Conservapedia - User contributions [en]

Leprosy

2008-07-29T15:21:44Z

PamAyers: it was the Greek

'''Leprosy''' is a chronic infectious [[disease]] caused by an infection with the [[bacteria]] ''Mycobacterium leprae''. The word comes from the Greek "lepra", meaning "scale" or "flake".<ref>http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=leper</ref> It is also known as Hansen's disease, named after its discoverer Gerhard Hansen. Leprosy mainly affects the [[skin]], the peripheral nerves, mucosa of the upper respiratory tract and the [[eye]]s. It can affect all ages and both sexes. Incubation can last anywhere between three months and 40 years, with the average incubation period lasting three to five years. Leprosy is transmitted from one untreated person to another via the respiratory tract or skin. Leprosy is curable and if detected early and treated with a prescribed duration of drug therapy, leprosy will not cause any permanent disability.

Leprosy is one of the world's oldest diseases, tracing back to the ancient civilizations of [[China]], [[Egypt]] and [[India]]. Leprosy was also rampant during the 13th century in [[Europe]]. Historically, it is one of the most stigmatized diseases with a reputation of being highly contagious, disfiguring and incurable. In the past leprosy sufferers were banished to ''[[leper colony|leper colonies]]''. Unfortunately, this practice still exists is some countries today, even though leprosy is now curable and is not considered highly contagious.

Worldwide there are 290,000 leprosy cases being treated as of January 2005, 75 percent arising in nine countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, according to the World Health Organization.<ref>"Doctor says he treated woman with leprosy," The Macon Telegraph (Georgia), June 7, 2007.</ref> Illegal immigration, which does not screen for disease, is significant to the [[United States]] from some of those nations.

"According to Dr. Barbara Stryjdwska, Clinician at the National Hansen’s Disease Programs in Louisiana, there are only approximately 150 new leprosy cases each year in the United States, and most of these are in immigrants coming from countries where Hansen’s Disease is endemic. In 2002, 96 cases were reported to the [[Center for Disease Control and Prevention]]. The incidence may be greater however, because many patients do not want to be reported because of their immigrant status. Additionally, if patients do not seek or purchase treatment, they are hard to be tracked. ... Because leprosy is such a small problem in the United States, and since 90% of cases are imported (immigrants from countries where leprosy is endemic), there is little reason for a leprosy vaccine to actually be utilized in the United States ...."<ref>http://www.stanford.edu/class/humbio103/ParaSites2006/Leprosy_vaccine/vaccineinus.htm</ref>
== See also ==

*[[American Medical Association]]
*[[Doctor]]

== References ==

<references/>

[[Category:Diseases]]

Gene

2008-07-29T03:58:59Z

PamAyers: derivation

The '''gene''' is the fundamental unit of [[heredity]]. The word comes from the Greek παντσ or "genea" meaning "to generate".

A section of [[DNA]] that codes for the production of an [[RNA]] molecule. In most cases that RNA molecule codes for the production of a [[protein]], but in some cases (most notably the transfer RNA ([[tRNA]]) and ribosomal RNA ([[rRNA]]) genes) the RNA molecule is the end product.

Gene expression refers to all the processes involved in converting [[gene]]tic information from a [[DNA]] sequence, or [[protein]]. In [[prokaryote]]s, there are just two processes required: [[transcription]] and [[translation]]. In [[eukaryote]]s, there is an additional step [[RNA]] processing (splicing), which intervenes.
The synthesis of a single-stranded RNA molecule using DNA as a template is referred to as transcription. The enzyme that catalyzes this reaction is known as RNA polymerase. Although the subunit structure and details of the process differ significantly in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, the chemical reaction is identical.

==History==

By 1900 scientists knew that cells were the building blocks of living things. All living things start as a single fertilized cell which keeps dividing. Scientists identified tiny threads in the nucleus of the cells. Because they could stain the threads with colored dyes to study them under a microscope, they called the threads [[chromosome]]s, from the [[Greek]] words for colored bodies. They could see that chromosomes came in pairs, and that human cells all contained 23 matching pairs. American biologist [[Walter Sutton]] knew [[Mendel's principles of genetics|Mendel's]] work on peas, and suggested that chromosomes held the secret of inheritance.

