Transcript: New from BookNet Canada for 2024: BNC CataList - Tech Forum 2024
Jen-Ling Nieh Blog compilation
1. Jen-Ling Nieh
Blog 1: Two Cultures
My name is Jen and I am a Psychology major. In particular, I think my background of Psychology
really made the lectures by Professor Vesna quite intriguing. I was able to connect what she talked
about to what I have learned through my college years. However, fortunately, Psychology is right in
between South and North Campus with the inverted fountain. I have previously taken art courses to
fulfill my general education along with hard sciences. Thus, I can say that I've been acquainted with
both fields. I do feel the separation of the two cultures and I practice stereotypes myself. The lecture of
Two cultures definitely debunked my stereotype that artists know nothing of science. I'm shocked to
find out how much artists are aware of science. I don't call myself a scientist, but having to go back and
take pre-requisites for veterinary schools, I will have to become a scientist. Therefore, I will definitely
be familiar with science field along with my psychology background (more artsy field compare to
sciences). I've often experience this separation of the two cultures because many people refer to science
majors as south campus and arts as north campus. Oftentimes, people of south campus feel superior to
those of north campus. Despite that psychology is in between the south and north, it is still considered
as a “north campus major”. Thus, this demonstrates that stereotypes also exist at UCLA. As shown
geographically on campus map and by the names of the buildings according to field (as mentioned in
lecture video), there's a segregation of the two culture in our very own campus. This is due to the flaw
of our current education, which is fueled by the economy.
As mentioned is the RSA video, our education system needs improvement, it desperately needs a
shifting paradigm. For example, due to standardized testing and way of teaching, the number of
students diagnosed with ADHD is significant. Here's a link with statistics to intimate one of the
problems in our education. http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/wellness/special-
needs/story/2011/08/Study-Nearly-1-in-10-US-kids-diagnosed-with-ADHD/50057050/1
Here's a link, which I found interesting, that further shows the concept of how science and art
segregated because they were together as one in the past.
http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/journals/conservation-journal/issue-36/science-and-art-separated-by-a-
common-language/
If anyone has time or is interested, here's an article that strictly talks about the problems that were
created due to the segregation of art and sciences. It's a relatively brief. http://www.sti-
innsbruck.at/fileadmin/documents/ms-seminar-1-ws09/ms-sem...
I have also provided two pictures of what "mad artist" and "mad scientist" is suppose to look like,
which conveys the stereotype we hold for each. This will allow you to contrast the two.
3. I have been trying to be meticulous of what I eat by eating more vegetables and choosing brown rice.
However, after watching “Nova: Harvest of Fear”, I realized that I haven't been as careful as I thought!
It really is scary because many, as depicted in the video, don't even realize that they have been eating
genetically modified food. I, for one, definitely have been clueless. I knew about Monsanto and the
despicable actions they do to the farmers to increase their profit. From the GMO food shown in the
video, I know that I have been eating GMO food (especially corn) and will educate myself in learning
how to avoid it in the near future.
I think the consumers deserve the right to know what they are eating and campaigns against GMO food
should seek out in educating the public. When I first looked at the topic, I thought that I would feel
proud of myself for what I have been eating. Compare to the past, I have been eating a lot healthier:
eggplants, spinach, tofu, etc. I didn't think that GMO food would be an issue with what I have been
currently consuming. However, as it turns out, what I have been eating is not what I have thought what
I've been eating! Even the brown rice that I've been eating may not really be brown rice! The brands of
the food I eat are on the following list of GMO free food. Therefore, I will try my best to look out for
the following brands. http://nourishedkitchen.com/gmo-free-food/
Technology has always been highly regarded as an enhancement to our society. However, after learning
about biotechnology of genetically modified foods, I'm not sure if it is a gift or an omen. I found the
statement “making fish grow faster” to be disgusting, yet this is the food I'm provided. The fear of
GMO food is both ignorance and cost. Since GMO food permits massive production, the price will be
cheaper on the market. Whereas, “normal” food will be expensive. People living with budgets will not
be able to afford avoiding GMO food, which is depriving people of their prerogative to healthy food.
