CRE: Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria

The Bacteria that can't be Killed.

A bacteria known as Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) is becoming a rapidly dangerous issue in health care facilities such as hospitals and nursing homes. This particular type of bacteria, named for its ability to fight off carbapenem antibiotics, first appeared in 2001. It's deadliness comes from its resistance to any and every type of antibiotic. The death rate of a CRE infection is about 40%, which is much higher than others infections such as MRSA. So far there has been no hope of creating a solution. There is not a high incentive for drug companies to create new drugs because the CRE are able to mutate and adapt their resistance. Many of the cases of CRE also go unrecognized because smaller facilities do not have the capability to screen and test for this particular type of bacteria. The greatest fear is that CRE will spread from health care facilities into the general public. The only thing that can be done is to try and prevent its spread. CRE as of now is an impossible enemy.

Deadly Parasites: Tapeworms

Tapeworms:

Tapeworms are a type of Cestode. Most tapeworms are 1/2 inch in length and a grayish white color, but some can be up to 33 feet long and lay over 1 million eggs per day. The bodies of tapeworms are mostly composed of reproductive organs. The head of a tapeworm hooks itself into the intestinal wall and then releases eggs from its tail. It can regenerate from only its head if segmented. These flat, segmented worms live in the intestines of animals. They can be infected by ingesting contaminated water or grass. Humans become infected by eating undercooked meat from an infected animal. Tapeworms can cause symptoms such as nausea, weakness, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, weight loss, and vitamin & mineral deficiencies. Tapeworm infections can be treated in humans with oral medications such as Biltricide or Albenza, which kill the worms that then dissolve and pass through the bowels.

All About Lead (Pb)

All About Lead (Pb):

Lead is a bluish-white lustrous metal. It is very soft, highly malleable, ductile, and a relatively poor conductor of electricity. It is very resistant to corrosion but tarnishes upon exposure to air. Lead is used in pipes, car batteries, and in certain grades of gasoline. Lead occurs naturally in the environment but is usually found due to causes of human activity. A major source of lead comes from gasoline burned by cars through exhaust. Its harmful effects are a reason why this type of gas is being phased out. Lead is one out of four metals that have the most damaging effects on human health. It can enter the human body through uptake of food (65%), water (20%) and air (15%). Some of these harmful effects include kidney damage, miscarriage, brain damage, and high blood pressure. Lead also gives way to detrimental effects on the environment. Leaded gasoline causes lead concentrations in the environment to rise. Other activities including fuel combustion, industrial processes, and solid waste combustion also contribute. Lead can end up on water and soil through the corrosion of pipelines and leaded paints. It also accumulates in the organisms that live in these bodies of water and soil. It is especially dangerous because it can accumulate not only in individual organisms but also in whole food chains.

Community Gardens

Community Gardens:

A community garden is piece of land owned by a group of people. According to the USDA, about 15% of the world's food is now grown in urban areas. Community gardens promote healthy communities and provide food security for many low income persons. They can grow flowers, vegetables, or other items. Community gardens strengthen community bonds, provide food, and create recreational and therapeutic opportunities for a community. They can also promote environmental awareness and provide community education. Community gardens have a plethora of additional benefits including stimulating social interaction, encouraging self-reliance, conserving resources, reducing crime, and creating income opportunities and economic development. Community garden are a fast growing trend and one that should be continued during this time of economic scarcity.

The Legacy of Rachel Carson

The Legacy of Rachel Carson

Rachel Louise Carson was born May 27, 1907 in Springsdale, Pennsylvania.  She grew up in rural Pennsylvania with an interest in nature and the living world from her mother. After receiving an MA in zoology from John Hopkins University in 1932, she was hired by the U.S. Bureau of Fisheries to write radio scripts during the Depression. She also wrote articles for the Baltimore Sun on the side. She had a 15 year long career as a scientist and editor for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Rachel wrote several books and pamphlets about the natural world and its conservation. Throughout all of her writing she emphasized that humans are just one part of nature with the exception that they have the power to alter it. This power should be used carefully because sometimes it can have irreversible damages. The biggest highlight of her career was the publication of the expose Silent Spring in 1962. She wanted to warn the public about the dangerous effects of chemical pesticides on the environment. She challenged the practices of agricultural scientists and the government. She was attacked by the government and the chemical industry, but Rachel refused to back down. She testified before Congress in 1963 for the creation of new policies to protect human health and the environment. Rachel died April 14, 1964 after a long battle with breast cancer, but her legacy still lives on today.

Little Ice Age

Little Ice Age:

London's River Thames, frozen over in 1677

During the period from 1560 to 1850 Western Europe experienced a cooling of the climate that impacted all aspects of society, especially health. Famine was a major cause of death during this time because the cold temperatures affected agricultural production. The weather shortened growing seasons by 1 to 2 months during the coldest parts leading to malnutrition. The height and stature of Europeans was directly correlated with temperature. Average height dropped almost an inch during this period and did not increase until after temperatures rose again. The cool, wet environment led to the emergence of a variety of diseases including one called St. Anthony's Fire. It also aggravated the influenza epidemic and bubonic plague. It took a long time for Europe to build up their population and economy after the devastation of the Little Ice Age.

2011 Japan Earthquake & Tsunami

2011 Japan Earthquake & Tsunami

On March 11, 2011 an 8.9 earthquake struck the northeastern coast of Japan. Less than 30 minutes later 30 feet tall waves began to hit the shore. Homes were destroyed, roads made impassable and thousands of people died instantly. Although the population of Japan was one of the most highly educated about earthquakes and tsunamis, they were unprepared for this intense disaster. Fortunately, some lives were saved by Japan's extensive disaster preparedness and strict construction codes. The quake occurred in a subduction zone, where one of earth's tectonic plates slides under another. The long term effects of this event were extensive and immense. 309 billion dollars of damage was done, and repairs will take years to complete. Another pressing concern was possible radiation leaks from 2 nuclear power plants damaged during the calamity.