Genetic Disorders: Canavan Disease

Canavan disease was  discovered in  1931 and causes major brain damage. What happens is that the ill gene mutates and that causes the myelin in the brain to start getting damage. Also the white matter in the brain starts getting spongy and that's when the brain damage starts occurring. When a child or toddler has Canavan disease, their motor skills differ from any other being. Besides from that, eating and swallowing becomes very difficult and complicated. Unlike normal humans, these children and toddlers will never be able to enjoy a good meal. At this time, there is no current cure or treatment for this disease. In order for scientists to build a treatment, one would need to understand the molecular aspects, the amount of affected cells and the amount of fluid in the brain and in the cell. Canavan disease is most common in the people of Ashkenazi (eastern and central Europe) and mostly the people of Jewish heritage. 1 in 6400 to 13500 get this disease. In my opinion, that is not so much and I think that is kind of rare. The common mortality of this disease is before the age of four and  early childhood. In other cases which are not that common, people with the disease can live up to adolescence and maybe adulthood. The thing that is really sad about this disease is that the patients of it can never enjoy the life others have. I myself would hate to have Canavan disease because I would die young and not be able to live a healthy and happy life. Everyone with Canavan disease is a hero to me! 

For more information go to:

www.canavandisease.net

Science Blog

Researchers have found and concluded that women are more religious and closer to God than men. George H. Gallup, a researcher, said that there is a great amount of differences that separates the two genders with God. 58% of women have a personal belief with God while only 45% of men do. A reason behind this can be that women are more motherly and caring than most men. Also, women spend more time with their children and that means more time teaching them about God, going to church, and many other religious activities. There is still many more to discover and that's what scientists are doing right now.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/20090301/sc_livescience/womenmorereligiousthanmen;_ylt=AjsbpSX.tiWKgPLAgmA7zG4PLBIF

Social Studies Blog

President Barack Obama has had a huge impact over the United States ever since he took his place in office. One major concern that he has is Health Care and everyone without out it. President Obama has seeks 634 Billion dollars for the next decade in order to help Health Care get stronger, better, and back on it's feet. Also, aside from this Health Care issue, the country doesn't know what to do anymore since there has to be money set aside for the wars that are being fought.Barack Obama is trying his best in convincing everyone that Health Care is a top priority and needs to be taken care of.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/obama_budget

My Roller Coaster Website

The Leaning Tower of Terror

Marissa, A 13 Year Old Autistic Child

How can an autistic child go from mad to glad and content? Recently, Marissa, a thirteen year old autistic teenager began taking steps in order to mature. Marissa used to scream, shout, steal and throw tantrums if she didn't get what she wanted. All that was way before she started getting therapy for her case. This therapy and this kind of treatment usually costs 20,000, but in this case, the price was lowered because CNN was present. Marissa is now not depending on her therapist, Rick Schroeder, who taught her how to not throw tantrums and try acting like a normal kid. Marissa is now all alone with her parents who have to follow up and treat her like Schroeder. This story is very toughing and really shows that nothing is impossible. 

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/02/04/autism.resolution/index.html

Local News!

On January 22, 2009, a fire occurring on New Road left four people without a home. This fire took place on Rt 522 specifically on New Road. The fire began at about 10-am and firefighters rushed to the scene. No one was hurt although there was no shelter available for the apartment owners. Firefighters from Monmouth Junction and Kendall park responded and the fire was taken care of in about 25 minutes. How the fire started is no mystery and there happened to be no sign of arson or foul play. The reason for the fire? Well, there was an electrical problem and the fire started in the electrical box, out to the wall, and into the adjoining room. No one was hurt and I am glad that everyone made it out safely. 

http://www.centraljersey.com/articles/2009/02/04/south_brunswick_post/news/doc4980d6a169a39130499916.txt

INAUGURATION 2009

On Tuesday January 20st, crowds gathered in schools, Times Square and all across the world to watch Barack Obama be sworn in as the first African American President of the United States. This event has been waited for a long time, people have lived for years and years to see this day come to reality. At 12:00 pm, Barack Obama was officially the 44th president of the United States even though he was sworn in 4 minutes after. This event unfolds a great moment in history and I am sure that it will never be forgotten. Where were you when this history unfolded?

My analysis on the first article, "Inauguration jubiliation spreads across the country" is: this article focuses on different people in different places but at the same time. People were gathered everywhere to watch Barack Obama's speech and to witness history unfold. "People are cheering here as if they were there," there was joy and gladness in the air, even if people were watching all the way from California. All ages were there to support President Obama as he took a most sacred oath, either old, young or middle aged, everyone new that this day, the Inauguration of Barack Obama, would never be obliterated from people's minds. Even disabled individuals were able to witness President Obama on Inauguration Day. That is what this article really focuses on, that people all over the country and all over the world were there to watch and encourage Barack Obama.

I think that this article mostly means Barack Obama is going to bring lots of change to the U.S. "Yes, we can," people chanted while Obama made his inaugural speech. Barack Obama promised that he is going to change the way our economy is going and many believe he will. As Obama said, "...and they will be met." Everyone now marks Barack Obama's words as he said them, these words were left engraved in the hearts of many people, young and old, short and tall. Also, change is on it's way, and the United States will soon return to be the sunshine it was before. CHANGE is coming, and before we know it, CHANGE will be here!

My opinion on the inauguration is that it was awesome. There was a great deal of money spent and I think that paid off. Obama's speech was the best ever and I myself will never forget it. Based on what President Obama said, I have great hope that the economy will change for the better. Stocks will go up, houses will go up and America will pay all of it's debt. I had a great time watching the Inauguration at school and when I grow up, I will talk to my kids and grand kids about this historic day... and I KNOW where I was!

http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/01/20/obama.reaction/index.html
http://www.ajc.com/services/content/printedition/2009/01/21/inaugcover0121.html
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/45384000/jpg/_45384456_video_holder1.jpg