Essays and Research Papers on Mixed Issues in Science

A 4 page discussion of the question of whether our universe will end in fire or ice. The author reviews the predictions of James S. Trefil to conclude that there is no definitive answer as to whether the universe will ultimately end in fire or ice, only speculation and opinion. No additional sources ...

A 5 page paper discussing the practice of reinforcing soil with narrow steel bands, a technique that provides immense benefit in soil stabilization for construction projects and can reduce costs as much as 50 percent. This method of reinforcing soil for construction purposes has been found to be useful in a variety of settings ...

This 8 page paper examines the different aspects of water flow that need to be considered when designing a pipe system. These include water flow, velocity, friction loss and pressure as well as pipe material and the need to remember peak demand. The bibliography cites 3 sources.

This 4-page paper provides a brief overview of William Smith, the early 19th century surveyor who is considered to be the "Father of English Geology." Topics including the first geologic map of England/Wales and stratigraphic studies are discussed. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

8 pages in length. It has been said that Alfred Russel Wallace's reputation falls far short of what his scientific achievements merit, an assertion that might be supported by evidence pointing to Wallace's spiritualist tendencies. By the same token, however, he was just as steeped within the fundamental tenets of science as any ...

This 2 page paper provides an overview of the nervous system in both humans and other species. Specific information comparing the human system with others is included. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 5 page book report on this examination of the cosmos first published in 2001. No additional sources are used.

A 9 page examination of the age old question of whether it is our environment or our genes that shape our personality and behavior. The author examines both sides of this argument to conclude that a number of factors enter into the question of whether a parent or other factors of a child’s environment ...

Reliability and validity, two crucial dimensions of empirical measurement, enable researchers to say that whatever they are measuring can be relied upon to be dependable, and that whatever is measured is being measured accurately. Reliability can be proved, while validity must be inferred and can never be perfectly verified. Yet, despite this probability, credible and ...

A 6 page discussion of color. The author examines color and our perception of it from both a scientific and a cultural standpoint. A discussion is included on how the light spectrum relates to color and how techniques such as infrared photography can be used to more carefully explore color. Details ...

This 3 page paper gives an overview of Dr. Stephen Hawking, and Dr. Henry Norris Russell, two astronomers who have made significant contributions to their field in the modern era. Bibliographpy lists 2 sources.

6 pages in length. The extent to which diagnostic and pattern-recognition abilities of expert systems and neural networks aid bioinformatics research and the development of new medicines is both grand and far-reaching. That artificial intelligence (AI) has become an integral component of medical advancement speaks to the growing need for machines that can ...

This is a 5 page paper discussing the survival strategies of cats. Cats, as well as other animals today, have developed different strategies for survival which include those needed for survival in the wild and the ultimate competition with natural space with man, and those needed for survival in domestic situations. In addition, strategies for ...

7 pages in length. The cycle of life is present in myriad forms -- from birds dispersing seedlings far and wide to bees pollinating flowers to animals propagating their respective species -- providing for the survival of every living thing on this planet. The symbiotic relationship that exists between each two elements in ...

A five page paper which considers the social, economic and political conditions which are necessary for scientific revolution to take place, with particular reference to the ideas put forward in Koestler's The Sleepwalkers. Bibliography lists one source.

This 4 page paper looks at SETI and how it plays a role in man's search for life in the universe. The Rare Earth Hypothesis is also explored. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 5 page paper discussing reliability and validity. The paper begins with defining the terms; how they relate to each other; and why they are important in statistics. It then identifies statistical tests, and concludes with an example. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

This 7 page paper provides an overview of LPG. Positive and negative aspects of this type of fuel are discussed. Ways in which LPG are used are duly noted. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

This 20 page paper looks at the evolution and behavior of the honey bee and why it is significant in the scheme of things. How this bee provides an example of how the world is ordered is explored. The argument from design is provided as well. It is suggested that the honey bee's ...

A 3 page paper which discusses how the single cell protein has been called an instant 30 year success. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

10 pages in length. Of all natural disasters Mother Nature inflicts upon the earth, perhaps none is quite as devastating as the hurricane. Historically speaking, hurricanes have held the capacity to destroy entire coastlines, wipe out complete communities and generally wreak havoc upon all unfortunate enough to remain in their paths. The ...

A 3 page overview of the reasons behind the common misperception that Mercury is the hottest planet in its solar system because of its proximity to the Sun. This paper points out the recent discovery of planets which are even closer to the Sun as well as the fact that Venus (which is further ...

3 pages in length. An historic marvel occurred at the turn of the nineteenth century that would once again bring man a better understanding of the world around him. J.J. Thomson's discovery of the electron originated when he found that cathode rays were negatively charged particles, a breakthrough he termed corpuscles, noting how ...

A 4 page contention that not only do levels of knowledge among so-called “experts” often differ significantly, so do our perceptions of these levels. Our own level of knowledge, in fact, often determined whether we accept an individual as an “expert” and what level we assign his level of knowledge in comparison with other ...

This is a 7 page paper discussing the false confidence modern man should have in the proven “realities” of Western science. While modern day scientists seem confident in providing “proven” scientific discoveries and conclusions, historical evidence would seem to provide an alternative scenario which would show that man should have little if any confidence in ...