I our latest lab we mixed together sodium silicate solution and ethyl alcohol and it formed a polymer. The polymer was solid and was very bouncy when molded into a ball. If i had to describe it , i believe that it kind of looked like a bouncy ball and if you mashed it over and over. If we used more alcohol i believe that it would have been harder and more difficult to mold into a ball.
We bounced it 7 times from 30 centimeters and it got about 24.2 centimeters up. When we refrigerated the ball for about 15 minutes and it bounced about 18 centimeters. As soon as we started to stir it it immediately started to get in the form of a solid.The things that were similar with the one that we did on tuesday is that they were both polymers. In the other lab we did it was a lot more liquidy and squishy. in this one it was a lot more compresses together. If we put it in a ball it was very fragile and it could be very crumbly. It could get completely crumbled up if we bounced it too hard or if we squeezed it too hard with our fingers. it felt kind of waxy while the other one that we did on tuesday was more moisturized. it kinda looked cloudy and the other one was completely white. If you let it sit though for a while it will flatten out.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Addiction
Brainis divided into several distinct regions its responsible for performing different functions and is made up of about 100 billion neurons and trillions of glia
Reward Pathway is in center of brain it is responsible for driving our feelings of motivation, reward and behavior, it makes us feel good when we engage in survival behaviors. Beneficial behaviors include eating, drinking and sex. It connects to several other important areas of the brain. It gathers information about what is happening outside of the body. It also strengthens brain circuits that control desirable behaviors.vIts responsible for trying to make sure you repeat the behavior
Synapse
electrical signals are translated into chemical signals at the synapse
Nerve cells
communicate at synapses
move from one neuron to another at synapses
Synaptic Cleft
where evrything action takes place
The signals are sent by an impulse it is sent down the axon down to the terminal area.
Dopamine is released into the synaptic cleft..The dopamine cells then lock into the correct receptors
A second messenger is created and sent into the cell
releases a nerve impulse that is sent to the end of the receiving neutron
the process begins again
Dopamine is released from the receptor and goes back to the original neutron
The dopamine is either reused or broken down
Microglia
special immune cells found only in the brain
detect damaged or unhealthy neurons
eat foreign invaders (bacteria and viruses)
displays chewed up parts on their cell surface to signal for help.
Oligodendrocytes specialized cellswrap tightly around axons form the myelin sheath.
speed up the electrical signal Astrocytes star-shaped glia hold neurons in place get nutrients to neurons digest parts of dead neurons
astrocytes cant generate action potentials
astrocytes communicate with neurons and modify the signals they send or receive
generate signals that are chemical
activated when the level of calcium ions increases inside the cell
Astrocytes might know how to alter how a neuron is made by directing where to make synapses or dendritic spines
can attract cells to their territory to repair any damage that has been made
GGliotransmitters inhibit, stimulate and fine tune the action potentials.
When people abuse drugs the brain can try to adapt but its impossible. They reduce the number of dopamine receptors at the synapse. after the abuser loses their high they will get more the next time causing even more damage. Drugs cause changes to the synapses, they cause a jolt of intense pleasure
There are other factors aside from genetics and environment that can increase potential for addiction. Research has shown that the faster a drug can reach the brain, the more likely it is to be addicting. Different methods of delivery-smoking, injecting, or snorting- largely influence how quickly a drug finds the brain. Delivery methods become an important factor when ranking the addiction potential of a drug.
The fastest way to get a drug to the brain is by smoking it. When a drug like tobacco smoke is taken into the lungs, nicotine (the addictive chemical in tobacco) seeps into lung blood where it can quickly travel to the brain. This fast delivery is one reason smoking cigarettes is so addicting. Injecting a drug directly into a blood vessel is the second fastest way to get a drug to the brain, followed by snorting or sniffing it through the nose. The slowest mode of delivery is by ingestion, such as drinking alcohol. The effects of alcohol take many minutes rather than a few seconds to cause behavioral and biological changes in the brain.
nonprescription cold and cough medications. Taken at the recommended dose, it is safe. At much higher doses, it can present effects similar to PCP or ketamine.
Drugs Of Abuse
Alcohol- Taken by drinking, depressant (a drug that temporarily produces a calming or drowsy effect) Causes loss of motor coordination, impairs reasoning, balance, speech, reaction time and judgement. When taken in large amounts, it can cause nausea and vomiting, lack of physical control, and possible death.
