human body muscles

Having finished the last post with a short discussion of hunting/foraging behavior in the octopus, I figured I should do a lighter post with some fun video examples of cephalopod predatory behavior.


This is a short video of an octopus hunting (I dont know the species) by For the Sea Productions.  The octopus catches a fish, apparently by spreading its web and feeling around.  Theres some great color-changing behavior here, too.  Its hard to know how typical this behavior is, though, as its obviously influenced by the presence of the person filming.


This is a clip from Deep Sea 3D (I think - I havent seen the IMAX film, but thats what the caption says) showing a visually-provoked attack on a crab.  I believe that the octopus here is a Pacific giant octopus.

Lets not leave out the other cephalopods!  In contrast to octopuses, cuttlefish are primarily visual predators, who shoot out two long tentacles (these are tentacles proper - they are distinct from arms, which octopuses also have) to grab their prey.


This video was made by the California Academy of Sciences, and shows some adorable cuttlefish attacking crabs.  Im not sure what species they are.  Again, you can see dramatic color changes as the animals become aroused.


This one, also by the CAS, shows a great slow-motion shot of the cuttlefish tentacular strike. 

Ill end with one of my favorite videos of cephalopod predation:


Notice how the octopus turns mostly white and spreads its arms when the cuttlefish (most likely Sepia apama, although Im not sure) approaches.  This is called the deimatic display, and its a defensive behavior seen in adult octopuses.

I feel obligated to warn anyone reading this that when you search "octopus eating" or similar strings on youtube, you are much more likely to find videos of people eating octopuses than octopuses eating anything.  : (

Most electrical appliances have wires attached to them.
The wires carry an electric current around a complete pathway called an electric circuit.
Some appliances need more electric current than others before they will work.
The amount of electric current depends on how much electricity is flowing along the wires.
How can we measure the amount of electric current?
We could try counting the number of electrons that pass along the wire each second.
But this wouldnt be easy!
There are a huge number of electrons traveling along most electric wires.
About 3 million million million electrons flow through a flash bulb every second!

To make it easier, we measure the flow of electric current in amperes. 

The word ampere comes from the name of the French scientist Andre Ampere, who invented a way of measuring electric current.

We usually say amp instead of ampere. 

One amp is equal to about 6 million million million electrons every second. So a flashbulb would have a current of half an amp flowing through it.
Thats much easier!
Scientists use a special measuring device called an ammeter to measure the electric current.
The ammeter is connected into an electric circuit so that the electrons flowing around the circuit also flow through the ammeter.

One of the most important construction  projects in the history of mankind was the building of the Panama Canal.
The Panama Canal has influenced the development of trade across the globe.
The construction of the canal, shortened the distance between many ports on the Atlantic and Pacific oceans for about 8,000 miles (13,000 kilometers).
According to the first idea, the Panama Canal was supposed to be built by the French at the level of the sea, with depth of 30 feet (9 meters), and width at the bottom of 72 feet (22 meters).
However, the French plan was not realized and in 1904 The United States accepted the construction of the canal.
The French plan to dig a canal below the water level, from one ocean to the other, was dangerous.
In fact, if the differences between high and low tide on one side of the ocean were larger than the other, there would be major currents trough the channel.
This plan also required a lot more digging. Given these problems, it was decided to build a canal with locks, which meant that it must provide water at a higher altitude, in order to meet more parts of the channel.
This has been achieved with the erection of dams on the Chagres River.
Dams form one kind of staircase, through which the ships come into the channel. Ships are raised in some places where the water level is higher, and then descend to the other places.
Almost half of the canal passes through Lake Gatun.
Ships coming from the Atlantic are raised to the level of the lake by 92 feet (28 meters) through a series of three dams. On the other side - Pacific Ocean there is one notch 8 miles (13 kilometers) long. The ships then are being suspended 33 feet (10 meters) in the first dam and 60 feet (18 meters) through two other dams, so go down to sea level. Through the dams the ships are pulled with electric locomotives moving along the coast. Today, trough the dams even the largest ships can move.