Another American biologist, [[Thomas Hunt Morgan]], developed the idea that chromosomes were made up of linked groups of factors called [[genes]]. He experimented with red-eyed [[fruit fly|fruit flies]] and found that sometimes a white-eyed fly appeared. When he mated them, he found that as he expected there were three red-eyed flies to every white-eyed fly, but that all the white-eyed flies were male. He concluded that the gene for white eyes must be on a chromosome that was related to being male. Later workers found that this is why some hereditary diseases such as [[hemophilia]] and [[muscular dystrophy]] only show in males, though women can carry the gene for the disease without showing it.

Once Crick and Watson had unraveled the structure of [[DNA]], the function of genes became clearer.

One strand of [[DNA]] contains many genes. DNA is made of four [[nucleotide]]s, [[guanine]], [[adenine]], [[thymine]] and [[cytosine]]. G always pairs with C, and A with T. Different combinations of GC and AT join together in different orders along the strands of DNA coiled up along our [[chromosome]]s to give our cells instructions for making the different kind of protein of which our bodies are made. These groups of instructions are called genes. Our bodies are made up of about 100 trillion cells, each of which is responsible for a specific function. The thousands of different proteins in the cells work together like a machine to make the [[cell]] function as it should. If the genes are normal, the body part will function well. If a change (mutation) has happened in a gene, the protein may be faulty, as for example in sickle cell anemia where the instructions for making [[blood]] cells are abnormal.

In 2005 it was shown that genes were not the only way that genetic information could be inherited. Scientists working at Purdue University discovered that Arabidopsis plants could remember what genes they had in the past, and correct mistakes in their current genes. This non-mendelian inheritance probably involves a RNA cache of past messenger RNA transcripts.<ref>[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15785770?ordinalpos=15&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum 2005 study]</ref>

==Mutation==

Changes of a species from its normal state are called [[mutation]]s. Sometimes they happen on their own, but they can also happen when a parent is exposed to something that will affect the way they reproduce. High doses of [[X-rays]] can produce mutations, and so can some chemicals. According to the [[theory of evolution]], most mutations are neutral, some are deleterious (harmful), and a very small proportion are beneficial such that they improve the individual's chance of survival and reproduction, thus passing on to the next generation. Some mutations can be both helpful and harmful. For example, people from some [[Africa]]n countries carry a gene for an illness called [[sickle-cell anemia]]. This illness causes health problems, but people who have the gene for sickle-cell anemia are also less likely to catch [[malaria]], a serious illness common in Africa.

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Genetics]]

Axon

2008-07-29T02:40:21Z

PamAyers: derivation

An '''axon''' or '''nerve fiber''' is one of the three primary parts of a [[neuron]]. The word comes from the Greek πισ "axi", meaning "line" or "axis". It is an extension that grows away from the [[soma]] or cell body and is used to propagate an [[electrical impulse]] from one neuron to another as a means of communication. Axons are often bundled together in groups called [[nerves]]. These nerves are the transmission lines that move information through the body. The axon has several major anatomical parts: the [[Axon hillock]], the [[Axon initial segment]], the [[Myelin |myelinated]] portions, and the unmyelinated portions referred to as the [[Node of Ranvier]].

==References==

* Martin, JH (2003). Neuroanatomy text and atlas 3rd ed., New York: McGraw-Hill.

* Kandel, ER; Schwartz JH, Jessell TM (2000). Principles of Neural Science, 4th ed., New York: McGraw-Hill. ISBN 0-8385-7701-6.

{{stub2}}

[[Category:Biology]]
[[Category:Neuroscience]]

Strabismus

2008-07-29T02:34:38Z

PamAyers: derivation

'''Strabismus''' is a complication where the [[eyes]] do not work together to see a single object. If the affected eye(s) are not used for a long period of time, strabismus can cause blurred or double vision and/or [[blindness]]. <ref>Stanley, Debbie. ''Coping with Vision Disorders''. The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc., New York. (2001)</ref> The word comes from the Greek συκδικ or "strabiss", meaning "to squint".

