Science
One cannot underestimate the impact of Science and the results of scientific research and findings in the world today. Although no scientific finding is absolute, if a method is sufficiently explored and found useful, scientists usually are able to replicate it and use it advantageously. The global nature of science allows people to relate and communicate simultaneously because what affects one, affects all. One area of constant study is on the foods we eat and the way they are delivered to us. This vigorous study has been helpful to consumers in managing their dietary intake and health. Packaged and canned foods are diligently observed by consumers for nutritional facts such as the amount of fat, calories, cholesterol, vitamins, minerals, fibre, and iron. Thanks to scientific research, we are more aware and are ahead of most diseases including the very common Escherichia coli [E. coli] bacteria that can be transported through the improper handling of foods and contaminated water. Because of awareness, we are more health conscious more now than ever. We have seen many strides in the science of medicine and the efforts to contain and prevent the many diseases that affect our bodies such as cancer, AIDS, lung diseases, bone diseases, eye diseases, and mosquito diseases such as the West Nile virus and malaria. Mental health, as well as many other neurological diseases, is also studied daily in the medical sciences.Jamaica has an advantage in the world to be active participants in the scientific field of agro industry and agriculture. There are many plants that are grown in Jamaica that have useful and valuable by-products such as sugar cane, citrus, ginger, sorrel, cassava, yam, mangoes, and a variety of 'roots.' The most amazing thing is that most of these foods do not need chemical fertilizers and have the natural advantage of the sun to not only nourish them but to help in the drying processes, thereby cutting down on preparation costs. One herbal plant that yields a bitter juice (which is said to be good for you) and which can be found in many health stores and supermarkets is the .Cerassee. [Momordica charantia] plant which is so easily grown. The juice from this plant is not as commercialized as other sweeter juices. There is a huge market for the aloe vera, which is commonly used in hair and body products. The pulp from the seed of the .Annatto. [Bixa orellano] tree has been useful to many people in Jamaica. It is a substitute for curry in the .Run Down. stew. The stew is made with coconut that has been boiled to custard. The .Annatto. flower can also be used for colouring fabrics and for varnishing. Other plants that have been around for a long while are "bizzy" [Cola acuminata] and arrowroot [Maranta arundinacea]. Arrowroot is a very important ingredient in children.s cookies. In Jamaica, the Scientific Research Council is the leading scientific body involved in the research of indigenous foods and other products and displays the products of scientific projects at the annual Denbigh agricultural and livestock show. Did you know that Devon House ice cream was developed from a scientific project in those labs? Do you know of a product or plant that could have a breakthrough in science?
Jamaicansinting.com knows that Jamaican scientists are also active in other areas of scientific studies such as sewage and waste management and other areas in biotechnology. Jamaican scientists have special interests in animal breeding and there are many initiatives to make the bamboo plant more useful. If you are in the scientific field and would like others to know about you, we invite you to register with jamaicasinting, create your profile, and let others know about you. Whether you are a researcher, an oceanographer, a student, or you are just interested in buying or selling scientific equipment or products, we would love to hear from you and we are positive the community would love to hear from you also. Register at www.jamaicasinting.com.