For example, many will not be able to regularly shop at farmer's markets due to the cost. Additionally,
GMO food hasn't been out long enough for us to know the consequences, but it is against nature.
Throughout the last decades, we have learned that going against nature will lead to dire consequences
(i.e., injecting hormones to cows). Another problem we will face is that people are not aware of the
existence of GMO food! Then how are they able to avoid and fight against it? Thus, it is imperative
that we educate the public. Here's a guide so people can start!
http://www.scribd.com/doc/2345138/Greenpeace-shoppers-guide-to-GMOFree-Food
I also found it relevant to provide some information of Monsanto as it is one of the biggest, if not the
biggest, genetically modified food companies. They modify seeds and patent them and have been
bankrupting farmers to minimize competition!
http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2008/05/monsanto200805
I have provided some pictures as to how our foods are currently manufactured and what it looks like
scientifically! This is just too scary!
5. http://www.eattheweeds.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Eggs-getting-a-sho...
http://wakeup-world.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/pharmcorn.jpg
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JG0Q_4F06is/T0FlN-9zaxI/AAAAAAAAAKI/bMGbj5edJy...
Blog 3: My Relationship with Animals
First and foremost, I love animals. I grew up having had birds, chicken, turtles, hamsters, fish, etc. I
currently have two dogs and plan on becoming a veterinarian. Even with my early childhood exposure
to animals, I still didn't know I wanted to become a veterinarian until last year. Within this year, I have
learned a lot and grew a lot. I grew from an animal lover to a knowledgeable animal activist. I learned
about the problem we are having with dog and cat overpopulation. Millions are currently euthanized a
year due to lack of homes. Additionally, animal cruelty that exists in our community motivates me to
do what I want to do, which is to have a non-profit rescue. I want to save them all, but I know I can't.
Thus, I have learned to accept the ugly truths and try to make changes from there. I will live to educate
people on how to be a responsible pet owner and how to NOT support puppy mills and backyard
breeders. Unfortunately, most of us have fallen victims to these greeders. I would sum my relationship
to animals as a nurturing one because they have taught me a lot. My dogs have taught me patience,
love, and responsibility. I also find it much easier for me to talk to others about animals then any other
subject. However, my relationship with animals doesn't just stop at dogs and cats. I also love wild
animals, which is why I can never go to the zoo. It pains for me to see them caged up. I believe that
they should be in their habitat and live their lives. Due to my love for animals, I have also become more
conservative with energy usage. I want to minimize my carbon footprint and not contribute to global
warming. Everytime I think of global warming, I think of dying polar bears. Thus, my relationship to
animals has definitely made me into a better person.
Here's a fact sheet for those interested! http://www.americanhumane.org/animals/stop-animal-
abuse/fact-sheets/anim...
Info. on what is a puppy mill: www.aspca.org/fight-animal-cruelty/puppy-mills/what-is-a-puppy-
mill.aspx">http://www.aspca.org/fight-animal-cruelty/puppy-mills/what-is-a-puppy-mi...
6. Why zoos shouldn't exist!
www.veganpeace.com/animal_cruelty/zoos.htm">http://www.veganpeace.com/animal_cruelty/zoos.ht
m
I really can't say I'm surprised at what happened to Steve Kurtz. Our government is flawed, but many
just sit and let the injustice get by. I'm glad that he didn't get incarcerated, but there are many others
who are not as lucky, such as Troy Davis. After watching the video, it really made me think what I
would have done. I also wondered if I would have signed the petition for Steve if I was his student. I
made me sad to hear the students' responses when Phil had asked them to signed the petition. It made
me see that we are all locked up mentally! Other shocking parts of the film was when the FBI saw the
invitation in Arabic and assuming terroist acitivity. Then, how the FBI continuously try to set up traps
7. to get him to say what they want Steve to say. The invasion of privacy is very scary! At anytime, my
phone conversations can be listened to by others! I think "Strange Culture" was a great way of
educating the public on what's happening. Nevertheless, what Steve Kurtz and Robert Ferrell had to
endure definitely serves as a wake up call to what our government is doing and hiding from us! All
Steve Kurtz and Robert Ferrell was trying to do was to educate the public so people don't have to live
in fear of what they are eating.