==References==
<references/>

==External Links==
*[http://strabismus.org/ About Strabismus]

[[Category:Diseases]]

Chromosome

2008-07-29T02:25:59Z

PamAyers: derivation

[[Image:763.jpg|right|thumb|400px]]
A '''Chromosome''' is one of the threadlike "packages" of [[genes]] and other [[DNA]] in the [[nucleus]] of a [[cell]]. Different kinds of organisms have different numbers of chromosomes. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, 46 in all: 44 autosomes and two [[sex chromosomes]]. Each parent contributes one chromosome to each pair, so children get half of their chromosomes from their mothers and half from their fathers.

==History==

The word "chromosome" means "coloured body" and comes from the Greek κυντσ or "chromos" for "color" and σομε or "some" for "body". By 1900 scientists knew that [[cell|cells]] were the building blocks of living things. All living things start as a single fertilized cell which keeps dividing. Scientists identified tiny threads in the nucleus of the cells. Because they could stain the threads with colored dyes to study them under a microscope, they called the threads chromosomes, from the [[Greek]] words for colored bodies. They could see that chromosomes came in pairs, and that human cells all contained 23 matching pairs. American biologist [[Walter]] Sutton knew [[Mendel’s|Mendel's principles of genetics]] work on peas, and suggested that chromosomes held the secret of inheritance.

Another American biologist, [[Thomas Hunt Morgan]], developed the idea that chromosomes were made up of linked groups of factors called [[gene|genes]]. He experimented with red-eyed [[fruit fly|fruit flies]] and found that sometimes a white-eyed fly appeared. When he mated them, he found that as he expected there were three red-eyed flies to every white-eyed fly, but that all the white-eyed flies were male. He concluded that the gene for white eyes must be on a chromosome that was related to being male. Later workers found that this is why some hereditary diseases such as [[hemophilia]] and [[muscular dystrophy]] only show in males, though women can carry the gene for the disease without showing it.

In 1991 a project called the [[Human Genome Project]] began to use computers to map the three billion base pairs which make up the 46 human chromosomes.

[[Category:Genetics]]

Strabismus

2008-07-28T23:15:23Z

PamAyers: derivation

'''Strabismus''' is a complication where the [[eyes]] do not work together to see a single object. If the affected eye(s) are not used for a long period of time, strabismus can cause blurred or double vision and/or [[blindness]]. <ref>Stanley, Debbie. ''Coping with Vision Disorders''. The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc., New York. (2001)</ref> The word comes from the Greek "strabiss", meaning "to squint".

==References==
<references/>

==External Links==
*[http://strabismus.org/ About Strabismus]

[[Category:Diseases]]

Leprosy

2008-07-28T22:51:06Z

PamAyers:

'''Leprosy''' is a chronic infectious [[disease]] caused by an infection with the [[bacteria]] ''Mycobacterium leprae''. The word comes from the Latin "lepra", meaning "black" or "dark". It is also known as Hansen's disease, named after its discoverer Gerhard Hansen. Leprosy mainly affects the [[skin]], the peripheral nerves, mucosa of the upper respiratory tract and the [[eye]]s. It can affect all ages and both sexes. Incubation can last anywhere between three months and 40 years, with the average incubation period lasting three to five years. Leprosy is transmitted from one untreated person to another via the respiratory tract or skin. Leprosy is curable and if detected early and treated with a prescribed duration of drug therapy, leprosy will not cause any permanent disability.

Leprosy is one of the world's oldest diseases, tracing back to the ancient civilizations of [[China]], [[Egypt]] and [[India]]. Leprosy was also rampant during the 13th century in [[Europe]]. Historically, it is one of the most stigmatized diseases with a reputation of being highly contagious, disfiguring and incurable. In the past leprosy sufferers were banished to ''[[leper colony|leper colonies]]''. Unfortunately, this practice still exists is some countries today, even though leprosy is now curable and is not considered highly contagious.

