1/12/15

For my science discovery this month I researched iron deficiencies in homosapiens. Iron deficiency that isn't treated can progress into anemia. Iron deficiency causes less oxygen to reach your tissues, so your body is deprived of needed energy. This can make you feel irritable, weak, or unable to focus. Hemoglobin gives your blood its red color and your skin its rosy hue. Low levels of protein can make your skin look pale. No matter your skin tone though, if the inside of your bottom eyelids, your gums and the inside of your lips aren't as red as usual, then you might have an iron deficiency. From low oxygen levels you may feel out of breath doing thing normally have no effect on you. About 15% of people with restless leg syndrome have iron deficiency. If your body is iron-deficient then there won't be enough oxygen going to your brain causing the brain arteries to swell, therefore causing headaches. Pica (craving and eating non-food substances) is a sign of possible iron deficiency. Lack of oxygen can stimulate your body's sympathetic nervous system making you feel anxious. Also, iron deficiency can cause your heart to start racing. Iron deficiency can also cause hair loss because your body starts channelling oxygen to support important functions ( this is opposed to the ones for keeping your hair in good condition). Low iron counts can reduce the level of myoglobin, so many people who are iron deficient complain of a strangely smooth, inflamed, and sore tongue. Too much iron can increase the risks of heart attacks, diabetes, cancer, and can damage internal organs.

1/14/15

For my science discovery this week I researched bananas. The scientific name for a banana is Musa x Paradisiaca. A banana is an edible fruit and botanically considered a berry. The average medium sized banana weighs 113g when peeled or 120g. Average sized bananas are about 7" to 8" long. Green or ripe, bananas bruise easily. Bananas chill very easily. The order of colors that a banana turns as it ripens are the following: green, then green with a trace of yellow, then mostly green, next it's green and yellow, then mostly yellow, then almost yellow, next yellow, and then finally yellow with brown specks. Every year a banana tree has to be new. The banana flower in the banana must be removed. A lot of chemicals are used to make bananas look perfect.