My dogs:
References:
www.veganpeace.com/animal_cruelty/zoos.htm">http://www.veganpeace.com/animal_cruelty/zoos.ht
m
www.aspca.org/fight-animal-cruelty/puppy-mills/what-is-a-puppy-
mill.aspx">http://www.aspca.org/fight-animal-cruelty/puppy-mills/what-is-a-puppy-mi...
www.americanhumane.org/animals/stop-animal-abuse/fact-sheets/animal-
shel...">http://www.americanhumane.org/animals/stop-animal-abuse/fact-sheets/anim...
Blog 4: Transhumanism
My boyfriend has always told me that one day robots will take over since humans are so dependent on
technology. The concept of transhumanism really reminded me of the idea of cloning. As I was
researching, I discovered that there's a difference between artificial cloning, what we often think of
when we hear "cloning", and natural cloning. According to National Human Genome Research
8. Institute, "in nature, some plants and single-celled organisms, such as bacteria, produce genetically
identical offspring through a process called asexual reproduction. In asexual reproduction, a new
individual is generated from a copy of a single cell from the parent organism." Cloning finds
applications in genetic fingerprinting, amplification of DNA and alteration of the genetic makeup of
organisms. As for artificial cloning, there are three types: gene cloning, reproductive cloning and
therapeutic cloning. Therapeutic cloning can help replace damaged cells. It can be used to discover
ways to prevent aging and even bringing dead pets back alive. This website,
http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/elsi/cloning.shtml#intro, provides great
introductory details in regards to cloning. There hare heated debate about whether humans should be
cloned. There currently is artificial embryo twinning, which is the relatively low-tech version of
cloning. This technology mimics the natural process of creating identical twins. You can refer to this
website, http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/tech/cloning/whatiscloning/, to see how natural twin
cloning is done. Cloning is a very daring and expensive method. As the movie, the Island, depicted of a
cloning facility where labs create clones of clients. When the clients get sick, they would use the clones
of clients' organs to replace the client's own organs. This would allow people to live longer, which
returns us to the concept of transhumanism.
Below are some visual depictions of the process of genetic artificial cloning.
9. Here's a list of Pros and Cons of cloning: www.buzzle.com/articles/pros-and-cons-of-
cloning.html">http://www.buzzle.com/articles/pros-and-cons-of-cloning.html.
References:
www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/elsi/cloning.shtml#intro">http://www.ornl.gov/sci/te
chresources/Human_Genome/elsi/cloning.shtml#intro
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/tech/cloning/whatiscloning/
www.genome.gov/25020028#al-2">http://www.genome.gov/25020028#al-2
www.buzzle.com/articles/pros-and-cons-of-cloning.html">http://www.buzzle.com/articles/pros-and-
cons-of-cloning.html
http://contemporarybiotechissues.wikispaces.com/file/view/cloning.gif/10...
http://tccl.rit.albany.edu/knilt/images/e/ea/Katarney11_cloning_figure_3...
http://omicsgroup.org/data/22/2/55/64/2544879/user/2788947/htdocs/userfi...
http://skuties.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/star_wars_clone_wars_1.jpg
Blog 5: Stigma of Aging
Society has put a negative perspective on aging, which is a natural process for our body. To counter our
body's natural tendency to age, we have utilized biotechnology to produce products that will hopefully
help us make us look younger. As the artist of the Aging symposium has demonstrated, it's become
popular for older people to color their grey or white hair to disguise their real age. Wigs have also
become a popular accessory people use to cover their aging hair.
Here's a picture of the againg symposium displaying wigs:
10. These demonstrations illustrate how "anti-aging" our society is.
Here is a picture of the artist with her natual agin hair color and the "young" hair color. Then, in the
middle, the in-between phase is depicted to show the two extremes, where her natural hair color and the
other color essentially collide into one another.
11. Here is another example where our society is discriminating aging and has become "agist". This is
really disturbing as aging is a natural process and we continuously try to fight the mother nature with
our "intelligent" inventions.
