Patil,+Gabriel


 * __Can Cell Phones Damage Your Brain?__**

This article was interesting because it talked about some of the myths about cell phone radiation and made an attempt to disprove them. It compared the wavelengths of cell phones compared to other radioactive things like microwaves, and while cell phones are way less radioactive, I don't think enough information has been gathered to disprove the hypothesis that cell phones have an effect on the brain. The article did bring up a good point that all cell phones are different, they can give off different amounts of radiation, and they are all used differently as some use them more frequently than others. Therefore, there are too many variables to even do a legitimate experiment and get solid results. My opinion is that even if cell phones have a radiative effect on the brain, it has not been shown to drastically change us in a negative or positive way nor do I think it will. 1/24/11

Gabriel, I agree. Things like this tend to get sensationalized! Good to be skeptical! 5 stars. MW


 * __Redefining the Kilogram__**

The article was difficult to understand, but I found it interesting that the kilogram is the only SI base unit that isn't justified by an unchanging physical property, but rather an object. It would be a good idea to redefine it, especially because the official base for the kilogram has lost mass. As long as the actual unit of the kilogram is not changed, and just how its defined, its a good idea, as properties and laws never break or change, while matter can. **__2/8/11__**

Gabe, Try to find three interesting/relevant things. A bit sparse here. 4 stars. MW


 * __Motion Detectors__**

While I knew about all three of the methods that motion detectors used, I didn't actually realize that echo-radiation and infrared were commonly used by motion detectors in the industrial and consumer world. I usually associated them with animals, like the bats and snakes mentioned in the article. Its funny how you can just use the automatic doors and never really think about how they work. Its productive that we take what we find in nature, like the echolocation techniques of bats, and translate it to functional tools of science, like making automatic doors. Gabe, You have a very interesting point. A lot of inventions (hypodermic needles and velcro for example) have come from observing the natural world. 5 stars! MW


 * __2/25/11__**