Week 2 Journal

It was the second week of classes which meant everything started to get closer to full gear. This week, in our class, we learned about propaganda. I found it interesting to be reminded that even things like anti-smoking and safe driving commercials are also propaganda. I feel like the word "propaganda" is mostly used in a negative context, so we forget everything that it includes and that it can be used to benefit society. The example that Dr. Enos gave with the baby Mia and Fang the snake reminded me of how people can try not only to persuade you with the information that they give you but also with the information that they omit. I liked his lesson on taking your time to find out more information before being pressured into a decision. In one of my other classes, I learned that Greek life at the University of Alabama did not desegregate until 2013. In my virology class, we learned how soap works against viruses. Viruses have a capsid that carries their genome, however many also have an additional casing called an envelope sort of like how our cells have a membrane. Detergents are amphipatic meaning they have a hydrophilic and hydrophobic end. This allows them to insert themselves in between the phospholipids of the viral envelope and break up their interactions creating holes where the virus' insides are exposed to the environment. In my research lab, we have two people present each week. From one of the presentations this week, I learned that lactic acid can disrupt inflammation which can be a problem when you are fighting off an infection.

Comments

  1. williams.dan76September 8, 2026 at 6:16 AM

    I appreciate your review of your learning experiences. I have learned from you regarding soap and viruses--and the curious date Alabama Greek life desegregated. Great post.

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