HONEYBEE PROJECT
Honeybees are so important to the ecosystem. Since honeybees are pollinators, they play one of the biggest parts in crop production. Honeybees pollinate 80% of flowering crops, which contributes 1/3 of what humans eat. If honeybees go extinct, the human diet would be reduced to a little more than a water diet.
We should be concerned about honeybees because of something called "colony collapse disorder." CCD is a phenomenon where worker bees will abruptly disappear from the hive. The rates of hives abruptly collapsing has raised, and without special attention and care, the pollination process will be in jeopardy.
For my project, I decided to research the societal structure of honeybees. To show my research, I decided to make a "People" magazine inspired layout. I made a magazine called "SOCIETY B," and I put on a creative spin in my articles. For example, when I was talking about the mating patterns and logistics between the queen and drones, I turned the article into "How To" instructions on how to find the "Drone of your Life." I took a lot away from this project. I learned about the developmental stages of honeybees, mating patterns, the logistics of a queen's life, and which honeybees play which roles in the hive. I was proud of my project. I feel like I took a creative approach to my topic, and I think I executed it well. If I was going to do something differently, I would write more articles or have "fun facts" scattered throughout the pages. I would make it more magazine-esque just to make it a little bit more professional and engaging to browse through.
We should be concerned about honeybees because of something called "colony collapse disorder." CCD is a phenomenon where worker bees will abruptly disappear from the hive. The rates of hives abruptly collapsing has raised, and without special attention and care, the pollination process will be in jeopardy.
For my project, I decided to research the societal structure of honeybees. To show my research, I decided to make a "People" magazine inspired layout. I made a magazine called "SOCIETY B," and I put on a creative spin in my articles. For example, when I was talking about the mating patterns and logistics between the queen and drones, I turned the article into "How To" instructions on how to find the "Drone of your Life." I took a lot away from this project. I learned about the developmental stages of honeybees, mating patterns, the logistics of a queen's life, and which honeybees play which roles in the hive. I was proud of my project. I feel like I took a creative approach to my topic, and I think I executed it well. If I was going to do something differently, I would write more articles or have "fun facts" scattered throughout the pages. I would make it more magazine-esque just to make it a little bit more professional and engaging to browse through.
FETAL PIG DISSECTION
I decided to dissect a fetal pig for this lab. I decided to dissect the pig because I didn't want to support the way the sharks were wild caught, and I wasn't interested in dissecting a cat. Colleen also explained that pigs are most similar to human anatomy, so I thought it was a good opportunity to take more away from the project.
I was impressed with myself for how well I handled the dissection! I am very, very squeamish when it comes to veins, organs, anything with bodies! But when I was dissecting, I was making incisions, cutting through the rib cage, and separating organs. I did get overwhelmed with the heart, and I had to step out of the room. However, I was proud of myself for being present with the dissection because I was able to learn more that way.
I was impressed with myself for how well I handled the dissection! I am very, very squeamish when it comes to veins, organs, anything with bodies! But when I was dissecting, I was making incisions, cutting through the rib cage, and separating organs. I did get overwhelmed with the heart, and I had to step out of the room. However, I was proud of myself for being present with the dissection because I was able to learn more that way.
CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION
EVIDENCE REPORT #1: BULLET TRAJECTORY
Crime Scene: #1
Evidence being examined: Bullet Trajectory Wound
Forensic Science Used: Bullet Reconstruction
Summary of the Science:
In cases involving firearms, imaging techniques play an important role, especially in the study of a bullet’s path through the victim’s body. The analysis of these trajectories can be done by the use of three-dimensional reconstitution techniques. These techniques are known as virtual autopsies. This science determines the flight path of projectiles, and is a crucial piece to homicide and suicide cases. The forensic science is referenced as “Three Dimensional Bullet Trajectory."
