Freewrite #6 - Refined List of Research Topics (5-5-5)


Causes of autism-spectrum disorders.

There is much controversy over whether or not immunizations are behind the increase in diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders. Recently, it was announced that the research did not support this claims, although I have actually met a doctor who has been involved in the research for many years and insists there is a connection. Many mental disorders do have genetic factors that appear to predispose children to develop disorders. Sometimes the disorders don’t kick in until later in adolescence or early adulthood. However, with autism, most cases are usually diagnosed very early, which could lead one to believe either they are genetically linked and present at birth, or that something happened during the development of the embryo or fetus that caused the defect, or that something environmental affected either the developing embryo or fetus, or the child at an early age. This would coincide with the possibility of immunization-related autism. There are many levels of autism symptoms, and most autistic children are very intelligent despite the disorder.

Emergent viruses and bacteria.

Every day we hear about the latest "threat" in the form of an emergent virus or bacteria which is causing deaths or serious illness, and which seems to be unstoppable. Scientists have their hands full trying to develop cures and vaccines to new strains which have mutated into new more resistant forms. It is probably one of our biggest threats that exist today, both on a natural level and in the form of bioterrorism. Much research is being conducted to help us find news ways of defending ourselves against these microbial beasts. If you think about it, though, given Darwin’s theory of natural selection, we have been outsmarting these sorts of threats for years by developing treatments and vaccines that have almost eliminated many of them (like polio, tetanus, smallpox, etc.). Unfortunately, some of these diseases are coming back because people are not receiving immunizations against them. Viruses also are very difficult to prevent and are always mutating.
　
The good vs. bad effects of caffeine on humans.

I have never really drank that much coffee - maybe two cups per day. I’ve heard both good and bad things about its effect on people. We know that it increases focus and alertness. I need those two cups per day to keep going, especially by mid-afternoon. I also heard recently that some benefits are involved in regulating certain types of diseases, such as diabetes. The negatives are mostly when more than two cups per day are consumed (jitteriness, palpitations, etc.). However, scientists have gone back and forth about caffeine’s effect on developing embryos and fetuses. Some say one or two cups of coffee are not harmful, and others say no caffeine should be consumed during pregnancy. This is true for other "stimulants" as well. I think I heard recently that caffeine might also alleviate Alzheimer’s disease in older people. Therefore, it seems as though it’s effects on the brain are positive in nature.