Anabolic Steroids- Taken by injecting or by mouth. Man-made substances that are similar to males sex hormones. Sometimes prescribed to treat medical conditions related to low hormone levels. Because steroids promote muscle growth, they are sometimes abused by athletes and bodybuilders. Steroids may increase risk of heart attacks, strokes, and liver problems, as well as causing undesirable physical changes such as hair loss and acne. Steroids are not the addiction, but self image is.
Cocaine- Take by snorting, injecting or smoking. It is a powerful stimulant, which is a class of drug that speeds up activity in the brain and nervous system. Cocaine causes increased energy, decreased appetite, and mental alertness in the user. Highly addictive. Also causes disturbances in heart rhythm, nausea, respiratory failure, strokes and seizures.
Dissociative Drugs- Taken by mouth, snorting or smoking. PCP is often applied in either liquid or powder form to marijuana and tobacco cigarettes. Users feel disconnected from reality and out of control, often displaying unpredictable or violent behavior. High doses can result in convulsions, coma, high fever or death. Ketamine is similar to PCP, but less potent. Some users report a terrifying feeling, much like a near death experience
GHB & Rohypnol- Taken by mouth. GHB is a depressant that is abused by both party-goers for its relaxing effects and by bodybuilders for its ability to promote muscle growth. At high doses, it can quickly lead to seizures, loss of consciousness, coma or death. Rohypnol is benzodiazepine, a class of drug that is prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. Rohypnol is not approved for prescriptions use in the United States. When mixed with alcohol or other depressants, it can be deadly. Because GHB and Rohypnol are colorless, tasteless and odorless they can be slipped into someone’s drink without their knowledge. Because of this, they can be used as a “date-rape” drug.
Hallucinogens- Taken by mouth, snorting and smoking. These are drugs that cause hallucinations. Physical effects of using LSD, mushrooms, or mescaline include dilated pupils, higher body temperature, increased heart rate and blood pressure, sweating, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, dry mouth, and tremors.
Heroin- Taken by injecting, snorting or smoking. Most widely used opiate, which is a class of drug derived from the poppy plant. Although some opiates are prescribed to treat pain, heroin has no medical use. Heroin causes a rush of pleasure in the user that is usually followed by several hours of drowsiness. It may also cause nausea, vomiting, and severe itching. Heroin is extremely addictive. Symptoms of withdrawal after stopping heroin use include restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, and cold flashes.
Inhalants- Taken by sniffing fumes, spraying aerosols into the nose or mouth, huffing from an inhalant-soaked rag stuffed into the mouth. Inhalants are chemicals that can be inhaled to get an immediate high. Found in many household items such as aerosol sprays, cleaning fluids, paint, glue, paint thinner, gasoline, propane, nail polish remover, correction fluid, and marker pens. Since inhalants affect the brain with great force and speed, they can cause permanent brain damage or sudden death.
Marijuana- Smoked as a cigarette, in a pipe, or in a hollowed out cigarette. Comes from a hemp plant. Most commonly used drug in America. Causes a peaceful or euphoric sensation. Soon the sensation passes and the user may feel sleepy or depressed. Impairs memory and attention span, effects coordination, balance and reaction time is slowed.
MDMA- Taken by mouth. Acts as both a stimulant and a hallucinogenic. Can produce both energizing effects and distortions in perception and time. Most contain not only MDMA, but also other drugs such as methamphetamine, caffeine, or the diet drug ephedrine. Causes a variety of physical effects including chills, muscle clamping, involuntary teeth clenching, and significant reductions in mental abilities. Overdosing can cause panic attacks, loss of consciousness, and even seizures.
Methamphetamine- Taken by mouth, snorting, injecting or smoking. Meth is a stimulant drug that, even in small amounts, has strong effects on the brain and nervous system. Causes mental alertness and increases energy, but has toxic effects on the brain. High doses can elevate body temperature to dangerous or lethal levels and may also cause convulsions. It is very addictive. Chronic users may also develop violent behavior, anxiety, insomnia, paranoia, delusions and psychological dependency on the drug.
Nicotine- Taken by smoking, chewing, or dipping. Nicotine is the addictive substance in tobacco. It can act as a stimulant or sedative. It can be just as addictive as cocaine and heroin. Quitting can be complicated by intense cravings, irritability, and sleep disturbances. Tobacco is responsible for at least 30% of all cancer deaths, including nearly 90% of deaths from lung cancer. Also contributes to many other kinds of cancers including mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, bladder and kidney.
