In late August, when I first heard the news of a potential ebola epidemic, I did not take the news seriously, at all. Recently, when I learned that ebola has been all over the news, threatening the U.S., I realized this is a problem that can affect us.

I have decided to use the ebola virus as an example because it can (though hopefully will not) affect us severely. It is scary to think of how it is an actual threat that is very near, and I think because we can actually see in the future the virus affecting people close to us, for example, in Dallas. I think people, including myself, have more motivation to help causes, in general; when they see the cause, affecting people close and the risk is near, they finally feel the need to help.

The article I chose discusses the Ebola virus in West Africa and then applies the concerning issue in Africa to the United States. The main conclusion the author brings forward is that the situation in Africa can escalate to 10 times the initial rate, therefore the it can become a problem that has great potential to affect us. We therefore have to take measures soon and the measures will only be efficient if everybody complies.

The author brings evidence from the CDC that at the rate ebola is spreading, the number can increase to a range of 600,000 – 1.4 million people infected by January 2015. The WHO predicted 10,000 cases a week by December 1rst.

The author does not have any biases, however he does try to persuade the reader that precautionary action must be taken soon because of the predictions mentioned.

I think the author makes a good point that people should and I believe are currently taking precautionary measures. He proves that there is reason to take such measures and justifies that it is the right thing to do in this case. The virus has been spreading like wildfire and can, for lack of better terms, “destroy the world and humanity” and we would definitely not want that! If we want live to appreciate and know what science is, we should listen to the author and help in the efforts to stop ebola.

I’m sure most of you guys had a clear idea of an issue you wanted to further explore when Professor C first gave us the assignment to find an article on a controversial environmental topic, but in my case, I wound up choosing and article on an issue I didn’t even know was and issue, so I definitely learned something new.

I found an article on The Weather Network website (its actually a pretty awesome website just for exploring alone) about the “de-extinction” of endangered species which, again, I wasn’t even aware was a thing. I soon found out however, it most certainly is a thing.

Following the flow chart, I gathered that the author’s unspoken beliefs/feelings do not necessarily support the idea of ‘de-extincting’ animals. All of the evidence she provided throughout the article seemed to be of the failed attempts to ‘de-extinct’ animals, and of the attempts that were a success, she made sure to highlight all the defects and unfortunate events following the successful attempt.

Some scientists/experts on the other hand, are all for the bringing back of extinct animals. Some believe they “have an obligation to try and do this”, especially if we (humans) are the reasons the animals are extinct to begin with. Others argue that the resources invested in trying to bring back animals that are no longer living should be redirected to the animals that are living (I happen to agree).

If these animals are brought back, many feel the many threats the eliminated the species in the first place, like climate change and human interference, still exist today. (This is clearly true) If these animals are brought back, the chances of them becoming extinct again are tremendous.

I could be wrong, but it seems this author of this article is trying to emphasize the dangers and the sheer uncertainty about sure a serious scientific interest. If that was her intent, she won me over. I went from not knowing people were trying to bring back extinct animals, to actually hoping people song bring back extinct animals. It’s hard to explain, but just thinking about it makes me feel weird.

There’s the link if you want to read it for yourselves

http://www.theweathernetwork.com/news/articles/endangered-species-the-de-extinction-controversy/10338/

And as far as the initial question: Is this science? I definitely think it is.