Worldwide there are 290,000 leprosy cases being treated as of January 2005, 75 percent arising in nine countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, according to the World Health Organization.<ref>"Doctor says he treated woman with leprosy," The Macon Telegraph (Georgia), June 7, 2007.</ref> Illegal immigration, which does not screen for disease, is significant to the [[United States]] from some of those nations.

"According to Dr. Barbara Stryjdwska, Clinician at the National Hansen’s Disease Programs in Louisiana, there are only approximately 150 new leprosy cases each year in the United States, and most of these are in immigrants coming from countries where Hansen’s Disease is endemic. In 2002, 96 cases were reported to the [[Center for Disease Control and Prevention]]. The incidence may be greater however, because many patients do not want to be reported because of their immigrant status. Additionally, if patients do not seek or purchase treatment, they are hard to be tracked. ... Because leprosy is such a small problem in the United States, and since 90% of cases are imported (immigrants from countries where leprosy is endemic), there is little reason for a leprosy vaccine to actually be utilized in the United States ...."<ref>http://www.stanford.edu/class/humbio103/ParaSites2006/Leprosy_vaccine/vaccineinus.htm</ref>
== See also ==

*[[American Medical Association]]
*[[Doctor]]

== References ==

<references/>

[[Category:Diseases]]

Leprosy

2008-07-28T22:49:29Z

PamAyers:

'''Leprosy''' is a chronic infectious [[disease]] caused by an infection with the [[bacteria]] ''Mycobacterium leprae''. The word comes from the Latin "lepra", meaning "black" or "dark" It is also known as Hansen's disease, named after its discoverer Gerhard Hansen. Leprosy mainly affects the [[skin]], the peripheral nerves, mucosa of the upper respiratory tract and the [[eye]]s. It can affect all ages and both sexes. Incubation can last anywhere between three months and 40 years, with the average incubation period lasting three to five years. Leprosy is transmitted from one untreated person to another via the respiratory tract or skin. Leprosy is curable and if detected early and treated with a prescribed duration of drug therapy, leprosy will not cause any permanent disability.

Leprosy is one of the world's oldest diseases, tracing back to the ancient civilizations of [[China]], [[Egypt]] and [[India]]. Leprosy was also rampant during the 13th century in [[Europe]]. Historically, it is one of the most stigmatized diseases with a reputation of being highly contagious, disfiguring and incurable. In the past leprosy sufferers were banished to ''[[leper colony|leper colonies]]''. Unfortunately, this practice still exists is some countries today, even though leprosy is now curable and is not considered highly contagious.

Worldwide there are 290,000 leprosy cases being treated as of January 2005, 75 percent arising in nine countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, according to the World Health Organization.<ref>"Doctor says he treated woman with leprosy," The Macon Telegraph (Georgia), June 7, 2007.</ref> Illegal immigration, which does not screen for disease, is significant to the [[United States]] from some of those nations.

"According to Dr. Barbara Stryjdwska, Clinician at the National Hansen’s Disease Programs in Louisiana, there are only approximately 150 new leprosy cases each year in the United States, and most of these are in immigrants coming from countries where Hansen’s Disease is endemic. In 2002, 96 cases were reported to the [[Center for Disease Control and Prevention]]. The incidence may be greater however, because many patients do not want to be reported because of their immigrant status. Additionally, if patients do not seek or purchase treatment, they are hard to be tracked. ... Because leprosy is such a small problem in the United States, and since 90% of cases are imported (immigrants from countries where leprosy is endemic), there is little reason for a leprosy vaccine to actually be utilized in the United States ...."<ref>http://www.stanford.edu/class/humbio103/ParaSites2006/Leprosy_vaccine/vaccineinus.htm</ref>
== See also ==

*[[American Medical Association]]
*[[Doctor]]

== References ==

<references/>

[[Category:Diseases]]

User talk:Benp

2008-07-28T22:31:29Z

PamAyers: sign?

Might as well stop procrastinating and get started on this.

