[BIOCHEMISTRY | Week #11] The Chemistry of Life

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Chemistry of Life Discussion + Reflection

Our discussion on air pollution particles found in hearts of city dwellers was alarming.  I was aware that air quality in massive cities like Mumbai and Beijing had poor air quality, but the article we read in class stated that more than 90% of the world population lives with toxic air. We are so fortunate in the Bay Area that our air quality is great, though the fires have had a significant impact on it these past few years.  I didn't realize how sensitive my lungs were to the fires. I had asthma growing up and it hasn't bothered me until the fires. 

I started thinking about that business that sold canned air in China.  What started off as a gimmick selling a ziplock bag of air for about a dollar, their sales sky rocketed after Chinese consumers began to buy it online. You can find the article here. 



It boggles my mind that our society is at a point where they are harvesting and profiting off air. AIR?!? I'm sure the thought of buying canned air is even more lucrative if they learned about nanoparticles in the air and its correlation to cardiac damage. With the strides that we are making to improve environmental conditions, is it possible to also reverse the damage done with nanoparticles in the air and water?

"Biochemistry is the chemistry of Life"

I feel much more comfortable learning about chemistry through the lens of biology because the studies are more tangible for me. I haven't taken a western science class in over 10 years and find myself struggling to understand concepts in my pathology and physiology classes. By looking at the functions between and within cells in order to survive has made it a little more engaging. 


Comments

  1. ElizaJuly 24, 2019 at 12:22 PM

    I feel like I can relate to your preference for learning through a Biological lens. Personally, I relate very easily to my body and the processes of nature so relating abstract Chemical and Physical concepts to real life happenings always makes those concepts more accessible to me.
    Hang in there, when it comes to Wester Sciences! It does get easier as you continue to lean the language!

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