. 2012;199:1-18.
How rod, cone, and melanopsin photoreceptors come together to enlighten the mammalian circadian clock.
Lucas RJ, Lall GS, Allen AE, Brown TM.
 
115 words

#Blogflash2013

#Blogflash2013: science fact or fiction?

Day 12 Music



There is always music in my head, so it came as no surprise to me that scientists have put music to biological data from their experiments. I love this idea. It delights me. 

My research consists of millions of data points. Many of these are highly ordered and regulated; we expect to see patterns in the data. But there is also loads of information which we collect and cannot interpret within the context or the hypothesis of the experiment.

And just for a bit of fun, it would amuse me to use the data to make music.

Play Microbial Bepop.

Reference: PLoS One. 2013;8(3):e58119. Microbial bebop: creating music from complex dynamics in microbial ecology. Larsen P, Gilbert J.

97 words

#Blogflash2013

#Blogflash2013: science fact or fiction?

Day 11 Running

Mr B is a marathon runner. He's pretty average. Most amateur runners are. Scientists have studied elite athletes, to determine whether their genetic make-up accounts for their performance. Or are these athletes simply driven to win.

For example, sprinters and distance athletes have different types of muscle fibres in their legs. Sprinters have fast twitch fibres, which allow them to react in milli-seconds. Distance runners have laid-back muscle fibres, allowing them to run for longer. Clear genetic differences.

What about the number of distance runners from Africa winning international athletic events? One research group has NOT found an association with genetics in these runners, and their performance level. Rather, they suggest that their achievements are down to lifestyle and environment, a need to run and win.

Reference: 

Sports Med. 2007;37(4-5):424-7. Genotypes and distance running : clues from Africa

Scott RA, Pitsiladis YP.

 126 words

Thank you so much for all your comments. I haven't had much time to read your BlogFlashes this week, but I'm looking forward to catching up over the weekend. Mr B has been on annual leave and opportunities to read blogs have been rather limited.

#Blogflash2013