Myriam Nuñez

Jimena Muñoz
Ariadna Gomez
Hailey Montgomery
Hannah Montgomery

Activity 2 Scientific Thought

Part 1
- Articles:
● https://ciencia.unam.mx/leer/1401/sobrevivir-en-el-espacio-retos-para-el-
cuerpo-humano
Links to an external site.
● https://ciencia.unam.mx/leer/1409/los-riesgos-de-la-propagacion-de-la-gripe-
aviar-h5n1-
Links to an external site.
● https://ciencia.unam.mx/leer/1401/sobrevivir-en-el-espacio-retos-para-el-
cuerpo-humano
Links to an external site.

1 Article Brain invaded by microplastics.

A new challenge for our nervous system
The article talks about the problem of plastics in our society and its impact on the environment
and human health. It begins by mentioning that plastics are widely used in a variety of products,
but their durability and resistance to degradation pose a challenge for their disposal. The culture
of single use and discarding of cheap plastic products is highlighted, which has led to a
significant increase in the amount of discarded plastic.

It is mentioned that plastics break down into smaller particles, known as micro and nanoplastics,
which pollute the environment and can enter the food chain. These particles can carry toxic
chemicals and drugs, contributing to antibiotic resistance. Microplastics have been found in
drinking water, canned goods, and other foods.

The article highlights that micro and nanoplastics can be found in various regions of the human
body, including blood and placenta. Although the long-term effects of this exposure are not yet
fully understood, some studies suggest that it can cause respiratory difficulties, inflammatory
effects, autoimmune diseases, and affect neuronal function and behavior.

Mention is made of a study in which exposure to polystyrene microplastics was found to affect
learning and memory in mice, and these plastics were located in the brain, especially in the
hippocampus, an important region for memory. In addition, it is mentioned that exposure to
polystyrene nanoplastics can induce neurodegeneration similar to Parkinson's disease.
The article concludes by noting that information on the risks of plastics to the brain is limited, but
there is sufficient scientific evidence to take a precautionary approach. It is suggested to take
individual actions, such as using reusable containers and buying food in bulk, and also to
demand better practices from the authorities in the management and handling of plastics. The
importance of changing the culture of single use and the mass production of low-quality plastics
is highlighted.

2 Article Surviving in space: challenges for the human body

The article focuses on the health and safety challenges of crew members going into outer
space. Different factors that affect the physiology, psychology and emotions of travelers are
mentioned, such as microgravity, cosmic radiation, lack of atmosphere and changes in pressure
and oxygen.

Aerospace medicine is presented as a field of medicine that focuses on maintaining the health
and ensuring the safety and performance of people who perform activities in aviation and space,
such as astronauts. The technology of the aviation industry has contributed to the advancement
of this medical field, providing sophistication to guarantee the safety of human beings in hostile
environments.

Five prominent areas of focus in aerospace medicine are mentioned: the effects of loss of
gravity on the human body, radiation exposure, isolation and confinement in spacecraft, the
hostile space environment, and distance from the earth. These factors pose significant risks to
the health of astronauts.

In terms of physiological effects, the changes experienced by the human body during launch
into space and adaptation to zero gravity are explained. Organs and systems vulnerable to
changes in gravity, pressure and temperature are mentioned, such as the respiratory and
cardiovascular systems.

Effects on the musculoskeletal system due to lack of gravity are mentioned, including decreased
muscle mass and motor coordination problems. The possibility of traveling into space for space
tourism is also raised, but it is emphasized that current experience is limited and that most
astronauts have been Caucasian men in excellent health.

The importance of training and physical and psychological preparation of astronauts to face the
challenges of space is highlighted. Mention is made of imbalances in the central nervous system
and the possibility of symptoms of anxiety and depression that can jeopardize the mission or
cause accidents if not handled properly.

Finally, the case of Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space, who faced dangers and stress during
his journey, is mentioned. Despite the challenges, there is a glimpse of a future in which more
people will be able to travel to space, including space tourism and the presence of specialized
pediatricians for trips with children.

In summary, the article highlights the health challenges for astronauts traveling in space,
including microgravity, cosmic radiation, and isolation, among other factors. The importance of
aerospace medicine and training to ensure the safety and success of space missions is also
mentioned.
´0222+

Part 2
4.

What research techniques were used?

Qualitative
Quantitative
Mixed

Art 1
Is quantitative -Because quantitative research typically involves collecting numerical data
through controlled experiments, measurements, and statistical analysis.The article primarily
discusses the findings of various studies and highlights the potential health effects of
microplastic exposure on the brain and nervous system. It mentions specific studies conducted
on mice to understand the impact of polystyrene microplastics on learning and memory.

Art 2
Is mixed-Qualitative techniques because the article mentions the experiences of astronauts,
including the case of Yuri Gagarin, to provide insights into the dangers and stresses of space
travel. Qualitative research often involves gathering non-numerical data through interviews,
observations, and cases. Quantitative techniques because the article discusses physiological
effects and changes in the human body during space travel, such as the impact on the
respiratory and cardiovascular systems, as well as the musculoskeletal system. These topics
often require quantitative data, such as measurements, physiological tests, and statistical
analysis.