Crack cocaine is much more addicting than powdered cocaine. Because you smoke Crack coke but you snort the powdered cocaine. it come from coca leaves. Studies indicate that, when a drug is smoked, the brain regions affected most are those that control motivation, decision-making, and behavior in the frontal lobe. These studies were actually done in rats and have not yet been replicated in the human brain. You can think of a brain pathway as a power line that connects two brain regions. Brain pathways are made up of interconnected neurons along which signals are transmitted from one brain region to another. Dopamine is the neurotransmitter used by the reward pathway (also called the mesolimbic pathway, which is closely associated with the mesocortical pathway). But there are two other important pathways in the brain that utilize dopamine: the nigrostriatal pathway and the tuberoinfundibular pathway. Generally, drugs that affect dopamine levels in the brain affect all three of these dopamine pathways. Dopamine and another neurotransmitter called Serotonin are released by a small number of neurons in the brain. But each of these neurons connects to thousands of other neurons. For this reason, dopamine and serotonin have a great deal of influence over complex brain processes.
Serotonin is another neurotransmitter that is affected by many of the drugs of abuse, including cocaine, amphetamines, LSD, and alcohol. Serotonin is produced by neurons in the Raphe nuclei. Raphe nuclei neurons extend processes to and dump serotonin onto almost the entire brain, as well as the spinal cord. Serotonin plays a role in many brain processes, including regulation of body temperature, sleep, mood, appetite and pain. Problems with the serotonin pathway can cause obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders, and depression. Most of the drugs used to treat depression today work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain.
Modern brain imaging techniques like PET and MRI are becoming indispensible to researchers studying addiction and its effects on the brain. That is because addiction research requires looking inside the brain at areas where both drugs and natural chemicals act. Researchers can now determine how quickly drugs reach receptors in the brain and how long they stay there. Or, view changes in brain activity after long-term drug use, during craving or withdrawal, or following various treatments
for drug abuse and addiction.
A new technique called functional MRI can be used to measure brain activity. MRI detects changes in blood flow rather than the quantity of a radioactive tracer. An MRI machine looks a lot like a PET scanner but it has the added feature of an invisible magnetic field. This is useful because certain atoms (like hydrogen) give off a wave of energy when surrounded by giant magnets.
A form of energy called radiation travels through the atmosphere in waves that can be detected by a computer. The shorter the wavelength, the greater the energy. For example, gamma rays (detected by PET) contain much more energy than radio waves (detected by MRI). Frequent and prolonged exposure to high-level radiation such as ultra-violet waves and gamma rays is known to cause DNA damage. However, small, short doses of radiation (such as in PET scans) are generally considered relatively safe.
Reward Pathway is in center of brain it is responsible for driving our feelings of motivation, reward and behavior, it makes us feel good when we engage in survival behaviors. Beneficial behaviors include eating, drinking and sex. It connects to several other important areas of the brain. It gathers information about what is happening outside of the body. It also strengthens brain circuits that control desirable behaviors.vIts responsible for trying to make sure you repeat the behavior
Synapse
electrical signals are translated into chemical signals at the synapse
Nerve cells
communicate at synapses
move from one neuron to another at synapses
Synaptic Cleft
where evrything action takes place
The signals are sent by an impulse it is sent down the axon down to the terminal area.
Dopamine is released into the synaptic cleft..The dopamine cells then lock into the correct receptors
A second messenger is created and sent into the cell
releases a nerve impulse that is sent to the end of the receiving neutron
the process begins again
Dopamine is released from the receptor and goes back to the original neutron
The dopamine is either reused or broken down
Microglia
special immune cells found only in the brain
detect damaged or unhealthy neurons
eat foreign invaders (bacteria and viruses)
displays chewed up parts on their cell surface to signal for help.
Oligodendrocytes specialized cellswrap tightly around axons form the myelin sheath.
speed up the electrical signal Astrocytes star-shaped glia hold neurons in place get nutrients to neurons digest parts of dead neurons
astrocytes cant generate action potentials
astrocytes communicate with neurons and modify the signals they send or receive
generate signals that are chemical
activated when the level of calcium ions increases inside the cell
Astrocytes might know how to alter how a neuron is made by directing where to make synapses or dendritic spines
can attract cells to their territory to repair any damage that has been made
GGliotransmitters inhibit, stimulate and fine tune the action potentials.
