Michael Sholar
Michael Sholar answered
There are more than 130,000 species of flies (genus = Diptera). They all have unique characteristics and different ecological niches (roles). You may find some of these annoying and some are certainly harmful to human interests.


I'm going to rephrase your question to "Why do flies exist?" Because at its core this is a scientific … Read more

Michael Sholar
Michael Sholar answered question
At it's most basic level an atheist is anyone who does not have a belief in any god. (Atheist literally means 'not a theist') To believe something means to positively assert something and have confidence in its truth.
Atheism at its most basic level is not a positive assertion. Atheists lack a belief. Some atheists … Read more
Michael Sholar
Michael Sholar answered
Individuals can assign meaning to their lives based on personal values and philosophies. Groups such as religions and other types of groups can share a similar philosophies and therefore have shared feelings of 'meaning'.


In the cosmic and ultimate sense, apart from individual and group meaning, does there necessarily have to be any meaning at … Read more

Michael Sholar
Michael Sholar answered question
The idea of parallel universes makes a lot of sense. Unfortunately it's the type of idea that is very difficult to test. The History (or Discovery) channel had a decent program talking about it about 6 months ago. I have an "feeling" based on what I've read that it is plausible that there are infinite … Read more
Michael Sholar
Michael Sholar answered question
You may have grown up believing things and not questioning them. Perhaps you've reached a point where you are becoming more skeptical. That is healthy. You need to find your own philosophy and refine your own beliefs. Talk to people you trust about your questions and learn what other people have written about a variety … Read more
Michael Sholar
Michael Sholar answered
CO2 is mostly produced by during the Krebs (Citric Acid) Cycle (4 CO2's / Glucose).  There is also CO2 produced right before the  Krebs cycle as pyruvate is converted to a 2 carbon compound (Acetyl) that then enters the Krebs cycle (2 CO2's / Glucose).


Here is a diagram:  www.freethought-forum.com



Michael Sholar
Michael Sholar answered
Blood is composed of two general parts: The formed elements (RBC, WBC, Platelets) and plasma.

RBC's have a transportation function related to oxygen and to a smaller extent carbon dioxide but other than that virtually everything is transported in the plasma.


These things include:

Proteins produced in the body (particularly the liver)

Nutrients absorbed from digested food from … Read more

Michael Sholar
Michael Sholar answered question
Check out this article for more information:  genetics.suite101.com


Apparently it is possible, though not likely, that two blue eyed parents can have a brown eyed child.  This fact suggests the influence of genes other than just OCA2 (which has been identified) and gey (which is for green pigment).

Michael Sholar
Michael Sholar answered question
Since the idea of possession is anti-scientific and goes against all that humans have learned about how psychiatric disorders work, the best answer perhaps it to say that you can just assume that you are not possessed. In the past people with metal illness were said to be 'possessed'. Our culture has thankfully moved beyond … Read more
Michael Sholar
Michael Sholar answered
If your job has to do with biology then the answer is obvious. If not then some basic biological knowledge makes you more scientifically literate and able to understand the world around you and make wise choices.


It is important for understanding your body and your environment, as well as, understanding what your doctor … Read more

Michael Sholar
Michael Sholar answered
Here is a story worth telling:


There were several scholars thousands of years ago debating about why the weight of a fish bowl filled with water does not change when you put a goldfish into the bowl.  They argued about the reason for weeks.  Finally they brought their problem to the king.  The king considered it and said.  I … Read more

Michael Sholar
Michael Sholar answered
This field is closely linked with biology (Anatomy and physiology) and medicine. It seeks to explain psychological questions in terms of physiological processes such as brain/nervous system functions. Neurotransmitters and there effect on psychological parameters. Medications that come from such research would be antidepressants for example.
Michael Sholar
Michael Sholar answered question
The methods used to sort fact from fiction make it a science. The scientific method is used and hypothesis are tested and supported or rejected. It is a social science, sometimes called a soft science. Some tests are subjective and some historical ideas like those of Freud are not scientific.


Modern psychological research is more … Read more