During investigations in which the use of firearms is examined, a number of artifacts may be collected for evidence, including: bottles, cartridge cases, bullets, live ammunition, trace materials, and any material damaged by a projectile. A common way to trace the path of the bullet, is to find the point of origin of blood spatter. To do this, strings are taken and are pinned to the individual spots of blood spatter on the wall. The string crosses down the middle of the spatter and is traced to the parallel spatter on a table, floor, etcetera. If the blood spatter from the wall lines up with the blood spatter in it’s direct line, it shows that the victim was shot in the position they were found in. Entrance and exit wounds of the bullet show the distance from assailant and victim, and the position of the gun is solved by a series of equations that determine the angle of the shot. This helps determine whether or not the incident was a murder or a suicide, depending on the position and alignment of the victim.
Recent advancements in bullet trajectory forensics include three-dimensional imaging technology for cartridge cases and bullets. Utilizing 3D imagery for forensic examinations of bullets and cartridge cases provides specific advantages that has better quality and detail that the old 2D images are essentially photographs, often black and white, with a poor extent of detail. Even if the photos are taken with the help of a comparison microscope, two-dimensional images are subject to the limits of visible light and what the naked eye can see
During the analysis of the crime scene, two new discoveries were found; including the point of origin of the blood spatter. The blood spatter on the wall converged with his wounds. This suggests that Aaron Lee was shot in the position that he was found in. This was confirmed after looking at bullet trajectory and determining that the bullet exited Aaron’s head and went through his left arm. From the bullet trajectory analysis, it is unlikely that he shot himself. The test supports this by showing that the bullet went through his head and through his arm, hitting the table. This supports the idea that he was in a questionable position to shoot himself. From the test that was performed, the angle of the bullet was found. The angle came from behind the head coming from an upward angle. This angle along with the fact that the bullet hit the arm and table shows that it does not look like a suicide. This being said it has not yet been concluded on who shot Aaron Lee.
Sources:
http://forensicsciencecentral.co.uk/firearms.shtml
http://www.evidencemagazine.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=451
Evidence being examined: Bullet Trajectory Wound
Forensic Science Used: Bullet Reconstruction
Summary of the Science:
In cases involving firearms, imaging techniques play an important role, especially in the study of a bullet’s path through the victim’s body. The analysis of these trajectories can be done by the use of three-dimensional reconstitution techniques. These techniques are known as virtual autopsies. This science determines the flight path of projectiles, and is a crucial piece to homicide and suicide cases. The forensic science is referenced as “Three Dimensional Bullet Trajectory."
During investigations in which the use of firearms is examined, a number of artifacts may be collected for evidence, including: bottles, cartridge cases, bullets, live ammunition, trace materials, and any material damaged by a projectile. A common way to trace the path of the bullet, is to find the point of origin of blood spatter. To do this, strings are taken and are pinned to the individual spots of blood spatter on the wall. The string crosses down the middle of the spatter and is traced to the parallel spatter on a table, floor, etcetera. If the blood spatter from the wall lines up with the blood spatter in it’s direct line, it shows that the victim was shot in the position they were found in. Entrance and exit wounds of the bullet show the distance from assailant and victim, and the position of the gun is solved by a series of equations that determine the angle of the shot. This helps determine whether or not the incident was a murder or a suicide, depending on the position and alignment of the victim.
Recent advancements in bullet trajectory forensics include three-dimensional imaging technology for cartridge cases and bullets. Utilizing 3D imagery for forensic examinations of bullets and cartridge cases provides specific advantages that has better quality and detail that the old 2D images are essentially photographs, often black and white, with a poor extent of detail. Even if the photos are taken with the help of a comparison microscope, two-dimensional images are subject to the limits of visible light and what the naked eye can see
During the analysis of the crime scene, two new discoveries were found; including the point of origin of the blood spatter. The blood spatter on the wall converged with his wounds. This suggests that Aaron Lee was shot in the position that he was found in. This was confirmed after looking at bullet trajectory and determining that the bullet exited Aaron’s head and went through his left arm. From the bullet trajectory analysis, it is unlikely that he shot himself. The test supports this by showing that the bullet went through his head and through his arm, hitting the table. This supports the idea that he was in a questionable position to shoot himself. From the test that was performed, the angle of the bullet was found. The angle came from behind the head coming from an upward angle. This angle along with the fact that the bullet hit the arm and table shows that it does not look like a suicide. This being said it has not yet been concluded on who shot Aaron Lee.
