Those of you who use Comcast, today on the "Hot Topics" portion of the changin news window type-thing in the center of the page was a video about a man with Argyria! So, if you're curious about the discoloration, I suggest you check it out!
Edit 12/20 10:05 PM -
Thank you Julia for a more tangible link to the case to which I'm referring!
Also, I added the YouTube video of the guy. I'm hoping the school computers will allow this blog to be viewed as a result...Ah well, we'll see, won't we?
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
'Tis A Twos-Sided Coin...
As I mentioned previously, Silver 's affects upon the human body fall under two categories: The Good, and the Bad & Ugly.
In the case of Argyria, I've discovered a wonderful Public Health Statement from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (talk about a mouth ful). You can access the .pdf file from the list of links to the right. It covers the dangers of silver quite thoroughl;, from entering the body through the digestive tract or skin, to some data concerning tests with various lab animals. A research essay from American Biotech Labs covers Argyria as well, and puts down some apparent misinformation. I'm still on the search for the exact chemical reaction that causes the discoloration. I believe that, while this isn't as prominant and recent as I'd like, it's still an interesting contrast to the good role silver has been playing in medicine.
On the positive side, Silver is being used all over the medical world in a positive manner. AcryMed's SilvaGuard is a cheaper, more efficient way to prevent disease through medical equipment. As MRSA continues to be a topic of interest, I'll do my best to follow treatments regarding silver.
In the case of Argyria, I've discovered a wonderful Public Health Statement from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (talk about a mouth ful). You can access the .pdf file from the list of links to the right. It covers the dangers of silver quite thoroughl;, from entering the body through the digestive tract or skin, to some data concerning tests with various lab animals. A research essay from American Biotech Labs covers Argyria as well, and puts down some apparent misinformation. I'm still on the search for the exact chemical reaction that causes the discoloration. I believe that, while this isn't as prominant and recent as I'd like, it's still an interesting contrast to the good role silver has been playing in medicine.
On the positive side, Silver is being used all over the medical world in a positive manner. AcryMed's SilvaGuard is a cheaper, more efficient way to prevent disease through medical equipment. As MRSA continues to be a topic of interest, I'll do my best to follow treatments regarding silver.
Commenting Has Occurred!
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Finalizing my Topic
Alright, after some interesting research on the topic of silver concerning nanotechnology, silver in "healing," silver causing skin conditions, I think I've decided to kind of umbrella all of this into one. However if this is too general and/or vague, then I'll zoom in on just one.
So, I'll be researching silver's various affects upon the human body. The good and the bad. And the ugly, in the case of Argyria.
On a much less related note, with all the snow yesterday and decorating Mr. McManus' office, I'm really feeling the winter holiday spirit! It's thrilling really, so "Frozen Precipitation Commence!" After all, "First Person Singular Experiencing An Hallucinatory Phenomenon Of A Natal Celebration Devoid Of Color"! I was also quite happy to hear "Precious Metal Tintinnabulations" earlier today, on the way home from school. And, as it is related, I figured I'd mention it.
If you don't get it...well...I'm sorry.
So, I'll be researching silver's various affects upon the human body. The good and the bad. And the ugly, in the case of Argyria.
On a much less related note, with all the snow yesterday and decorating Mr. McManus' office, I'm really feeling the winter holiday spirit! It's thrilling really, so "Frozen Precipitation Commence!" After all, "First Person Singular Experiencing An Hallucinatory Phenomenon Of A Natal Celebration Devoid Of Color"! I was also quite happy to hear "Precious Metal Tintinnabulations" earlier today, on the way home from school. And, as it is related, I figured I'd mention it.
If you don't get it...well...I'm sorry.
Internet Reliability
Dare we doubt the credibility of our wonderful world wide web???
Of course we shall!!!
Nowadays, just about anyone can access the Internet, create a page, and make all sorts of stuff that isn't true available. I mean, I could honestly sit here and spout out some wonderful explanation as to why the sky is blue due to the secret X-ray capabilities dog's have in their eyes. Of course, that's not the focus of my blog, but perhaps I'll explain it to you if you like.
Point is, one shouldn't believe everything he or she reads. You must take into account reliability. Again, I can claim knowledge of dog's x-ray vision capabilities due to my Master's degree in chemistry from some world-renown university.
Of course, if that were credible, then perhaps you should believe it...
Right, well, this is not the case. Where was I? Oh yes, Internet reliability.
Some sites are far more reliable than other. For example, most .gov or .edu sites tend to be fairly reliable. Sites that consist of user input, such as Wikipedia (as much as we love it), are much less reliable. Think about it- the website's tag is "the free encyclopedia that anyone can edit." Anyone. As in, your two year old brother or that kind of weird kid across the street you really don't know the name of. Sites of this nature may not be the best choices. The .gov and .edu sites originated from said government or education type origin usually tend to be more reliable, as the government and educational programs don't usually want to falsely lead people. Well, then again, we certainly hope not...
But, anyway, these sites tend to be hard to copy or falsify, so they're usually a pretty safe bet. Also, look for an author, credentials, and/or the date last revised. When looking up things of current relevance, noticing that the site was last updated 10 years ago is not a good thing. How about links to other sources? Do they look reliable? Does the site look like a simple blog created by a high school student attempting to find meaning within a topic of his or her choice? Or, does it look professionally created, especially for one specific topic? Is the information on the site consistent with other info you've found in your extensive research? Take a look.
