Self-tutoring about drug consumption: the tutor mentions anabolic steroids. I overheard that someone was “addicted to steroids.” “But can that be?” I wondered to myself. “I’ve never heard that steroids are physically addictive.” I decided to look further. My reading …
Self-tutoring about biology: the tutor takes a first look at the idea of human growth hormone vs aging. Some people theorize human growth hormone (HGH) has the potential to reduce the effect of aging. Apparently the body’s production of it …
Self-tutoring about biological processes: the tutor mentions autophagy. Autophagy is a process in which the body consumes its non-functioning cells, re-allocating their components to healthy ones. It may also encourage cells to give up garbage they are holding onto. It’s …
Self-tutoring about trees in Canada: the tutor mentions beech. As a kid in the Maritimes, I often saw beech trees – American beech – which are included the Acadian forest. They can grow large: you might walk by one’s trunk …
Self-tutoring about fish: the tutor mentions the term catadromous. Catadromous fish are born (or hatch) in the sea, migrate into freshwater to mature, then return to saltwater to breed. The American eel is catadromous. Source: nctc.fws.gov
Self-tutoring about fish biology: the tutor mentions anadromous. Anadromous fish mature in the ocean but return to fresh water to spawn. Locally, salmon is a good example. Source: nctc.fws.gov
Self-tutoring about tree identification: the tutor looks into the meaning of double-toothed leaf. Often in my reading a tree’s leaves are described as double-toothed – meaning what? Single-toothed simply means the edge of the leaf is like a saw blade …
Self-tutoring about rabies: the tutor mentions an observation. Apparently, the first symptom of rabies can be a change in demeanor. For instance, a friendly animal may become ornery. On the other hand, an animal typically aloof may become surprisingly friendly. …
Self-tutoring about biological terms: the tutor mentions definitions of three related ones. extinct: no longer existing anywhere. extirpated: no longer existing in a place it used to. However, it still does exist elsewhere. extant: existing. The trees and birds you …
Self-tutoring about words that describe disease patterns: the tutor mentions three. Endemic can be a noun or adjective. As a noun, it means a disease that is always present in one area, but confined there as well. African sleeping sickness, …