*I have seen this picture before, but never realized Einstein made a habit of sticking his tongue out whenever a camera was around.
A few of the possible subjects I would like to know more
about would be further in depth research of BPA in plastics. Last semester I
did a nice research paper for my tech writ class, but I would like to explore
more into the ‘science’ behind the chemical companies claiming this stuff is
safe for consumption. Why are known dangers that the chemical companies know
exist? Do they let their family members use BPA laden products? How much money
is actually dumped into these companies and media sources that they control? As
a writer and also a parent of two girls, I have a vested interesting in knowing
what is in my food, and also the containers that hold the food. This would be a
great time to explore more in depth truth of the ‘behind the scene’ stuff, not
only with the companies but the on-going battle in congress.
My father-in-law is a retired fish biologist, and I have
worked side-by-side with him on stream and river habitat assessments in both
Idaho and Montana. The last time we were fishing together, I asked him if fish
could feel pain. With all his education and skill as a biologist, the nervous
system of this creature was never truly looked at. Since then, I have been
curious if it is feasible for an aquatic animal like a fish to have pain
sensors. Fish have brains and nervous system, so why wouldn’t they have the
ability to feel pain? Has any research been done (I am sure there has been) to dismiss
or prove the idea that fish can actual sense pain or even ‘sense’ danger.
Migration of salmon is looked at as natural instinct, but could it be possible that
they are more intelligent than we give them credit for? Again, what tests have
been done, and what are the conclusions of such tests.
I enjoyed the readings of Hancock. It is an easy to read
book that just seems to flow naturally when reading it. Which makes sense that
the book flows, because that is a crucial element for a writer, is to pull your
readers into the story, and keep them there. I had to laugh when the flipping through
magazines idea came up. I typically start at the back and flip towards the
front, without realizing I did it. I enjoyed Hancock’s idea of not dismissing
sources, regardless of who is paying for the research. While doing research, I
have found that even if it is lobbyist paid propaganda, it can often times be
used in building your case. Before taking the information and running with it,
I make sure to verify the sources, just like Hancock mentions. The brown bagged
lunch topic was another interesting tip. As professional writers, we can’t walk
around assuming everything has been talked about or researched entirely. We are
human and never stop learning things around us or even things about us. I like
the idea that as a science writer it is our job to keep the learning process
open to those of us who are not truly ‘scientists’.
My curiosity is now piqued as to whether fish feel pain or not. I live right next to a creek and see sucker fish tossed on the ground by disgruntled fishermen all the time. Those things sit and flop for what seems like hours. It takes a long time for them to die. I usually knock the life out of them just to end the apparent suffering they seem to undergo. Am I really only doing this to make myself feel better? Or am I actually ending the suffering of a living being described as "trash fish?" I hope you find some answers for me Kevin!
ReplyDeleteI have always wondered about the fishy-feel-pain? question too. I mean think about the progression of fishing hook equipment: single hook, single barb hook, trebble hook, trebble with barb hook... It seems to be a painful progression for the fish, without thinking about the fact that all of those progressions were made with the aim of fish retention. This topic is so cool because of the idea of catch and release. The pure sport aspect makes it seem a vicious cycle of pain. And if not pain, is fatigue felt in the same way? If you tire a fish, can they feel that? Especially if you do it in warm water that is low in O2?
ReplyDeleteI tie my own flies, and the first thing I do is smash the barb down. I lose alot of nice fish this way, but would rather have them swim away then end up dying for no reason. I didn't grow up eating seafood, so I personally hate eating fish. It's something I do for recreation, not for survival. I often times think of how tired they are and if they feel exhausted, like you mention. It does seem like a unnecessary cyle of pain like you said. Will be interesting to see if I can find more out about it. Will keep you posted.
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