INDRA, the Lord of the three regions, was once so drunk with pride that he quite forgot the courteous manners and forms that the gods had hitherto observed.

When Brihaspati, preceptor of the gods, foremost in all branches of learning, and venerated alike by the gods and the asuras, came to his court, Indra did not rise from his seat to receive the acharya or ask him to be seated and failed to do the customary honors.

In his great conceit, Indra persuaded himself to believe that the sastras allowed him as a king in court the prerogative of receiving guests seated. Brihaspati was hurt by Indras discourtesy and, attributing it to the arrogance of prosperity, silently left the assembly.

Without the high priest of the gods, the court lost in splendor and dignity and became an unimpressive gathering.

Indra soon realized the foolishness of his conduct and, sensing trouble for himself from the acharyas displeasure, he thought to make up with him by falling at his feet and asking for forgiveness.

But this he could not do, because Brihaspati had, in his anger, made himself invisible. This preyed on Indras mind.

With Brihaspati gone, Indras strength began to decline, while that of the asuras increased, which encouraged the latter to attack the gods. Then Brahma, taking pity on the beleaguered gods, advised them to take unto themselves a new acharya.

Said he to them: "You have, through Indras folly, lost Brihaspati. Go now to Twashtas son Visvarupa and request that noble spirit to be your preceptor and all will be well with you."

Heartened by these words, the gods sought the youthful anchorite Visvarupa and made their request to him saying: "Though young in years, you are well versed in the Vedas. Do us the honor of being our teacher."

Visvarupa agreed, to the great advantage of the gods for, as a result of his guidance and teaching, they were saved from the tormenting asuras.

Visvarupas, mother was of the asura clan of daityas, which caused Indra to regard Visvarupa with suspicion. He feared that because of his birth, Visvarupa might not be quite loyal and his suspicion gradually deepened.

Apprehending danger to himself from this descendent of the enemies of the gods, Indra sought to entice him into error with the temptresses of his court and so weaken him spiritually. But Visvarupa did not succumb.

The artful and seductive blandishments of Indras glamour girls had no effect on the young ascetic. He held fast to his vow of celibacy. When Indra found that his plan of seduction failed, he gave way to murderous thoughts and one day killed Visvarupa with the Vajrayudha.

The story goes that the world suffers vicariously for this great sin of Indra. And, as a result of it, parts of the earth turned alkaline and became unsuitable for cultivation and women came to be afflicted with the physical troubles and uncleanness peculiar to them. The frothing of water is also attributed to this.

Twashta in his great rage and grief at Indras cruel killing of his son and, desirous of avenging his death, performed a great sacrifice. And out of the sacrificial flames sprang Indras mortal enemy Vritra.

Twashta sent him against the chief of the gods, saying: "Enemy of Indra, may you be strong and may you kill Indra." A great battle raged between the two in which Vritra was gaining the upper hand.

When the battle was going against Indra, the rishis and the gods sought refuge in great Vishnu who offered them protection and said to them: "Be not afraid. I shall enter Indras Vajrayudha and he will win the battle in the end." And they returned in good heart.

They went to Vritra and said to him: "Please make friends with Indra. You are both equal in strength and valor."

Vritra respectfully answered: "O blameless ones, how can Indra, and I become friends? Forgive me. There cannot be friendship between rivals for supremacy. Two great powers cannot coexist as you know." The rishis said in reply: "Do not entertain such doubts. Two good souls can be friends and their friendship is often after hostility."

Vritra yielded saying: "Well, then, I shall cease fighting. But I have no faith in Indra. He might take me unawares. So I seek this boon of you, namely, that neither by day nor by night, neither with dry weapons nor with wet ones, neither with stone nor with wood, nor with metals, nor with arrows shall Indra be able to take my life."

"So be it," said the rishis and the gods.

Hostilities ceased. But soon Vritras fears were confirmed. Indra only feigned friendship for Vritra but was, all the time, waiting for a suitable opportunity to slay him.