Sources:
http://forensicsciencecentral.co.uk/firearms.shtml
http://www.evidencemagazine.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=451
EVIDENCE REPORT #2: TOXICOLOGY
Crime Scene: #1
Evidence being examined: Aaron Lee’s Body
Forensic Science Used: Toxicology
Summary of the science:
Toxicology is the study of abnormal or foreign substances in a living organism. Forensic science uses toxicology to determine whether or not the victim was poisoned, under the influence of drugs, and if a substance abuse was the cause of death. Throughout history, poisoning has been a common method of murder. This may be because poisoning leads doctors to believe that there is a medical explanation. Poisons detected through toxicology can range from carbon monoxide to a fatal concoction of prescription medications. Toxicology does not only detect poisons in a system, it can also be an asset to finding foreign substances including: alcohol, illegal drugs, or industrial chemicals. Substance abuse relates to the Aaron Lee case because there is reason to believe there was both alcohol poisoning and a drug overdose. Evidence proves that Mr. Lee had been drinking on the night of the accident, along with overdosing on a prescription of oxycodone.
Dr. Hermann Boerhaave was the first person with the idea of a chemical process for discover poisoning in someone’s system. This method began by testing different smells of poisons. Since the blossom of this method, advancements have come an impressive way. One of the main advancements in forensic toxicology has been the upgrade of laboratory practices. Laboratory practices are extremely important in all kinds of science, not just forensics. This is because having good lab methods is the only way to be sure of the accuracy of your testing. There have also been advancements in the machines used for toxicology. The machines have become more precise and available for more types of testing.
Toxicology is now a much more complicated and accurate process, which can detect more antigens in the system. Blood samples are the most common way to collect toxicology samples. Urine is frequently used as well, for it’s ability to hold drug substances longer than blood. Using a blood or urine sample makes it more clear of what substances were being used, and the amount of what was used. Toxicologists perform post-mortem exams with the collected samples. The tests or exams can lead to conclusions of whether the substance abuse was voluntary or involuntary.
Toxicology is also a known control sample. A control sample is an asset that has been collected and is analyzed for further research involving the crime. Toxicology can be used as a control sample because the evidence was collected biologically; through hair, blood, or saliva. The science of toxicology can be used in many different ways, from proving a DUI or furthering a research in a murder. Poisoning is not the most common method of murder, however, an average of 3, 070, 000 people die each year from drugs and alcohol.
A main process of toxicology is called ‘gas-liquid chromatography.’ Chromatography is a laboratory process of separating different mixtures. Gas chromatography is completed by using a chromatograph machine in order to mechanically separate mixtures and chemicals. The first step in this process is to collect the mixture that needs to be analyzed. A syringe is inserted into a chamber to test the materials to test the gas substance. The liquid samples are then vaporized. The materials with more interaction with the machine then separate from those with less. Gas streams are analyzed every so often and then at the end of the machine’s process, the separated materials can be determined and examined further.
Aaron Lee tested positive for Opioids, Oxycodone, Alcohol, and Ethanol. Aaron Lee had been consuming alcohol before the accident, confirmed by the alcohol in his system, and his fingerprints of the liquor bottles. His wife had also been prescribed a bottle of oxycodone, (reasons why unknown) and Mr. Lee’s prints were on the pill bottle as well. The toxicology report showed that the levels of drug and alcohol poisoning in his system were high enough to be fatal, if the gunshot was not the cause of death.
