RNA ~ post grew from 'A Simpler Origin for Life' (Scientific American; Feb. 12th, 2007)

I started my exploration tonight on something I had heard a few weeks back about the origin of life and how prior to DNA / RNA world of today, that life was likely all RNA based. Additionally, there are theories into a more simplistic age in which life was based on something that was neither RNA nor DNA; but, that is for another post…

When I think about DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid); what comes to mind is programming. That DNA is like the playwright of life. The intricacies of ourselves that these DNA programs control, not only outline what we are, but also explain how we are. We start out in life, depending on how you look at it, as two pieces; one peace being the Ovum (ironically the largest cell in the human body)the other being the Sperm. Each providing data, pre-programming and the materials necessary to begin the production; together they complement and initiate the replicable genetic programming that is necessary to make a new human.

What makes a Human - Human? (Philosophical)

What makes a human, human?

A human is what? Well, humans are mammals, or more specifically a bipedal primate species called Homo sapiens. We have a large brain cavity and an intellectual ability that allows us to reason abstractly, communicate in complex manners and to learn and expand on knowledge progressively (primarily through the communication of learnt or discovered information.) Humans are also emotional, creative, and singularly talented. As group behavioral aspects go; we are by far the most cooperative creature in known existence, at least in regards to information. We operate in societal structures with powerful factors such as religious collective belief and instruction; government influenced behavioral guidelines and rules, learned morals and mannerisms to dictate social behavior and regulated perceptions. This combination of forces influencing humans’ communication and coexistence is a powerful contributor to our progression. If we cared little to share or corroborate; growth in collective knowledge and discovery would be far more difficult. Our mind has not changed in size since the first known modern human (est. 200,000 yrs ago.) We had the same brain mass, but much less knowledge. Hence the benefit of information sharing… Without information already discovered – to learn, we would appear to be much less intelligent. But, we aren’t (at least compared to our earthly counterparts.) Many other species on earth show signs of intelligence. Some other animals show learned behaviors, teaching and problem solving. So, if animals have a mind capable (even minimally) of the analytical capability to problem solve (as dolphins and chimpanzees have shown) they do not lack in the intellectual ability department. As my theory goes… The ingredient lacking is the sharing of information. Many animals communicate; but can any share learned information? If so, even minimally, I would argue that it is not the mind that differentiates humans from other animals.

If it is not the mind then, is it the body?

As this article about chimps barter ability.
Or this article on a court proceeding regarding classifying another primate as human for the purpose of taking caretaking custody shows, no.

KAS

Missing Matter Mystery (partially) solved!

Great news for Science! Astronomers have made a huge advance in our understanding of the Universe, by finding 'lost matter'. This discovery is paramount in not only supporting the hypothesis (of additional matter being available to find); but, also by expanding our field of understanding. This discovery is supported by the Big Bang Theory and the hypothesized amount of matter distributed by the initial expansion/i.e. big bang. The problem is that our estimates of all galaxies collectively considered, only barely make a dent in what scientists believe was dispersed. This 'missing matter' is what has now been (1/2) found.

Macaque Monkey, killed for suburban convenience??

in this article about killing Macaque monkeys for infringing upon our domestic comforts, I saw another unfortunate example of the restriction of another life forms, for our self centered gain. (And the monkey was or is...) As a distant cousin (approximated at branching 25 million years ago - what was Lucy... 2.5 million and the Taung child around 7 million?) far closer in genetic relation, then the feline I coddle on a daily basis. The Macaque Monkey is noted as the most widespread strain of primate (other than ourselves, of course,) am I really reading of extermination or 'culling' for the purpose of such convenience. Ughh… Then of course, testing comes into mind; a subject I attempt to regularly exercise ignorance about – as it obviously infuriates my sensitivities (as a life form and all.) So, I read and read... and find this article about a famous infantile Macaque Monkey saved from testing named Britches. Something along the lines of testing for the progression of the lives of blind humans. Oh dear...

Photon Transfer by Cells used to exchange information?

While perusing what new listings have come out in PLoS ONE, I came across a few understandable gems. The most intriguing being "Cellular Communication through Light" that is, Photon transfer by cells which contain information for communication. What form is the information in, how does it get in transport and how it it received (physically and interpretively) I wonder?

Another article of interest is "A Novel Method for Detection of Phosphorylation in Single Cells by Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) using Composite Organic-Inorganic Nanoparticles (COINs)" A newly progressed technology allowing for more precise detection of a cell's components with the use of (my favorite) nano technology.

They say "it's all in the blood"... in this article on The European Dynastys' blood line and the proposed results of a such an exclusive blood line having vastly consisted of inter-breeding is discussed in "The Role of Inbreeding in the Extinction of a European Royal Dynasty"

KAS

pi

Again, I am surprised by my new found ignorance of pi... .But, what is time anyways, I didn't know then, but know it now- making the subject regardless. So, early this morning, I was 'off to the races' to explore this new term, this new bit of information about an odd, interesting and as I perceived it unnatural number.

Unnatural, you might ask? Well, it's only strange that a number might not end because.. a number is a measurement of something. Quite obviously, a number cannot be a representation, if it is incomplete. This number is so very, very long that in decimal form- it's been measured to millions of digits of decimal numbers after the number 3. A common approximation is 3.14159...but, it never ends (at least to the extent it is currently understood.)

Let me explain. pi is the ratio of the circles radius to the circumference. It doesn't matter the size of the circle, it is always the same. O.k.,,, makes sense. I can comfortably shake that about my globe. But, at some point, doesn't a number hit 3.2? So, the number should, rationally, end! Imagine, if you will, ten lines between the number three and the number four. Imagine again that there are also ten smaller lines between each of those ten lines (and so on...) If 3.1 is one line and 3.2 is another- pi must lie on some line somewhere in between. Where it lies, must be rigid.. no?

Atomic Structure of Water

Raindrops fall on the green leaves this afternoon and my thoughts wander to water. I have two small tomato plans, growing in the window, needing water and light alone to prosper. Little bristles of organic promises and wisps of petals to be grown to new leaves. It's scent, a musky and poignant one of fruitful promises. This life granted by drops of water, poured into dirt and absorbed through roots. Utterly fascinating, that such things happen from so little.

Here on Earth, we live on a planet covered by water. Over seventy percent of our world, is water. Over fifty percent of our bodies is water. Hydrogen, one of the only chemical elements not created in a star, has held a special spot for longevity among the cosmos and is a key component of water.

Quantum Mechanics & General Relativity

So, I've been reading about Quantum Gravity (a convergence of both Quantum Mechanics and General Relativity) and it inspired me to learn more about Quantum Mechanics and General Relativity and though I had a gist of the two; I wanted to take the time to look at the fundamentals as opposed to my generalist understanding of each.

The Small ~ Quantum Mechanics
A theory initiated in order to better explain the fundamental properties of matter. In early 1900's while studying the interactions of matter and radiation; scientists ran into an issue. Neither Classical Mechanics nor Electromagnetism solved certain radiation effects on atoms. Particularly, scientists were perplexed by the nature of light; as was discovered by Joseph von Fraunhofer (1787-1826) through analyzing peculiar lines in the spectrum of sunlight. These lines were recorded as existing; but, no one could explain their origination. Same such occurrences were seen through radiation experiments with atoms.