One evening, he met Vritra on the beach and began to attack him in the twilight. The battle had raged for a long while when Vritra praising the Lord Vishnu, said to Indra: "Meanest of the mean, why do you not use the unfailing Vajrayudha? Hallowed by Hari, use it against me and I shall attain blessedness through Hari."

Indra maimed Vritra by chopping off his right arm but, undaunted, the latter hurled with his left band, his iron mace at his assailant who thereupon cut down his other arm also. When Indra disappeared into the mouth of Vritra, great was the consternation of the gods.

But Indra was not dead. He ripped Vritras belly open and issuing forth went to the nearby beach. And directing his thunderbolt at the water hurled it so that the surf flew and hit Vritra. Vishnu having entered the foam, it became a deadly weapon and the mighty Vritra lay dead. The long battle thus ended and the afflicted world heaved a sigh of relief. But to Indra himself, the end of the war brought only ignominy because his victory was secured through sin and deceit and is went into hiding for sheer shame.

Indras disappearance caused the gods and the rishis great distress. For a people without a king or a council of state to govern them cannot prosper. So they went to the good and mighty king Nahusha and offered him the crown.

"Forgive me, I cannot be your king. Who am I to aspire to the seat of Indra? How can I protect you? It is impossible," he humbly objected. But they insisted, saying: "Do not hesitate. Be anointed our king. All the merit and potency of our penance will be yours and be an addition to your strength. The power and the energy of everyone you set your eyes on shall be transferred to you and you will be invincible." Thus over-powered, he agreed. Revolution is no new thing. This story shows that, even in the world of the gods, there was a revolution leading to Indras dethronement and Nahushas installation as king in his stead. The story of Nahushas fall is also instructive. INDRA, the Lord of the three regions, was once so drunk with pride that he quite forgot the courteous manners and forms that the gods had hitherto observed.When Brihaspati, preceptor of the gods, foremost in all branches of learning, and venerated alike by the gods and the asuras, came to his court, Indra did not rise from his seat to receive the acharya or ask him to be seated and failed to do the customary honors.In his great conceit, Indra persuaded himself to believe that the sastras allowed him as a king in court the prerogative of receiving guests seated. Brihaspati was hurt by Indras discourtesy and, attributing it to the arrogance of prosperity, silently left the assembly.Without the high priest of the gods, the court lost in splendor and dignity and became an unimpressive gathering.Indra soon realized the foolishness of his conduct and, sensing trouble for himself from the acharyas displeasure, he thought to make up with him by falling at his feet and asking for forgiveness.But this he could not do, because Brihaspati had, in his anger, made himself invisible. This preyed on Indras mind.With Brihaspati gone, Indras strength began to decline, while that of the asuras increased, which encouraged the latter to attack the gods. Then Brahma, taking pity on the beleaguered gods, advised them to take unto themselves a new acharya.Said he to them: "You have, through Indras folly, lost Brihaspati. Go now to Twashtas son Visvarupa and request that noble spirit to be your preceptor and all will be well with you."Heartened by these words, the gods sought the youthful anchorite Visvarupa and made their request to him saying: "Though young in years, you are well versed in the Vedas. Do us the honor of being our teacher."Visvarupa agreed, to the great advantage of the gods for, as a result of his guidance and teaching, they were saved from the tormenting asuras.Visvarupas, mother was of the asura clan of daityas, which caused Indra to regard Visvarupa with suspicion. He feared that because of his birth, Visvarupa might not be quite loyal and his suspicion gradually deepened.Apprehending danger to himself from this descendent of the enemies of the gods, Indra sought to entice him into error with the temptresses of his court and so weaken him spiritually. But Visvarupa did not succumb.The artful and seductive blandishments of Indras glamour girls had no effect on the young ascetic. He held fast to his vow of celibacy. When Indra found that his plan of seduction failed, he gave way to murderous thoughts and one day killed Visvarupa with the Vajrayudha.The story goes that the world suffers vicariously for this great sin of Indra. And, as a result of it, parts of the earth turned alkaline and became unsuitable for cultivation and women came to be afflicted with the physical troubles and uncleanness peculiar to them. The frothing of water is also attributed to this.Twashta in his great rage and grief at Indras cruel