==Sympathies on the front page==
Could we do this? It upsets me to see people trying to score political points from such a tragedy. [[User:PamAyers|PamAyers]] 18:31, 28 July 2008 (EDT)

== PZ Myers ==

Hey, thanks. I added a bunch of stuff. I had long intended to do so. I guess I just needed a little kick in the pants. [[User:Jinxmchue|Jinxmchue]] 01:38, 15 July 2008 (EDT)

You're welcome. Good call on including the "Don't send these people email" silliness. Posting peoples' email addresses and then claiming that he didn't mean for them to be harassed or emailed is just baldfaced dishonesty on his part; I wonder who he thinks he's fooling? --[[User:Benp|Benp]] 17:50, 15 July 2008 (EDT)

== Someone beat me to it ==

Thanks for the head's up anyway. [[User:Jinxmchue|Jinxmchue]] 12:29, 28 July 2008 (EDT)

==Hi==
Hi Ben, thought I would make an account to say I enjoy reading your debates. Guten abend, Deiter.

== We may be arguing the same point to one another. ==

I replied on my talk page. [[User:Corry|Corry]] 13:30, 28 July 2008 (EDT)

User talk:Benp

2008-07-28T22:30:52Z

PamAyers:

Might as well stop procrastinating and get started on this.

==Sympathies on the front page==
Could we do this? It upsets me to see people trying to score political points from such a tragedy. Pam

== PZ Myers ==

Hey, thanks. I added a bunch of stuff. I had long intended to do so. I guess I just needed a little kick in the pants. [[User:Jinxmchue|Jinxmchue]] 01:38, 15 July 2008 (EDT)

You're welcome. Good call on including the "Don't send these people email" silliness. Posting peoples' email addresses and then claiming that he didn't mean for them to be harassed or emailed is just baldfaced dishonesty on his part; I wonder who he thinks he's fooling? --[[User:Benp|Benp]] 17:50, 15 July 2008 (EDT)

== Someone beat me to it ==

Thanks for the head's up anyway. [[User:Jinxmchue|Jinxmchue]] 12:29, 28 July 2008 (EDT)

==Hi==
Hi Ben, thought I would make an account to say I enjoy reading your debates. Guten abend, Deiter.

== We may be arguing the same point to one another. ==

I replied on my talk page. [[User:Corry|Corry]] 13:30, 28 July 2008 (EDT)

Axon

2008-07-28T22:18:32Z

PamAyers:

An '''axon''' or '''nerve fiber''' is one of the three primary parts of a [[neuron]]. The word comes from the Greek "axi", meaning "line" or "axis". It is an extension that grows away from the [[soma]] or cell body and is used to propagate an [[electrical impulse]] from one neuron to another as a means of communication. Axons are often bundled together in groups called [[nerves]]. These nerves are the transmission lines that move information through the body. The axon has several major anatomical parts: the [[Axon hillock]], the [[Axon initial segment]], the [[Myelin |myelinated]] portions, and the unmyelinated portions referred to as the [[Node of Ranvier]].

==References==

* Martin, JH (2003). Neuroanatomy text and atlas 3rd ed., New York: McGraw-Hill.

* Kandel, ER; Schwartz JH, Jessell TM (2000). Principles of Neural Science, 4th ed., New York: McGraw-Hill. ISBN 0-8385-7701-6.

{{stub2}}

[[Category:Biology]]
[[Category:Neuroscience]]

Organism

2008-07-28T22:10:50Z

PamAyers:

An '''organism''' in nature is a stable living system typically composed of [[organs]] that influence each other while functioning as one overall unit. In common terms, it generally refers to any single living being, including [[plant|plants]], [[animal|animals]], [[fungi]] and all varieties of [[germ|microbes]] and [[protozoa]]. The word comes from the Latin "organum" meaning "instrument" or "being".

[[Category:Biology]]

Biomass

2008-07-28T22:06:52Z

PamAyers:

A measure of the [[mass]] of [[organism|organisms]] within a region divided by the area of that region.<ref>Wile, Dr. Jay L. ''Exploring Creation With Biology''. Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc. 1998</ref> Biomass is also a term for organic nonfossil material of biological origin that constitutes a renewable energy source, such as making ethanol fuel from corn.

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Biology]]
[[category:energy]]