Possible+Research+Topics+&+Links+Read

Cadmium links: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19341754

Still getting used to navigating wikispaces; I don't quite have the hang of it & I'm not being very efficient about this. I'll get it eventually. Also, on a side note, trying to balance breadth & depth is tricky! Especially with this 2 hours business...

Pages Read: I. Links Read & Visited A. United Nations Environmental Program....leads to Cadmium B. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations....leads to Meat & Meat Production C. New York Times Green Science.... "Car Batteries Are Not Just For the Car " "... introducing large amounts of zero-carbon solar power can also lead to carbon dioxide emissions, experts say. The reason is that the energy is highly variable, and utilities, afraid of being caught short if the wind dies or the sun goes behind a cloud, maintain “spinning reserve” — plants that are...idling but ready to take off at a moment’s notice. Batteries could replace some of the spinning reserve....In fact, the larger batteries meant for cars are attractive for grid use, according to other experts. Last year A123 Systems provided a [|huge battery storage system for a wind farm]  in Elkins, W.Va., using millions of cells a little smaller than a flashlight D cell, but executives said their next installation would use automotive-style cells. "  I cannot say I can really make a promising interdisciplinary connection to this, but I find the *institutional* identification of flaws in "green" technology and attempting to address them is admirable and innovative: food for thought.... (absence of economical sustainability, feasibility, promise)

II. 'Newly Discovered' Lead and Cadmium at the 26th session of the Governing Council Nairobi 21 to 24 February 2011 Final Review of Scientific Information on Cadmium: []

Having previously been interested in the role of Cadmium with specific regards to the field of photovoltaics, a link on the United Nations Environment Programme page under Harmful Substances which featured information on the February 2011 forum in Kenya asserting concerns over lead, cadmium and mercury caught my eye. Cadmium in used in a myriad of applications, including batteries, yet is toxic to humans (e.g. kidney failure, carcinogen as an inhalant) plants, and micro-organisms. Scientific studies have occurred globally, such as in Latin America and the Caribbeans, Asia, and the US, and this article provides a thorough (and somewhat overwhelming) compendium of the scientific information available on cadmium. If I were to continue research on this metal, this would be an excellent resource for answering science questions. Research shows the implementation of environmental control has had a positive effect, reducing the emissions in places such as Moldova. Personal pre-existing questions I have had on this topic include the balance between developments in technological industries and the environmental consequences, and the investigation of the pro's and con's of the alternative energy sources labelled as "green." Recycling metals such as Cadmium is crucial, yet the hand of economics adds complexity to the situation. Additionally, legislative/other measures for regulation compete with this industry and others, which are deeply intertwined in technological growth.However, cadmium is being used less in some cases, which may call for further investigations analyzing what might be considered successful and applicable standards and trends for other similar instances. I am further interested in the allocation of resources with regards to developing technologies that makes the most ecological sense.

Meat & Meat Products (Production & the Environment): []

For approximately two years I followed a strict vegetarian diet as a sort of personal experimentation to test whether or not I had the will power to convert to vegetarianism and drastically change my life style (and adapt to a different culture). I stopped about a year ago, with concerns about my own personal health, and the many statements claiming a full balanced diet cannot be achieved following a vegetarian/vegan diet. (A while back I had watched interviews on "The Vegetarian Myth.") A plethora of questions remained in the back of my mind over this dilemma, and investigations browsing the Food and Agriculture Organization churned these thoughts back up. [] << I think this is a fabulous link. Issues-- Equity: independent farmers regulated, lose independence, income.... developing countries increasing meat consumption water consumption, land ethic, cultural value, ozone depletion, greenhouse gases, phosphorus, ammonia __

Possible Research Topics: I. Role & Impact of Cadmium (in US?) I would say that I have a huge interest in this topic, yet, with careful consideration, I would aim to narrow the focus if it were to become my research project. (keep relevant, current & emphasize future)

II. Meat Production & the Environment Meets multidimensional & interdisciplinary goals with regards to ecology & science as the focus: ethical approach to the industry, economic outcomes of modification, nutrition/dietary health...etc.