basic science literacy health and the environment

Discussion 1

The news media and bloggers rely on “clickbait” headlines to grab readers’ attention and lure them into an article. Scholars write catchy headlines but for different reasons. Whereas clickbait headlines are a form of “deception,” catchy phrases in headlines are not. The commercial media also uses statistical data differently from scholars, often misleading the public by drawing spurious conclusions or using hyperbole to interpret the results. For example, recent headlines show that the use of the word “epidemic” is itself becoming an epidemic: with an “epidemic of gun violence,” an “opioid epidemic,” an “epidemic surveillance of Hajj pilgrims,” and a “prison epidemic” all being reported in one Google search. With no established parameters for what constitutes an “epidemic,” irresponsible reporters can use this term. Even though the widespread abuse of prescription opioids is a problem, there is no need for Lopez (2017) to use the inflammatory term “epidemic” just to get readers to click on the article (p. 1). The commercial media sometimes does a good job of reporting on current events in science without resorting to clickbait, but readers have a responsibility to learn media literacy.

There are times it may be more appropriate to rely on media-reported science and other times when it is more appropriate to rely on peer-reviewed scientific results. The media reports science using plain language, whereas peer-reviewed journal articles frequently use jargon that can be difficult for many people to understand. The primary difference between communication of scientific results in the scientific community in peer-reviewed journals and news media reporting is that the latter uses plain language and also broadly summarizes the results of a study. The media can influence the decisions that consumers make regarding everything from medication purchases to lifestyle choices.
References
Hamblin, J. (2014). It’s everywhere, the clickbait. The Atlantic. Retrieved online: https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2014/11/clickbait-what-is/382545/
Lopez, G. (2017). The opioid epidemic, explained. Vox. Retrieved online: https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2017/8/3/16079772/opioid-epidemic-drug-overdoses
Trefil, J., & Hazen, R.M. (2016). The sciences: An integrated approach. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Discussion 2
Influenza or “the flu” is an illness caused by a virus. However, there is more than one strain of the flu virus, making it difficult to treat or prevent effectively. Antibiotics are not effective against influenza because antibiotics primarily target bacteria, whereas the flu is viral. Therefore, antiviral drugs may be helpful in some cases or for some people (CDC, n.d.). A vaccination against the flu can be an effective prophylactic, but there are different types of flu virus and the virus does evolve to adapt to human resistance. Therefore, regular vaccinations based on the latest research on emerging flu strains, taking into account factors like evolving viral resistance. The common cold is different, and my main strategy for preventing a cold is common sense including maintaining a healthy immune system and washing my hands regularly, avoiding people who are sick. A source that supports my views on the common cold and influenza is put out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, n.d.), which is a reliable source of information even if it is not itself a scientific journal.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, n.d.). Flu and You. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/flu/consumer/index.html
Discussion 3
Wastewater is any water that is classified as “used,” but can also include storm runoff (USGS, n.d., p. 1). In my community, wastewater originates in private homes and businesses, as well as storm water runoff. Because wastewater may contain contaminants, it must be treated before it is released back into the environment (USGS, n.d.). Treating wastewater is a complicated process because of the changing chemical composition of the substances or particles that may be in the water. Temperature, turbidity, bacteria, acidity/pH, heavy metals, and other factors will impact the quality of the water and the processes or substances used to treat the water. Government regulations determine acceptable levels of certain chemicals, influencing how wastewater is treated. A search for how wastewater is treated and conserved in my local area reveals that there is a two-part process of treating wastewater. The primary treatment uses mechanical processes to remove total suspended solids, and the secondary treatment entails adding bacteria that can consume the remaining solids and any organic substances (“How Wastewater is Treated,” 2017). It is important to use both treatment methods, as only the first removes just half of all the total suspended solids (“How Wastewater is Treated,” 2017). Finally, the treatment process enables the wastewater to be recycled, given back to the aquifer or reservoir or used in industries.
References
“How Wastewater is Treated,” (2017). GVRD. Retrieved online: http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/liquid-waste/treatment/treatment-plants/how-wastewater-treated/Pages/default.aspx
 USGS (n.d.) What is Wastewater, and Why Treat it? Retrieved from http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/wuww.html
Discussion 4
Different people require different amounts of food, and therefore energy, due to a number of factors including their metabolism, age, health, and body weight or mass. The daily recommended caloric intake for my age and sex is about 2400. I generally consume within this range, which is why I maintain a healthy body weight. One of my favorite foods is dan-dan noobles, which is difficult to measure in terms of calories because the online systems do not include this meal. However, I can also say that I like bananas, which have about 80 calories for a small to medium one. The amount of physical activity needed to burn off 80 to a hundred calories is very little, and I could probably burn that just by cleaning my house in less than an hour. If I ate dan-dan noodles for lunch, I would imagine that the caloric intake would be close to 800, which would mean I would need to exercise strenuously for a few hours, such as running, hiking, or riding my bicycle.
All food groups are necessary for balance and enjoyment. I prefer to eat whole grains and plant-based foods mostly, and measure portions simply by intuition. Culture, personal experience, and environmental factors will impact my health as much as genetics, and I do feel fortunate that I have good genes and learned good eating habits to avoid being at risk for preventable disease or obesity. However, I propose that the best way to educate children about food choices is to systematically ridicule the consumption of junk food and fast food and also to raise awareness about the ethical treatment of animals, encouraging children to eat a plant-based diet that consists of real, whole foods.
References
Choose MyPlate. (n.d.). Retrieved December 15, 2016, from https://www.choosemyplate.gov/
Trefil, J., & Hazen, R.M. (2016). The sciences: An integrated approach. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.