When people abuse drugs the brain can try to adapt but its impossible. They reduce the number of dopamine receptors at the synapse. after the abuser loses their high they will get more the next time causing even more damage. Drugs cause changes to the synapses, they cause a jolt of intense pleasure
There are other factors aside from genetics and environment that can increase potential for addiction. Research has shown that the faster a drug can reach the brain, the more likely it is to be addicting. Different methods of delivery-smoking, injecting, or snorting- largely influence how quickly a drug finds the brain. Delivery methods become an important factor when ranking the addiction potential of a drug.
The fastest way to get a drug to the brain is by smoking it. When a drug like tobacco smoke is taken into the lungs, nicotine (the addictive chemical in tobacco) seeps into lung blood where it can quickly travel to the brain. This fast delivery is one reason smoking cigarettes is so addicting. Injecting a drug directly into a blood vessel is the second fastest way to get a drug to the brain, followed by snorting or sniffing it through the nose. The slowest mode of delivery is by ingestion, such as drinking alcohol. The effects of alcohol take many minutes rather than a few seconds to cause behavioral and biological changes in the brain.
nonprescription cold and cough medications. Taken at the recommended dose, it is safe. At much higher doses, it can present effects similar to PCP or ketamine.
Drugs Of Abuse
Alcohol- Taken by drinking, depressant (a drug that temporarily produces a calming or drowsy effect) Causes loss of motor coordination, impairs reasoning, balance, speech, reaction time and judgement. When taken in large amounts, it can cause nausea and vomiting, lack of physical control, and possible death.
Anabolic Steroids- Taken by injecting or by mouth. Man-made substances that are similar to males sex hormones. Sometimes prescribed to treat medical conditions related to low hormone levels. Because steroids promote muscle growth, they are sometimes abused by athletes and bodybuilders. Steroids may increase risk of heart attacks, strokes, and liver problems, as well as causing undesirable physical changes such as hair loss and acne. Steroids are not the addiction, but self image is.
Cocaine- Take by snorting, injecting or smoking. It is a powerful stimulant, which is a class of drug that speeds up activity in the brain and nervous system. Cocaine causes increased energy, decreased appetite, and mental alertness in the user. Highly addictive. Also causes disturbances in heart rhythm, nausea, respiratory failure, strokes and seizures.
Dissociative Drugs- Taken by mouth, snorting or smoking. PCP is often applied in either liquid or powder form to marijuana and tobacco cigarettes. Users feel disconnected from reality and out of control, often displaying unpredictable or violent behavior. High doses can result in convulsions, coma, high fever or death. Ketamine is similar to PCP, but less potent. Some users report a terrifying feeling, much like a near death experience
GHB & Rohypnol- Taken by mouth. GHB is a depressant that is abused by both party-goers for its relaxing effects and by bodybuilders for its ability to promote muscle growth. At high doses, it can quickly lead to seizures, loss of consciousness, coma or death. Rohypnol is benzodiazepine, a class of drug that is prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. Rohypnol is not approved for prescriptions use in the United States. When mixed with alcohol or other depressants, it can be deadly. Because GHB and Rohypnol are colorless, tasteless and odorless they can be slipped into someone’s drink without their knowledge. Because of this, they can be used as a “date-rape” drug.
Hallucinogens- Taken by mouth, snorting and smoking. These are drugs that cause hallucinations. Physical effects of using LSD, mushrooms, or mescaline include dilated pupils, higher body temperature, increased heart rate and blood pressure, sweating, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, dry mouth, and tremors.
Heroin- Taken by injecting, snorting or smoking. Most widely used opiate, which is a class of drug derived from the poppy plant. Although some opiates are prescribed to treat pain, heroin has no medical use. Heroin causes a rush of pleasure in the user that is usually followed by several hours of drowsiness. It may also cause nausea, vomiting, and severe itching. Heroin is extremely addictive. Symptoms of withdrawal after stopping heroin use include restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, and cold flashes.
Inhalants- Taken by sniffing fumes, spraying aerosols into the nose or mouth, huffing from an inhalant-soaked rag stuffed into the mouth. Inhalants are chemicals that can be inhaled to get an immediate high. Found in many household items such as aerosol sprays, cleaning fluids, paint, glue, paint thinner, gasoline, propane, nail polish remover, correction fluid, and marker pens. Since inhalants affect the brain with great force and speed, they can cause permanent brain damage or sudden death.