Sources:
http://www.crimelibrary.com/criminal_mind/forensics/toxicology/2.html
http://abft.org/files/WHAT%20IS%20FORENSIC%20TOXICOLOGY.pdf
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1680257-overview
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forensic_toxicology#Gas_chromatography
http://www.chemguide.co.uk/analysis/chromatography/gas.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gas_chromatography#Methods
http://www.chemguide.co.uk/analysis/chromatography/gas.html
http://hiq.linde-gas.com/en/analytical_methods/gas_chromatography/index.html
Evidence being examined: Aaron Lee’s Body
Forensic Science Used: Toxicology
Summary of the science:
Toxicology is the study of abnormal or foreign substances in a living organism. Forensic science uses toxicology to determine whether or not the victim was poisoned, under the influence of drugs, and if a substance abuse was the cause of death. Throughout history, poisoning has been a common method of murder. This may be because poisoning leads doctors to believe that there is a medical explanation. Poisons detected through toxicology can range from carbon monoxide to a fatal concoction of prescription medications. Toxicology does not only detect poisons in a system, it can also be an asset to finding foreign substances including: alcohol, illegal drugs, or industrial chemicals. Substance abuse relates to the Aaron Lee case because there is reason to believe there was both alcohol poisoning and a drug overdose. Evidence proves that Mr. Lee had been drinking on the night of the accident, along with overdosing on a prescription of oxycodone.
Dr. Hermann Boerhaave was the first person with the idea of a chemical process for discover poisoning in someone’s system. This method began by testing different smells of poisons. Since the blossom of this method, advancements have come an impressive way. One of the main advancements in forensic toxicology has been the upgrade of laboratory practices. Laboratory practices are extremely important in all kinds of science, not just forensics. This is because having good lab methods is the only way to be sure of the accuracy of your testing. There have also been advancements in the machines used for toxicology. The machines have become more precise and available for more types of testing.
Toxicology is now a much more complicated and accurate process, which can detect more antigens in the system. Blood samples are the most common way to collect toxicology samples. Urine is frequently used as well, for it’s ability to hold drug substances longer than blood. Using a blood or urine sample makes it more clear of what substances were being used, and the amount of what was used. Toxicologists perform post-mortem exams with the collected samples. The tests or exams can lead to conclusions of whether the substance abuse was voluntary or involuntary.
Toxicology is also a known control sample. A control sample is an asset that has been collected and is analyzed for further research involving the crime. Toxicology can be used as a control sample because the evidence was collected biologically; through hair, blood, or saliva. The science of toxicology can be used in many different ways, from proving a DUI or furthering a research in a murder. Poisoning is not the most common method of murder, however, an average of 3, 070, 000 people die each year from drugs and alcohol.
A main process of toxicology is called ‘gas-liquid chromatography.’ Chromatography is a laboratory process of separating different mixtures. Gas chromatography is completed by using a chromatograph machine in order to mechanically separate mixtures and chemicals. The first step in this process is to collect the mixture that needs to be analyzed. A syringe is inserted into a chamber to test the materials to test the gas substance. The liquid samples are then vaporized. The materials with more interaction with the machine then separate from those with less. Gas streams are analyzed every so often and then at the end of the machine’s process, the separated materials can be determined and examined further.
Aaron Lee tested positive for Opioids, Oxycodone, Alcohol, and Ethanol. Aaron Lee had been consuming alcohol before the accident, confirmed by the alcohol in his system, and his fingerprints of the liquor bottles. His wife had also been prescribed a bottle of oxycodone, (reasons why unknown) and Mr. Lee’s prints were on the pill bottle as well. The toxicology report showed that the levels of drug and alcohol poisoning in his system were high enough to be fatal, if the gunshot was not the cause of death.
Sources:
http://www.crimelibrary.com/criminal_mind/forensics/toxicology/2.html
http://abft.org/files/WHAT%20IS%20FORENSIC%20TOXICOLOGY.pdf
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1680257-overview
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forensic_toxicology#Gas_chromatography
http://www.chemguide.co.uk/analysis/chromatography/gas.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gas_chromatography#Methods
http://www.chemguide.co.uk/analysis/chromatography/gas.html
http://hiq.linde-gas.com/en/analytical_methods/gas_chromatography/index.html