According to http://www.foodandhealing.com/articles/article-whatswrongaging.htm, old age is
undesirable as our culture is obsessed with youth. Nowasdays, it has become abnormal for people to
NOT have cosmetic surgery. This is a saddening truth and ironic to the videos shown in class. Age
should insinuate wisdom, not shame!
Here's an interesting article describing how now the middle age is 60 instead of 40 due to cosmetic
surgery. As the artist of the aging symposium mentioned, in the past, people lived to around 40's and
now it's doubled! This demonstrate how powerful biotechnology is.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15920626/ns/health-aging/t/plastic-surgery-m...
Here's an article on Wedmd that discusses how our society is being anti-aging with all the products we
have, such as anti-wrinkle cream. http://www.webmd.com/healthy-beauty/guide/are-we-pushing-
antiaging-envelope
References:
http://www.webmd.com/healthy-beauty/guide/are-we-pushing-antiaging-envelope
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15920626/ns/health-aging/t/plastic-surgery-m...
http://www.foodandhealing.com/articles/article-whatswrongaging.htm
12. Blog 6: Alan Turing
Alan Turing's contribution of chemical morphogenesis, the creation of form and shape during animal
development, led him to propose a reaction-diffusion model as the basis of the development of patterns
such as the spots and stripes seen in animal skin. By understanding the cellular mechanisms of
morphogenesis, we are able to use the proposed model to examine the patterning of animals. For
example, why do zebras always have black and white stripes? Here is the link to Turing's introduction
paper to morphogensis: http://www.turingarchive.org/browse.php/B/22
Turing's mathematical model of chemical morphogenesis helps us understand why tigers and zebras
have stripes. Turing's Reaction-Diffusion model from 1952 consists on a set of equations which
iteratively simulate the distribution of a chemical agent (activator) modulated by the presence of
another agent called inhibitor. In his seminal 1952 paper, Alan Turing predicted that diffusion could
spontaneously drive an initially uniform solution of reacting chemicals to develop stable spatially
periodic concentration patterns. It is believed that such interactions take place in nature to form patterns
which can be found in mammals and fish, and the first model, generating spots. Here's is more
information on the RD model, please refer to this link. www.joesfer.com/?
paged=2">http://www.joesfer.com/?paged=2
Many animals develop their coat patterns in stages. Typically, a secondary pattern will emerge as the
animal transitions to adulthood. The following examples all use multiple stages:
13. Here is a website that explains morphogesis in more detail:
www.urbagram.net/v1/revision/Morphogenesis?
rev=1">http://www.urbagram.net/v1/revision/Morphogenesis?rev=1
References:
www.scholarpedia.org/w/images/8/8d/TROPH.jpg">http://www.scholarpedia.org/w/images/8/8d/TRO
PH.jpg
http://cgjennings.ca/toybox/turingmorph/texture1.png
http://cgjennings.ca/toybox/turingmorph/texture2.png
http://cgjennings.ca/toybox/turingmorph/texture3.jpg
www.urbagram.net/images/turing.jpg">http://www.urbagram.net/images/turing.jpg
www.urbagram.net/v1/revision/Morphogenesis?
rev=1">http://www.urbagram.net/v1/revision/Morphogenesis?rev=1
http://27.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lzeh1qUhRe1r3lyy3o1_500.jpg
Blog 7: Extra Credit
Professor Lejla Kucukalic presented a lecture on Biotech to Biopunk on Science Fiction’s vision of
genetics. Throughout her lecture, Kucukalic referenced many books and films to exemplify what she
was talking about. One in particular that caught my attention and interste was Splice because I am a
horror movies fan. I have been intrigued by science fiction horrors, such as the following movie. This
film is about two genetic engineers who hope to achieve fame by successfully splicing together the
14. DNA of different animals to create new hybrid animals for medical use. I also watch species, which is
very similar to this film. Therefore, reference to this film helped me see a real-life expample of what
she refers to as the direction of biotechnology. This film illustrates the vision of where genetic
engineering is heading towards. This made her talk easier to understand.
References:
http://ia.media-
imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMjEwODQ0MjI2OV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMT...@@._V1._SY317_.jpg
http://waynebarlowe.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/wild-seed-copy1.jpg
