Week 4 - Chimps and Humans

It makes more sense to me that we diverged from chimps much more slowly and in a less linear manner than previously thought. Humans are complex and very specialized beings, as are chimps. It seems more likely that nature took it's time in separating us into two different beings with different skills and forms. I wonder, what was the need to separate us? Perhaps mother earth took her time in making us because she had the foresight to understand the potential outcome of our existence.

Week 4 - Dopamine

Research shows that we possess the ability to raise our own levels of dopamine, whether we are aware of the ability is the greater question. Western society teaches dependence on doctor's and drugs for verification that "something is wrong". My goal with Acupuncture is to help people realize their own self-healing powers. Many people need permission to feel empowered. There are many reasons that people are unhappy today but many of those can fall under the category of poor habits. 

Week 4 - Drugs for Everything

It might seem like we have a drug for everything but I don't think that really explains what's going on. Doctor's maybe prescribe a drug for just about any symptom but that doesn't mean that specific drug is the best for those symptoms. All these "side effects", as Larry says, are really direct effects. This tells me that we have a lot of drugs but they don't necessarily do what we would like them to do. Each person and each symptom is so specific that mass producing, for example a migraine drug or a depression drug, doesn't solve the specific problem that person may be having. So, yes we have a lot of drugs and you will be given a drug for what ever you complain about, but no they aren't properly prescribed. I mean if we had a drug for everything then there would be no cancer, no aids, no multiple sclerosis.

Week 3 - Quiz

For some reason, biology has always been too abstract for me. Abstract may be the wrong, regardless, I did not do very well on the quiz.

Week 3 - Humans and Chimps

I think it's only natural that we would have similar genes to other animals. I bet if we keep looking, there are many animals that are more similar to each other or to us than we first thought. All beings are unique in their own right, but how unique is the new question.

Week 2 - Evo Devo

Evolutionary and developmental biology is some of the most fascinating stuff happening on our planet. I do not have the true love of this subject required to be involved at the research level. I can therefore only critique and marvel at what I read. I have true respect for those scientist who are so devoted to this research. I find myself often taking a moral high ground when it comes to research involving other species. I fully understand the unending curiosity about where humans came from. My concern lies with the method to finding these answers. I have reservations about manipulating genes, stem cell research and recreating exticnt animals. I also have enormous moral and ethical beliefs that make it difficult for me to understand any benefit that comes from caging and manipulating other animals. 

I want to continue to evolve and adapt to our environment. The possibility to grow our own replacement organs is fascinating and has extreme benefits to our survival, but at what cost. When do we start putting equal emphasis on effect that we put on cause?

Week 2 - What does Darwinism mean to me?

When I think of Darwinism, I first picture a man, centuries ago, traveling half around the world in search of answers and new questions. I have enormous respect for someone, not only so adventurous and daring, but so inquisitive and creative. It is difficult, for me, to think of a time when the general belief was that we all came from God. The "idea" of inherited traits did not even exist. Darwin took this small, but significant piece of insight and launched a new field of thought; a new path to dicovering where we as species come from. 

There is an interesting parallel to the wide range of study that has come from Darwinism and the recent understanding that evolution is not linear. Darwin had great discoveries and ideas but he did not discover the "explanation" of evolution. Evolution itself evolves. I am very interested in evolutionary theory and I am curious about what we are evolving toward. I believe that it is extremely important to remain curious and continuously seek new knowledge. With this new found knowledge and ability comes great ethical responsibility. I think it is disastrous to use the argument that Darwinism is a theory and is taught in our schools, therefore creationism should also be taught in our schools. I think it is far more important to teach our children to be curious, responsible and adaptable. Any religion whether it be Darwinism, creationism or christianity falls short of evolving. No idea or theory is true above all else, and no idea or theory is true forever. We have to be willing to change with the earth and learn to listen to the environment. If we remain stubborn and stagnant, the earth will rid itself of us. 

Week 1 Discussion

What about the development of "Artificial brains"?

Jill brought up a really interesting point in that, as humans we are studying animals in relation to ourselves. We force these animals to use their appendages as if they were human arms and hands. Attempting to recreate a rat brain, more specifically the parts for reason and self-awareness allows for enormous assumptions. What makes a rat self-aware? How could humans possibly know what self-aware is for anything other than our own selves? I believe the recent advances in technology are extraordinary, but what are they good for? Do some humans truly believe they are so evolved that besides eternal life, we have no where to go and must therefore exploit and manipulate other beings? I do not view advancements in science, due to the exploitation of another species, as advancements. It's like the cat playing with it's prey before it eats it. This is action is truly selfish. I believe this type of science is truly selfish but sold under the mask of "advancing our species".

Week 1 Bio

My name is Heid Engel Kalejs. I am recently married and new to the bay area. I enjoy all activities in the outdoors. I have become less extreme with these in the last few years, no more bunjgee jumping or skydiving!! I am the youngest of tow, I have and older sister who has one kid Thomas. He is the cutest being I have ever known, it is very different when kids are related to you (I have found). I am excited to be at AIMC and meet all the other students. This journey, so far, looks quite promising.