Art 3
Is mixed-Qualitative research because the article includes information about the characteristics
and behavior of the H5N1 bird flu virus, its transmission routes, and the potential risks
associated with its spread. These details are based on qualitative research, such as literature
reviews, expert opinions, and reports from health organizations. And quantitative research
because the article mentions statistics and data related to the impact of the H5N1 virus, such as
the number of affected countries, mortality rates in poultry, and the lethality rate in humans.
These numerical data are indicative of quantitative research, which involves collecting and
analyzing numerical data through experiments, surveys, and statistical analysis.
Where are the results found by deduction or induction ?
By induction

Part 3
6. Is the research exploratory, descriptive, analytical or predictive?
= Analytical
7. A Describe the scientific method used
and its step

Scientific method in a Diagram

IS A SYSTEMATIC AND STRUCTURED APPROACH TO CONDUCTING SCIENTIFIC
RESEARCH. THIS METHOD INVOLVES FORMULATING RESEARCH QUESTIONS AND
FOLLOWS A LOGICAL PROCESS AIMED AT GENERATING RELIABLE AND VALID
RESULTS.

ARTICLE 1

STEP 1
The idea of the article is to address the problem of plastics in our society and explore their
impact on the environment and human, health particulary focusing on the potential effects of
microplastics on brain.

STEP 2

The research problem revolves around the potential risky posed by microplastics on nervous
system, including their presence in the brain and possible influence on neuronal function,
behavior and development of neurodegenerative diseases.

STEP 3

The theoretical framework revolves around the concepts of plastic pollution, microplastics, and
their pottential effects on human health with a specific focus on the brain.

STEP 4
Type of research can be classified as exploratory, aiming to investigate and understand the
potential effects of microplastic on brain.
STEP 5
Formulate a hypothesis and the research variables

Hypothesis suggests that the level of exposure to microplastics will have impact on neurological
function and behavior which will be measured or assessed to determine any potential
relationship with microplastic exposure.

STEP 6

Select the research

Would focus on investigating the presence of microplastics in human brain and their potential
impact on neurological function and behavior.

STEP 7

Select the Sample

Would include both animal and human subjects. For animal studies, mice or other relevant
animal models would involve analyzing samples from individuals exposed to microplastics.

STEP 8
Collect data
Involves surveys, medical records, and biological sample anaylysis to assess presences of
microplastics in the body and their potential impacts.

STEP 9
Analize data

The article give presence of micro and napoplastics in various parts of human body, including
the brain and also mensionts exposure to polystyrene.

STEP 10
Present results
Would be presented through scientific publications, reports and presentations, highlighting the
findings related to the impact of microplastics on the brain, including potential
neurodegenerative, effects, changes in neuronal function.

ARTICLE 2

STEP 1
The idea of conception

Is to discuss the health and safety challenges faced by atsronauts in space travel, including
factors such as microgravity, cosmic radiation and isolation.

STEP2
Establish the research problem

Centred around understanding and mitigating the physiological effects of space travel or
astronauts.

STEP 3
Complete theorical framework

By discussing field of aerospace medicine and its focus on maintaining the health and safety of
individuals involved in aviation and space activities.

STEP 4

Define the type of research

Informative and exploratory, aiming to shed light on the challenges faced by astronauts and
importance of aerospace medicine.
STEP 5

Formulate a hypothesis and research variables

Are not explicicty mentioned in this article.

STEP 6

Select the research

Refers to existing astudies and knowledge in field of aerospace medicine, rather than a
specific research project.

STEP 7

Select the sample

Ist not discussed, as it focuses more on broader challenges and considerations related to
space travel.

STEP 8
Collect Data
Data collection involves studies and observations conducted to space missions.

STEP 9

Analize data
Doesnt provide analize data.

STEP 10
Present results
The article doesnt present specific research results, but is mainly focuses on discussing
challenges that are important of aerospace medicine in space travel.
ARTICLE 3

STEP 1
Recognizing the global concern over the H5N1 bird flu virus and its potential risks to public
healoth and poultry industry.

STEP 2
Identifying the need to understand the factors contributing to the spread of H5N1 bird flu and the
potential for human transmission.

STEP 3

Developing framework based on the understanding of avian influenza viruses, their transmission
patterns, and the potential for viral mutation and adaptation.

STEP 4

Choosing an empirical research approach to gather data and examine factors associated with
spread of H5N1 bird flu.

STEP 5
Hypothesizing the certain factors, such as migratory bird routes and contact with infected
poultry, contributed to the spread of H5N1.

STEP 6
Opting for a cross sectional or longitudinal study to investigate the relationships between the
identified variables and spread of H5N1 bird flu.

STEP 7

Choosing a diverse sample population that includes regions affected by H5N1 bird flu
outbreaks, as well as areas at risk of potential transmission. Ensuring representation of both
birds and humans in the sample.
STEP 8
Gathering data through surveys, interviews, laboratory, tests, and observational studies to
assess the identified variables and their impact on the spread of H5N1 bird flu.

STEP 9
Conducting staqtistical analyses to examine the relationships between the variables, assess
the significance or findings, and draw conclusions about the factors influencing the spread of
H5N1 bird flu.

STEP 10

Summarizsing the researching findings, including the identified factors contributing to the spread
of H5N1 bird flu and any significant relationships found. Communicating the results to relevant
stakeholders, policymakers, and the scinetific community to raise awareness and inform
preventine measures.