Marijuana- Smoked as a cigarette, in a pipe, or in a hollowed out cigarette. Comes from a hemp plant. Most commonly used drug in America. Causes a peaceful or euphoric sensation. Soon the sensation passes and the user may feel sleepy or depressed. Impairs memory and attention span, effects coordination, balance and reaction time is slowed.
MDMA- Taken by mouth. Acts as both a stimulant and a hallucinogenic. Can produce both energizing effects and distortions in perception and time. Most contain not only MDMA, but also other drugs such as methamphetamine, caffeine, or the diet drug ephedrine. Causes a variety of physical effects including chills, muscle clamping, involuntary teeth clenching, and significant reductions in mental abilities. Overdosing can cause panic attacks, loss of consciousness, and even seizures.
Methamphetamine- Taken by mouth, snorting, injecting or smoking. Meth is a stimulant drug that, even in small amounts, has strong effects on the brain and nervous system. Causes mental alertness and increases energy, but has toxic effects on the brain. High doses can elevate body temperature to dangerous or lethal levels and may also cause convulsions. It is very addictive. Chronic users may also develop violent behavior, anxiety, insomnia, paranoia, delusions and psychological dependency on the drug.
Nicotine- Taken by smoking, chewing, or dipping. Nicotine is the addictive substance in tobacco. It can act as a stimulant or sedative. It can be just as addictive as cocaine and heroin. Quitting can be complicated by intense cravings, irritability, and sleep disturbances. Tobacco is responsible for at least 30% of all cancer deaths, including nearly 90% of deaths from lung cancer. Also contributes to many other kinds of cancers including mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, bladder and kidney.
Crack cocaine is much more addicting than powdered cocaine. Because you smoke Crack coke but you snort the powdered cocaine. it come from coca leaves. Studies indicate that, when a drug is smoked, the brain regions affected most are those that control motivation, decision-making, and behavior in the frontal lobe. These studies were actually done in rats and have not yet been replicated in the human brain. You can think of a brain pathway as a power line that connects two brain regions. Brain pathways are made up of interconnected neurons along which signals are transmitted from one brain region to another. Dopamine is the neurotransmitter used by the reward pathway (also called the mesolimbic pathway, which is closely associated with the mesocortical pathway). But there are two other important pathways in the brain that utilize dopamine: the nigrostriatal pathway and the tuberoinfundibular pathway. Generally, drugs that affect dopamine levels in the brain affect all three of these dopamine pathways. Dopamine and another neurotransmitter called Serotonin are released by a small number of neurons in the brain. But each of these neurons connects to thousands of other neurons. For this reason, dopamine and serotonin have a great deal of influence over complex brain processes.
Serotonin is another neurotransmitter that is affected by many of the drugs of abuse, including cocaine, amphetamines, LSD, and alcohol. Serotonin is produced by neurons in the Raphe nuclei. Raphe nuclei neurons extend processes to and dump serotonin onto almost the entire brain, as well as the spinal cord. Serotonin plays a role in many brain processes, including regulation of body temperature, sleep, mood, appetite and pain. Problems with the serotonin pathway can cause obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders, and depression. Most of the drugs used to treat depression today work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain.
Modern brain imaging techniques like PET and MRI are becoming indispensible to researchers studying addiction and its effects on the brain. That is because addiction research requires looking inside the brain at areas where both drugs and natural chemicals act. Researchers can now determine how quickly drugs reach receptors in the brain and how long they stay there. Or, view changes in brain activity after long-term drug use, during craving or withdrawal, or following various treatments
for drug abuse and addiction.
A new technique called functional MRI can be used to measure brain activity. MRI detects changes in blood flow rather than the quantity of a radioactive tracer. An MRI machine looks a lot like a PET scanner but it has the added feature of an invisible magnetic field. This is useful because certain atoms (like hydrogen) give off a wave of energy when surrounded by giant magnets.
A form of energy called radiation travels through the atmosphere in waves that can be detected by a computer. The shorter the wavelength, the greater the energy. For example, gamma rays (detected by PET) contain much more energy than radio waves (detected by MRI). Frequent and prolonged exposure to high-level radiation such as ultra-violet waves and gamma rays is known to cause DNA damage. However, small, short doses of radiation (such as in PET scans) are generally considered relatively safe.
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