Skip to main content

The Artery Cubeeeeeee

In this Unit of Cure, we took a unique approach and explored the mechanisms behind over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications. Our study began with the basics of chemistry: we examined how various compounds and chemical reactions work, learned to balance reactions, and identified and differentiated between ionic, organic, and inorganic compounds. As we progressed, we discovered that many medications achieve their effects by inhibiting specific chemicals or processes, leading to results such as pain relief. To deepen our understanding, we researched the effects of anti-inflammatories and antihistamines, discovering how they act as inhibitors by blocking or occupying critical pathways in bodily processes, thus preventing other substances from interacting in the same way.

A particularly memorable experiment involved sampling the "Miracle Berry," a fruit that alters taste perception by binding to taste buds, allowing us to taste all flavors except sour ones. After eating the berry, I could even enjoy the taste of a lemon! This hands-on experience gave us insight into how inhibitory substances can affect the body in real life. To conclude, we visited an apothecary to explore medicines that target specific conditions.

For my personal research, I chose to investigate Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), a condition affecting my extended family. PAD reduces blood flow to the limbs by narrowing peripheral arteries, a prevalent and concerning public health issue. By analyzing trends in PAD cases over time, I gained insight into its rising impact and the importance of effective treatment. I dedicated considerable time to understanding the mechanisms of action for common PAD treatments, focusing on pharmacological interventions, such as antiplatelet medications and vasodilators, which reduce blood clotting and expand blood vessels, as well as revascularization procedures.


Slide show: 



I am proud of how this project turned out, especially given the depth of research and effort it required. Exploring alternative treatments, I found myself particularly interested in garlic supplements as a healthy option—and I love garlic bread! This AP provided me with valuable insight into the science behind medications and strengthened my passion for learning.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Redefining Queenship: Gender, Power, and Ambition in Shakespeare's Macbeth

Welcome to my blog,  In our first Drama unit, we tackled the question,  "How do we respond to gender norms and stereotypes?"  To explore this, we dove into the works of William Shakespeare, examining how theater can inspire social change. We focused on  Macbeth , using the play as a lens to question traditional gender roles and the evolving concept of what it means to be a queen. This was the perfect foundation for the unit, letting us dig deeper into our own ideas of strength and duty. To me, a queen is someone who puts her role before herself, making difficult choices—even ones that might be considered morally complex. While we didn’t have many field trips, we had inspiring guest speakers. Regina Taylor, known for her role as Michelle Obama's mother in  The First Lady  and her work in  Lovecraft Country , shared her insights on how storytelling can bridge divides of race, gender, and class. She likened the influence of media to the civil rights movem...
Post a Comment
Read more

Classroom 2.0

 Welcome to my blog! Our AP was to design our classroom. Here's how it went.     We started by brainstorming ideas of how to make our classroom better and to make it more functional but also keeping in mind that we are in uncertain times.  We also brainstormed ideas for "Classroom Rules". I came up with a few ideas such as, getting plants and repurpose a book shelf and turn it into a planter box. I also came up with the idea of making an aquaponics system not only would it be a closed system it would open our options to grow things, and taking care of things.      The reason why the aquaponics system is so dear to me is because in the 8th grade, I built my own! I'm taking my critical thinking skills and putting them to good use. The aquaponics system would serve as a serine place of peace because its showing the life cycle of plants, and fish of course.     We also had an agreement for the guidelines of what the classroom should look like, we...
Post a Comment
Read more

A not so healthy relationship.

In this unit in Healthy Relationships in Shakespear,  we started off by reading/watching Othello. We had to assess whether this was a healthy relationship. It took quite some time to figure out which "Healthy" relationship I was going to choose. In the end, I decided to go with "Desdemona, and Othello". It took me a while to see that this couple who were almost certainly destined to be apart but yet somehow ended up together, didn't deserve each other. Othello was most certainly the lover type but he lacks control of his anger. Othello furthermore was destined to fail. He let his jealousy and his anger get the best of him. Yet even as Othello was lied to about the misdeeds of his wife, he seemed to believe the baseless claims. Here are the criteria of what makes a healthy and unhealthy relationship.  Healthy relationship:  • Mutual respect.  Respect means that each person values who the other is and understands the other person’s boundaries. • Trust.  Partners s...
Post a Comment
Read more