The Period I & II Elements - Some Interesting Scientific Facts

The world is full of many fascinating facts, in all kinds of arenas. Lets look at a few basic scientific facts relating to some of the elements in the first two periods, Hydrogen to Neon. These elements are the fundamental building blocks of our existence and it is the unique properties of these elements that are the basis for many of the different compounds we know. Here are just a few interesting facts about these elements and a few of the simpler compounds they make.

1. Hydrogen is the simplest, least dense and most abundant element in the universe.
   
   • Hydrogen consists of one proton and one electron.
     
   • Hydrogen accounts for approximately 75% of all the physical mass in the universe, mostly found in stars.
     
   • Hydrogen is believed to be one of only three elements produced in the Big Bang; the other two are helium and lithium.
     
2. Diamonds are the hardest substance known to man.
   
   • Most gemstones contain several elements. The exception? The diamond. It is all carbon.
     
   • A diamond will not dissolve in acid. The only thing that can destroy it is intense heat.
     
   • Graphite, one of the softest of substances, is also all carbon and one of its most stable forms.
     
3. Boron nitride (BN) is the second hardest substance known to man.
   
   • Boron is element 5, one less than carbon (6).
     
   • Nitrogen is element 7, one more than carbon.
     
   • Boron nitride also exists in a soft, graphite-like form.
     
4. Oxygen, carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen make up over 95% of the human body.
   
   • Oxygen (65.0%)
     
   • Carbon (18.5%)
     
   • Hydrogen (9.5%)
     
   • Nitrogen (3.2%)
     
5. Hydrofluoric acid (HF) will dissolve glass.
   
   • Hydrofluoric acid dissolves many oxides, of which glass (mainly quartz - SiO₂) is just one.
     
   • Other acids, such as hydrochloric acid, nitric acid and sulfuric acid, do not dissolve glass.
     
   • Hydrofluoric acid must be stored in plastic containers.
     

These are just a few of the many facts about these elements. It is incredible what God has made with just the simplest of His creation. There is a vast multitude of possible substances that can be formulated from just the first 10 elements in the Periodic Table.

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV)"

Why I Believe Genesis 1:1-2

I believe that God created the heavens and the earth. Is this contrary to Science? I don't think so. The Oxford English Dictionary defines the scientific method as: "a method of procedure that consists of systematic observation, measurement, and experiment, and the formulation, testing, and modification of hypotheses." Science tries to prove something by direct observation and experimentation. When something cannot be seen, science will put forth a theory and then will test the theory against the available evidence until it can be "proven" if it can not be directly observed.

The creation of the universe, the "Big Bang" if you will, cannot be directly observed. Science is trying to do that by looking into deep space, back billions of years, seeing light from the edge of the universe, to show that the universe started from this massive explosion of a "singularity" into the universe we know today. Using physical laws and theories, science has shown that this is the best current explanation or "belief" for the origin of the universe, but it does not fit all of the laws and theories exactly so there is still room for speculation. Many also believe that Science does not allow room for God since God cannot be directly observed using a scientific method.

I do believe that the "Big Bang" is a plausible origin of the heavens as we know it. But what caused the Big Bang? Was it due to the sheer laws of physics coming together explosively or did it happen from the mind of an all knowing, all-powerful Creator? I don't believe this can be answered scientifically and that either "theory" takes faith. To me the theory of a Creator God makes more sense than an explosion due to the pressure of physical laws, especially since those laws most likely did not exist prior to the explosion. It seems to me that before the Big Bang, there were no physical laws because there was no physical reality. Physical reality came into existence the instant that the explosion happened and not a nanosecond before. God, on the other hand, would be outside of the space-time continuum that is our present reality and so could bring to bear such an event.

Looking at Genesis 1:1-2 it reads: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. (NKJV)"

Now if we look at the Hebrew words from the original text we find that some have multiple meanings. The words in Genesis 1:1 could mean:

• Created = formed, shaped or fashioned
  
• Heavens = visible universe
  
• Earth = physical matter (as opposed to space)
  

And similarly for Genesis 1:2, the words could mean:

• Earth = physical matter
  
• Was = came into existence
  
• Without form = a place of chaos, lack of elemental form as we know it today
  
• Void = emptiness
  
• On, over = throughout, filled
  
• Face = presence, sight, in front of
  
• Deep = deep place = space
  
• Spirit = breath, wind, blast
  
• God = works of God
  
• Hovering = moving, shaking
  
• Waters = violence, transitory things

And thus Genesis 1:1-2 could be paraphrased:
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the universe and all physical matter. 1:2 And all matter came into existence without elemental structure, and emptiness; and darkness filled the entirety of space. And the breathe of God blew throughout the presence the transitory elements.

Now I am not a Hebrew scholar so I may be stretching the meanings somewhat but I think you get the idea. Genesis 1:1-2 seems to be in line with a creation similar to what scientists are proposing with the Big Bang theory. Genesis 1:1 could be the singularity of the "Big Bang" and Genesis 1:2 could describe the explosion at the moment of creation. The Creation as outlined in Genesis 1:1-2 supports the scientific evidence of the Big Bang and vice versa.