killing of his son and, desirous of avenging his death, performed a great sacrifice. And out of the sacrificial flames sprang Indras mortal enemy Vritra. Twashta sent him against the chief of the gods, saying: "Enemy of Indra, may you be strong and may you kill Indra." A great battle raged between the two in which Vritra was gaining the upper hand. When the battle was going against Indra, the rishis and the gods sought refuge in great Vishnu who offered them protection and said to them: "Be not afraid. I shall enter Indras Vajrayudha and he will win the battle in the end." And they returned in good heart.They went to Vritra and said to him: "Please make friends with Indra. You are both equal in strength and valor."Vritra respectfully answered: "O blameless ones, how can Indra, and I become friends? Forgive me. There cannot be friendship between rivals for supremacy. Two great powers cannot coexist as you know." The rishis said in reply: "Do not entertain such doubts. Two good souls can be friends and their friendship is often after hostility."Vritra yielded saying: "Well, then, I shall cease fighting. But I have no faith in Indra. He might take me unawares. So I seek this boon of you, namely, that neither by day nor by night, neither with dry weapons nor with wet ones, neither with stone nor with wood, nor with metals, nor with arrows shall Indra be able to take my life.""So be it," said the rishis and the gods.Hostilities ceased. But soon Vritras fears were confirmed. Indra only feigned friendship for Vritra but was, all the time, waiting for a suitable opportunity to slay him.One evening, he met Vritra on the beach and began to attack him in the twilight. The battle had raged for a long while when Vritra praising the Lord Vishnu, said to Indra: "Meanest of the mean, why do you not use the unfailing Vajrayudha? Hallowed by Hari, use it against me and I shall attain blessedness through Hari." Indra maimed Vritra by chopping off his right arm but, undaunted, the latter hurled with his left band, his iron mace at his assailant who thereupon cut down his other arm also. When Indra disappeared into the mouth of Vritra, great was the consternation of the gods.But Indra was not dead. He ripped Vritras belly open and issuing forth went to the nearby beach. And directing his thunderbolt at the water hurled it so that the surf flew and hit Vritra. Vishnu having entered the foam, it became a deadly weapon and the mighty Vritra lay dead. The long battle thus ended and the afflicted world heaved a sigh of relief. But to Indra himself, the end of the war brought only ignominy because his victory was secured through sin and deceit and is went into hiding for sheer shame. Indras disappearance caused the gods and the rishis great distress. For a people without a king or a council of state to govern them cannot prosper. So they went to the good and mighty king Nahusha and offered him the crown."Forgive me, I cannot be your king. Who am I to aspire to the seat of Indra? How can I protect you? It is impossible," he humbly objected. But they insisted, saying: "Do not hesitate. Be anointed our king. All the merit and potency of our penance will be yours and be an addition to your strength. The power and the energy of everyone you set your eyes on shall be transferred to you and you will be invincible." Thus over-powered, he agreed. Revolution is no new thing. This story shows that, even in the world of the gods, there was a revolution leading to Indras dethronement and Nahushas installation as king in his stead. The story of Nahushas fall is also instructive.

Jaundice (Icterus) is a condition characterized by a yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes.
Jaundice is a symptom, not a disease in itself.
The yellow coloration is caused by an excess in the body of the bile pigment bilirubin.
Normally, bilirubin is formed by the breakdown of hemoglobin during the destruction of worn-out red blood cells. It is then excreted by the liver into the bile via the bile ducts.

What causes high bilirubin in the body?

High bilirubin can be caused by:

• Overproduction of bilirubin;
• Failure of the liver to metabolize bilirubin or to excrete it;
• Blockage of the bile ducts.

Overproduction of bilirubin may be caused by the destruction of an excessive number of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia).
The liver then can’t excrete bilirubin fast enough.
This occurs in malaria, thalassemia, and hemolytic disease of the newborn.
Jaundice may also result from various diseases that can affect the liver, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis or cancer.
If the bile ducts become blocked, bile can’t be excreted and jaundice occurs.
The ducts may be blocked by inflammation and in fection (cholangitis); a gallstone (cholelithiasis); or cancer of the pancreas or the common bile duct.
Occasionally a drug such as chlorpromazine may inhibit bilirubin excretion by the liver.

