Life Sciences Commons^™

When Extinction Is More Ethical Than Conservation: The Endangered Species Act And The Keystone Dilemma, Miranda F. Thomas

Exigence

This paper examines how the Endangered Species Act's measures to protect endangered species have resulted in increased rates of extinction. The author summarizes the concept of endangered keystone species and explains the processes and operations of the environmental legislation enacted to protect the species. The paper discusses the harmful consequences that certain laws have had on both species and humans, such as misappropriating resources to species that are not as endangered as others, and abusing regulations in manners that punish people for conservation efforts. By examining opposing arguments that favor increased regulation, this paper explains through data from leading academic …

Hunting A Home: The Abandonment And Neglect Of Hunting Dogs, Jamie B. Walker

Exigence

Each year, an immeasurable number of hunting dogs are found in emaciated, malnourished or even abusive conditions due to neglect and abandonment by their owners. These dogs, primarily hounds, have increasingly become a burden on animal shelters and have cast a negative light on hunting with dogs, particularly in Virginia. The difficulty in identifying the owners of these dogs has stymied law enforcement and animal welfare authorities for years. Mandatory microchipping, now compulsory in England, may be the key to protecting talented working dogs from neglect, cruelty and abandonment by uncaring owners. These microchips can allow abandoned animals to lead …

The Controversy Of Sunscreen Ingredients: Examining The Relationship Between Oxybenzone And Butylparaben On Stylophorum Pistillata, Brian K. Lee, Natalia Corvalan, Jae Z. Saraum

Exigence

Abstract

The basis of this proposal is to understand the relationship between select UV filters and coral bleaching and provide a framework for additional research. Coral reefs are home to a diversity of marine life and are keystones to major coastal economies around the world. Oxybenzone and butylparaben are major ingredients found in sunscreen that induces coral bleaching to major coral reefs. To alleviate the negative effects, this proposal will attempt to better understand how oxybenzone and butylparaben facilitates coral bleaching and develop an effective and environmentally fair sunscreen. The research proposed will be funded by donors to cover research, …

Dawn Of The Lawn, David M. Guy

Exigence

Drawing on both electronic and print sources, this research seeks to explore the cultural, economic, and environmental implications of the American lawn and suggest the need to awaken a cultural discussion aimed at harmonizing one’s landscape with reality. The lawn penetrates the American’s daily life, yet few stop to examine the origins and effects of the lawn. Involving many of the leading academic voices in this subject, this work further aims to ignite a diverse discussion of the lawn’s connection to oil, fertilizers, pesticides, drinking water, and individual’s behavior. Considerable evidence supports the notion that the lawn can be conformed …

Establishing The Ratio Of Rock Salts And Organic Compounds To Reduce The Number Of Chloride And Sodium Ions In The Soil When De-Icing Roads, Peter J. Nieves, Taegeun Ohe, Juliette Degraff, Meg Greer

Exigence

The research analyzes the amount of salt being dumped onto roads and its effect on trees, specifically the Red Maple and Eastern Hemlock. The goal is to find an alternative to rock salt without completely eliminating its use. The experiment involves using three different alternatives-volcanic mineral, beet juice, cheese brine-and constructing a ratio between a baseline amount of salt and alternative. The result of this is to find the smallest amount of salt needed to efficiently melt ice and cause least damage to trees. Analyzing leaf water content will show which alternative works best.

A Novel Method Of Removing Excess Algae In The Chesapeake Bay Region Using Natural Polymers And Ferroferric Oxide, Rashika Budhathoki, Muska Sekandiri, Luis Francia

Exigence

In this article, the authors argue for an improved success rate for removing excess algae from the Chesapeake Bay via magnetic polymers.