I believe there is something that Science cannot "prove" and that is the existence of God. So you need to have faith to believe in Him or faith to believe He does not exist. There are many signs that He does exist, such as those espoused by Creation Scientists of which I consider myself one - Intelligent Design and Irreducible Complexity (see Reasons to Believe) being two, but since God is not directly observable many scientists will write Him out totally. I think if you look at the evidence for God, you must conclude He is real, that He directly touches our existence and that He has created us for a reason with a purpose.

Isaiah 40:21-22 "Have you not known? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth? It is He who sits above the circle of the earth, And its inhabitants are like grasshoppers, He who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, And spreads them out like a tent to dwell in. (NKJV)"

Caffeine - How Much Do You Need?

Now a days, coffee comes in many varieties, such as Frappacino and espresso, as well as different flavors and sizes. Colas are made with artificial flavors and added caffeine. The amount of caffeine in all of these different drinks can vary widely. Coffee used to be just "black". Coca-Cola® was originally made with Kola nut extracts and contained cocaine, no wonder it was so popular! Energy drinks are a new trend in highly caffeinated beverages. They contain a wealth of sugar and other natural stimulants that help provide that sought-after energy boost. Caffeine is also found in many weight loss preparations and in some over-the-counter pain, diet and stimulant medications.

Here are the most common sources of caffeine for Americans:

• Coffee - Contains about 100mg per 8-ounce cup though most coffee drinkers will use a larger cup (12-16 ounces) for their daily brew.
  
• Black Tea - Contains 50mg per 8-ounce cup. Green Tea contains 25mg.
  
• Caffeinated Sodas - Coke, Pepsi, and others contain 40-50mg per 12-ounce can.
  
• Super-Caffeinated Colas - Jolt contains 70mg per 12-ounce can.
  
• Energy Drinks - Red Bull and RockStar contain about 80mg per 8 ounce can.
  
• Milk Chocolate - Contains 6 mg/ounce.
  
• OTC Medications - Anacin contains 32mg/tablet. Extra Strength Excedrin contains 65mg/tablet. NoDoz and Vivarin each contain 200mg/tablet.
  

How much do you consume? Add it up and see. I would guess, if you are a typical caffeine consumer, that you top out over 300mg per day.

Caffeine has long been considered an unhealthy lifestyle choice. Caffeine's negative effects on the nervous system and how it increases anxiety, heart rate and sleepless nights have always been a concern. But recently coffee and caffeine have been shown to have some significant medical benefits.

After more than 10,000 scientific studies over the past 30 years the findings indicate that people who drink one to three cups of coffee a day are less likely to contract diabetes, develop Parkinson's disease, or have gallstones. Additionally, coffee reduces the risk of colon cancer and cirrhosis of the liver. Some of these findings may be due to the health benefits of the coffee bean itself, but most can be linked directly to caffeine. Coffee has also been shown to be beneficial in asthma (caffeine is a bronchodilator), stopping headaches (a vasoconstrictor) and improving mood (releases dopamine), all due to the systemic actions of caffeine.

In spite of these beneficial effects, it is still recommended to consume caffeine in moderation. Enjoy your day cup(s) of joe - or my favorite, Diet Pepsi® - but remember that too much of a good thing is not always better. Everything in moderation, nothing to excess.

For more on Caffeine, be sure to read my previous blog, Caffeine - Celebrating National Coffee Day.

Ecclesiastes 2:24-25 "A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without Him, who can eat or find enjoyment? (NIV)"

Caffeine - Celebrating National Coffee Day

Tomorrow (Sept 29th) is National Coffee Day. To celebrate we will take a look at the main draw in that cup of joe, Caffeine. Check the Internet for coupons from your favorite coffee house; you just might get a free cup.

I don't drink coffee but that does not mean I miss out on my daily caffeine fix. I mentioned it in a blog about Ice last month. Caffeine is the most popular psychoactive drug in the world. Every day enough cups of caffeine (not just coffee) are served up to give one cup to every man, woman and child on the planet!

Although the FDA calls caffeine a "generally recognized as safe food substance", it is clearly a drug with profound physical and psychological effects. In humans, caffeine acts as a central nervous system stimulant, temporarily warding off drowsiness and restoring alertness. It also has diuretic properties. Long-term consumption can lead to addiction and tolerance. Withdrawal symptoms can also appear within 12 to 24 hours after your last latte. In spite of this, it is legal and unregulated in nearly all parts of the world.