Jaundice in Babies

Mild jaundice occurs as a common and normal condition in newborn babies because at birth there is both a deficiency in the enzyme that helps to excrete bilirubin and also an increased breakdown of red blood cells.
In babies, the condition generally disappears within a few days as the enzyme is formed.
Rarely, this enzyme deficiency can also cause jaundice in adults.

Symptoms of Jaundice

Symptoms of Jaundice depend on the specific cause of the jaundice.
In many forms of the condition, bilirubin is excreted in the urine, which becomes dark brown in color.
If the excretion of bile is obstructed, stools are almost white and the digestion of fat is impaired.
If the condition has been present for some time, intense localized itching may occur due to blockage of the bile ducts.

How are the causes of jaundice diagnosed?

Diagnosis requires special blood tests, in which a physician determines whether the liver is diseased; whether the bilirubin is being correctly metabolized by the liver cells; and whether there is any abnormal breakdown of the red blood cells.
The urine is examined for bilirubin, and the feces for pale coloration (which would indicate an obstruction to bile excretion).
It Is sometimes necessary to perform a liver biopsy to examine Cells under a microscope or to examine the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts with ultrasound to locate gallstones.

The world is getting warmer. If you enjoy warm weather, you may think this is good news—but it’s not. Some experts say that over the last hundred years, temperatures on the earth have increased by 2.7 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 to 5.6 degrees Celsius).
The earth’s atmosphere is warming up, just as if it was trapped inside a greenhouse. This warming process is often called the greenhouse effect.

The panes of glass in a greenhouse let in light from the sun but trap it when it is released as heat. This makes the climate inside the greenhouse hot.
In a similar way, the earth’s atmosphere lets in sunlight and then traps the heat near the earth’s surface. This is the “greenhouse effect.

Why is the earth warming up?

More of the sun’s energy is reaching the earth’s atmosphere because the ozone layer is becoming thinner.
But there is another reason why the earth is warming up.
When we burn fuels like coal, oil, gas, or wood, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. Plants use carbon dioxide to help make their food. So tropical rain forests take in large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, but at the same time people are cutting down vast areas of these forests.
The earth is warmed by the sun.
Most of the heat is sent back, or radiated, into the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere traps some of this heat, preventing it from escaping into space. This keeps the earth warm. But if there is too much carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, it will trap too much heat, and the earth’s atmosphere will become too hot.
As the earth’s atmosphere becomes much warmer, the ice in the Arctic and in Antarctica constantly melts. This raises the level of the seas all over the world. A rise of only a few inches could flood many coastlines. Low-lying coastal towns and cities would be endangered by floods, and so would large areas of farmland.
If the seas became warmer, the sea animals and plants would be affected. And many might not be able to survive at all. In other parts of the world, a lack of rain may mean that farmland would become too dry and dusty.
Too much carbon dioxide in the atmosphere prevents more heat than usual from escaping into space. But we still need some heat to keep us warm.

Carbon Prints and Gum Bichromate Prints - The Pigment Processes - Invention of Photography 5.44 min video created by George Eastman House.
Carbon prints and gum bichromate prints are both examples of pigment processes. Rather than the metal salts typically used in the formation of photographic images, pigments and bichromated colloids are used in making these prints. A bichromated colloid is a viscous substance such as gelatin or albumen that is made light-sensitive by the addition of a bichromate. Bichromated colloids harden when exposed to light and become insoluble in water; this is the principle behind many of the non-silver-based photographic processes. Pigment processes were developed in the 1850s and offer superior permanence and control of the appearance of the final print. The resulting prints are characterized by broad tones and soft detail, sometimes resembling paintings or drawings.


(This video is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, grant number MA-10-13-0194.)
George Eastman House, an independent nonprofit museum, is an educational institution that tells the story of photography and motion pictures—media that have changed and continue to change our perception of the world.