Aside from what's above, I really don't know all that much about the reliability of web sites. I never really learned how to detect falsities under the guise of truths on the Internet. I've just gone with my gut for the most part, and consistency within what I've researched. Also, on the topic of bias, obviously a site based upon an opinion is not going to give you some cold, hard fact. Keep away from 1st person "I think..." "We believe..." and similar sounding materials. Research tends to veer from personal opinions and views and towards facts.
Of course we shall!!!
Nowadays, just about anyone can access the Internet, create a page, and make all sorts of stuff that isn't true available. I mean, I could honestly sit here and spout out some wonderful explanation as to why the sky is blue due to the secret X-ray capabilities dog's have in their eyes. Of course, that's not the focus of my blog, but perhaps I'll explain it to you if you like.
Point is, one shouldn't believe everything he or she reads. You must take into account reliability. Again, I can claim knowledge of dog's x-ray vision capabilities due to my Master's degree in chemistry from some world-renown university.
Of course, if that were credible, then perhaps you should believe it...
Right, well, this is not the case. Where was I? Oh yes, Internet reliability.
Some sites are far more reliable than other. For example, most .gov or .edu sites tend to be fairly reliable. Sites that consist of user input, such as Wikipedia (as much as we love it), are much less reliable. Think about it- the website's tag is "the free encyclopedia that anyone can edit." Anyone. As in, your two year old brother or that kind of weird kid across the street you really don't know the name of. Sites of this nature may not be the best choices. The .gov and .edu sites originated from said government or education type origin usually tend to be more reliable, as the government and educational programs don't usually want to falsely lead people. Well, then again, we certainly hope not...
But, anyway, these sites tend to be hard to copy or falsify, so they're usually a pretty safe bet. Also, look for an author, credentials, and/or the date last revised. When looking up things of current relevance, noticing that the site was last updated 10 years ago is not a good thing. How about links to other sources? Do they look reliable? Does the site look like a simple blog created by a high school student attempting to find meaning within a topic of his or her choice? Or, does it look professionally created, especially for one specific topic? Is the information on the site consistent with other info you've found in your extensive research? Take a look.
Aside from what's above, I really don't know all that much about the reliability of web sites. I never really learned how to detect falsities under the guise of truths on the Internet. I've just gone with my gut for the most part, and consistency within what I've researched. Also, on the topic of bias, obviously a site based upon an opinion is not going to give you some cold, hard fact. Keep away from 1st person "I think..." "We believe..." and similar sounding materials. Research tends to veer from personal opinions and views and towards facts.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
After doing some research...
I have discovered a wide variety of things, which can be found through the related links at the bottom of this page. I posted a link to a site which covers Silver's basics, from atomic weight to isotopes. Did you know the word Silver is derived from the Old English Seolfor? I didn't. Then, I dove into the realm of Nanotechnology and Nano-Silver. I previously did not know that Silver was widely used for medicinal purposes. As nanotechnology grows, so does silver's role in preventing a number of diseases. I've discovered an article concerning the Staph infection and how silver can"cure" it. Of course, this is an article (I linked to it below), and will definitely look further into it, considering all this MRSA stuff thats been in the media recently. I also read something about silver and fighting eczema.
Then I discovered, thanks to Julia, how colloidal silver causes Argyria: a condition the could possibly turn one's skin a bluish-grey/silvery tinge due to ingesting silver. Kind of creepy and reminiscent of Goldfinger...ok, not really...But I'll look further into that as well.
On a less related note, we all know that werewolves can be killed with a silver bullet. But, did you know of the theatre superstition that states that blue is unlucky for an actor to wear onstage? So, one must wear something silver to counter the bad luck. Thinking back, I'm pretty sure that my costume in Absurdities had some blue in it. Anyone there the final night? Let's just say that there was a bit of an issue concerning the pre-set wires. :D Should've worn something silver...
Then I discovered, thanks to Julia, how colloidal silver causes Argyria: a condition the could possibly turn one's skin a bluish-grey/silvery tinge due to ingesting silver. Kind of creepy and reminiscent of Goldfinger...ok, not really...But I'll look further into that as well.
On a less related note, we all know that werewolves can be killed with a silver bullet. But, did you know of the theatre superstition that states that blue is unlucky for an actor to wear onstage? So, one must wear something silver to counter the bad luck. Thinking back, I'm pretty sure that my costume in Absurdities had some blue in it. Anyone there the final night? Let's just say that there was a bit of an issue concerning the pre-set wires. :D Should've worn something silver...
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Attention!!!!!!!!
I've discovered that silver has been used in nanotechnology. More updates to come!
Additionally, talking to Julia got me thinking about humans' reactions to silver, and other metals while I'm at it. Such as allergic reactions, when you ingest too much... Again, I'll see what I can find.
Oh, and there's a new poll on the side bar. Happy Thanksgiving!
Additionally, talking to Julia got me thinking about humans' reactions to silver, and other metals while I'm at it. Such as allergic reactions, when you ingest too much... Again, I'll see what I can find.
Oh, and there's a new poll on the side bar. Happy Thanksgiving!
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