Caffeine is a bitter xanthine alkaloid. It is occurs naturally in varying amounts in the seeds, leaves, and fruit of a number of plants. In these plants it acts as a natural pesticide, killing the insect pests that are damaging to the plant. Caffeine is a natural component of coffee, tea and chocolate, and is added as an energy boost in most colas and energy drinks. About 90 percent of Americans consume caffeine every day in one form or another with more than half of all adults consuming more than 300 milligrams (3 cups of coffee) daily. Caffeine was first isolated from coffee in 1820. Today most pure caffeine comes from the process used to make decaffeinated coffees and teas.

Caffeine is also found in diet pills and some over-the-counter pain relievers and medicines. Medically, caffeine is used as a cardiac stimulant and a mild diuretic. It also acts as a bronchodilator. In beverages, it is used to provide a "boost of energy". More and more people are taking energy drinks to stay awake while working or driving long distances. Many people feel as though they need a morning cup of coffee to get going for the day and provide the wake up jolt it gives them.

Caffeine operates using the same biological mechanisms that amphetamines, cocaine, and heroin use to stimulate the brain. Caffeine impacts the functioning of the neurotransmitters adenosine and dopamine. It blocks the adenosine receptors so you don't feel sleepy and your blood vessels constrict. This causes adrenaline to be released, which stimulates the body. Caffeine also blocks dopamine reuptake thus increasing dopamine levels resulting in elevated mood, improved memory and cognition, and increased heart rate. If you feel like you cannot make it through the day without it, then you may be addicted to caffeine. In excess it can cause restlessness, insomnia, muscle twitching, gastrointestinal disturbance, cardiac arrhythmia and a host of other problems.

The problem with caffeine is its long-term effects, which tend to cycle downward. Once the effects of caffeine wear off you face fatigue and depression. So what are you going to do? You get another cup of caffeine to get the cycle going again. As you can imagine, having your body amped up all day long isn't very healthy, and can make you edgy and irritable.

Worse still is the effect that caffeine has on sleep. The half-life of caffeine is about six hours. That means that half of the caffeine you consume at 3:00pm is still in your body at 9:00pm when you are trying to go to bed. You may be able to fall asleep, but you will probably miss out on the benefits of a deep sleep. The next day you will feel worse, so you need more caffeine as soon as you get out of bed. And the cycle goes on day after day. This is why so many of us consume caffeine daily. Once you get in the cycle, you cannot get out because if you try to stop the caffeine, you get very tired and foggy headed with a splitting headache forcing you to run back to your caffeine crutch.

In spite of all these side effects, we all love our Frappe Mocha Latte in the morning. And caffeine has some benefits as well. We will look at some of our favorite caffeine fixes and their caffeine content as well as the benefits of caffeine in the next blog release.

So the Israelites must have run out of coffee when they confronted Moses on this day! Exodus 15:24 - "So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, 'What are we to drink?' (NIV)"

Aspirin - Take Two and Call Me in the Morning

Got a pounding headache? Migraine? Fever with the Flu? Body all aching and wracked with pain? Arthritis? Take two aspirin and call your doctor in the morning. Previously had a heart attack or stroke or just want to reduce the risk? Take a low dose aspirin daily (only at the direction of your physician). Aspirin was originally the trade name belonging to Bayer AG for acetylsalicylic acid and first went on sale in 1899. Aspirin, an analgesic, antipyretic, and anticoagulant medication, is arguably the most commercially successful drug ever. It is one of the most widely used medicines in the world today, with an estimated 40,000 tons consumed each year.

Aspirin is classified as a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) that works effectively to ease pain and swelling, lower a fever and reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke. For pain, it is as effective as Tylenol® (acetaminophen) as well as NSAIDs Advil® (ibuprofen) or Aleve® (naproxen). Physiologically aspirin works by suppressing prostaglandins and thromboxanes. Prostaglandins function in pain transmission, body temperature control and inflamation. Thromboxanes are responsible for the aggregation of the platelets that form blood clots.

Chemically aspirin is known as acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and was first discovered in 1853. It was derived from salicylic acid, which is found in willow bark. Salicylic acid is the principle metabolite of aspirin and had been in use medicinally for centuries.

Aspirin use decreased significantly in the late 50's until it was discovered in the 80's to have efficacy as an anticlotting agent. It has found renewed support when used prophylactically in stroke and heart attack survivors as well as those at risk for these diseases. It is now suggested that taking an aspirin or two at the onset of a suspected heart attack may decrease the morbidity or mortality of the event. The FDA suggests to first seek emergency care (call 911) and then take aspirin only at the direction of the doctor.

Aspirin use can have some potentially serious side effects. It can cause nausea and heartburn and long term use contributes to GI bleeding and stomach ulcers. Large doses, such as when used for arthritis, can cause tinnitus or ringing in the ears. In children under 18, aspirin has been linked with increased likelihood of Reye's Syndrome, and it should not be given to anyone under the age of 12 who has a fever.

Aspirin, in spite of its age, is truly still a wonder drug. It should be a staple in everyone's medicine cabinet and first-aid kit, along side the Band-Aids® and Betadine®.

One day God will relieve all pain and suffering from our world. Revelation 21:4 - "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. (NIV)"