Cancer and diet

A recent NY Times article discusses the possible connection between a diet rich in fruits and veggies and the reduction in cancer. It seems that the jury is still very much out. In fact, one NIH official is quoted as saying the following:

Over time, the messages on diet and cancer have been ratcheted up
until they are almost co-equal with the smoking messages. I think a lot of the public is completely unaware that the strength of
the message is not matched by the strength of the evidence.

Changes to Calendar

Due to my absences and the Jewish holidays in early October, the test on Liquids and Solids has been moved back by one week. The new test dates are Monday 10/17 and Tuesday 10/18. The due date for the second homework set for this unit has also changed. It is now due on Monday 10/10 and Tuesday 10/11.

Announcement for Tuesday/Friday Sections

Since I was absent on Tuesday 9/20, the Tuesday/Friday sections are behind a bit. To make up for lost time, I will not spend as much time in class reviewing the details for the first trimester project. Those of you in a Tuesday/Friday section have been partnered with at least one student from a Monday/Thursday section with whom I went over theproject in detail. I will briefly answer any specific questions about the project in class on Friday.

In addition to the handout describing the 1st trimester project, you should also have received a second handout in class on Tuesday. One side has sketches of various unit cells which I'll discuss on Friday. The other side is a blank chart which you will fill in on your own time. This chart will help summarize the important details about the various types of solids. A similar chart can be found in the textbook near the end of the section on solids. You will not hand in this chart at any time; it is for your own benefit.

By the end of class on Friday you should know enough to do just about all of the homework. Even if we do not get to everything in class, you will be expected to fill in the blanks on your own and complete the homework by Tuesday 9/27. Remember, the homework is not formally graded.

Download homework

Don't forget to download the homework. Click the link for the advance chemisty website on the right and follow the link for the homework page.

Human brain still evolving

Two studies published in the 9/9/05 issue of Science suggest that the human brain is likely still evolving. One study reports that the gene MCPH1, which regulates brain size, possess a variant that arose some 37,000 years ago. This variant has apparently propagated too quickly to be the result of simple genetic drift.

It doesn't need to be said, but I'll go ahead anyway: A finding like this is rational peoples' evidence # 2340650 supporting the theory of evolution. This is yet another reminder that modern homo sapiens are the result of evolution, not the goal. Think carefully about that last statement because it really puts things into perspective.

The kilogram gets a facelift?

With all the work scientists do to fight disease, advance technology, etc. it's fun to see that some folks are still concerned with the basics. It appears that the definition of the kilogram may soon be updated.

Scientists at NIST and other institutions around the world have spent years conducting experiments to find a reliable definition based in nature to replace the current international standard for the kilogram, a century-old cylinder of platinum-iridium alloy about the size of a plum. The new results mean that the NIST method, using an apparatus called the watt balance or electronic kilogram, is almost accurate enough now to meet the criteria for redefinition.

More on Trudeau

One of your classmates sent me the following email:

This morning, I was flipping through the channels, and saw an infomercial for Trudeau's new book, plus some free pamphlets and a CD. I only caught the last two minutes of it, but I'm pretty sure the man in the infomercial selling the book was Trudeau himself. I thought he was banned from all infomercials-how was he allowed to go on TV and sell his book? Just wondering, since we discussed him in class, and you posted a blog about him.

My reply:

I think Trudeau can get away with it for a few of reasons. (1) Books, and the advertising thereof, are protected by the 1st Ammendment. You get to say lots of crazy things thanks to the 1st Ammendment (the classic double-edged sword). (2) Trudeau is probably not making any specific claims in the commercial. The FTC ruling, to my understanding, bars him from making specific medical claims and from advertising for a specific medical "treatment." Telling people to not take their medication is not advertising for a specific treatement. (3) I'm guessing you saw Trudeau on a shopping channel or on some type of talk show. I doubt the FTC ruling would ban Trudeau from being an invited guest on these types of programs.

It's unfortunate, but scam artists like Trudeau are often a half step ahead of the law. I doubt he'll go away until a private citizen sues and wins a large settlement from Trudeau in a trial that gets loads of media coverage. We can only sound the alarm and make sure our family and friends don't get taken in my these sorts of scams.

Kevin Trudeau and coral calcium

In class, we discussed Kevin Trudeau's book "Natual Cure They Don't Want You to Know About." I mentioned in some classes that, although not identified by name, Trudeau is discussed in "The Fly in the Ointment" as being part of the coral calcium scam. Here is the press release from the Federal Trade Commission detailing a $2 million fine against Trudeau for his role in defrauding consumers with the coral calcium hogwash.

The same press release discussed another one of Trudeau's scams called Biotape. Apparently, Biotape is a “space age conductive mylar that connects the broken circuits that cause the pain.”

Trudeau's book is currently #9 on Amazon.com, #6 on BarnesandNoble.com and #2 on the NY Times best seller list for hardcover advice books.

P.S. For some of my comments about other issues in science, politics, etc. you are welcomed to check out my other blog. That site has nothing to do with our chemistry class so there is absolutely no expectation that you to take a look.