# data[].attributes.headline
should fast food and unhealthy drinks be banned from schools and universities why and why not ?

# data[].attributes.subject
should fast food and unhealthy drinks be banned from schools and universities why and why not ?

# data[].attributes.body
yes it should be banned ;

1-reduce the amount of energy in student's body by causing lazyness .

2-its negative impact on student's health due to the fact that it increase the chance of getting many dangerouse diseases

3-its effect on their academic performance

# data[].attributes.body
Arguments FOR:

It creates a healthier generation

Healthier food raise student’s concentration

Having healthier options reduces obesity rates

Argument AGAINST:

Everyone has the right to eat whatever they want

Having more choices is better

Fast food is cheaper

# data[].attributes.headline
Should fast food restaurants and unhealthy drinks be banned from schools and campuses such as Qatar University?

# data[].attributes.subject
Should fast food restaurants and unhealthy drinks be banned from schools and campuses such as Qatar University?

# data[].attributes.body
With the topic:

1- Maintaining the student’s health.

2- Reducing the increase in obesity.

3- Healthy food has a positive effect on the student’s activity.

Against the subject:

1- Fast food costs are cheaper.

2- It is prepared faster and does not take time.

3- It has no negative effect.

# data[].attributes.body
for:

faster to serve/ provide.

affordable.

serving all day meals(whether it is breakfast,lunch or dinner time).

against:

causes obesity and heart diseases.

energy draining.

does contain needed nutrients for students.

# data[].attributes.body
Arguments For:

1- Unhealthy meals cause result in many health concerns such as obesity. Schools would have to be held responsible for the students' health.

2- Fast food causes students to lose focus while studying.

3- Discourages students from being active and healthy, they will always resort to the fast food as it is an easier option.

Arguments Against:

1- Some students are not financially stable. Healthier options are typically more expensive due to the ingredients used.

2- Individuals with certain allergies or preferences will have a smaller choice of restaurants to choose from which can lead to students not eating at all.

3- Fast food is more accessible, and easier to get when on a time-crunch.

# data[].attributes.body
for:

faster to serve/ provide

affordable

serving all day meals(whether it is breakfast lunch or dinner time).

against:

causes obesity and heart diseases.

energy draining.

does contain needed nutrients for students.

# data[].attributes.headline
Should fast food restaurants and unhealthy drinks be banned from schools and campuses such as Qatar University? 

# data[].attributes.subject
Should fast food restaurants and unhealthy drinks be banned from schools and campuses such as Qatar University? 

# data[].attributes.body
arguments for:

-Promoting healthy lifestyle

-Nutritional value

-fast food packaging contributes to pollution

arguments against:

-no freedom of speech

-healthy food is expensive

-fast food is easy to access

# data[].attributes.body
1) Since students can easily reach fast food station they will become easily addicted, as a result obesity rates will increase.

2) If Junk food is being consumed on daily bases it will cause a Sluggishness crises, in other words student's productivity levels will decrease and that will cause a decline in their grads.

3) Counter argument: Junk food is much cheaper than organic alternatives.

# data[].attributes.headline
Should fast food restaurants and unhealthy drinks be banned from schools and campuses such as Qatar University?

# data[].attributes.subject
Should fast food restaurants and unhealthy drinks be banned from schools and campuses such as Qatar University?

# data[].attributes.body
With the topic:

1- Maintaining the student’s health.

2- Reducing the increase in obesity.

3- Healthy food has a positive effect on the student’s activity.

Against the subject:

1- Fast food costs are cheaper.

2- It is prepared faster and does not take time.

3- It has no negative effect.

# data[].attributes.body
For:

Unhealthy - could cause health problems.

Eco friendly

Encouraging better food choices

Academic performance

Against:

Cheap

Fast and convenient f

More fun and tasty

# data[].attributes.body
Against points :

1- Time and convenience.

2-Cheap

3- Tasty

For points:

1- Unhealthy

2- Encouraging better food choices

3-Acdamic preformence

# data[].attributes.body
Against

1) Even if the fast food chains aren’t in campuses people can order

2) Each person is responsible for their health , and could be able to choose. Especially since they’re in college

3) It’s quickly made and cheap, healthier options are out of budget for some people. Also, college students are in a rush.

# data[].attributes.headline
Practice Final Exam: Argumentative Essay Topic

# data[].attributes.subject
Practice Final Exam: Argumentative Essay Topic

# data[].attributes.body
Prompt: Banning Fast food from College Campus

Recently, health is becoming a major concern in many countries. Governments and schools are considering many ways to improve the health of people and encourage people to adopt healthier lifestyles. One solution some countries have adopted is banning fast food restaurants and unhealthy drinks from schools and college campuses. Some people agree this can help, while others argue this can create many problems.

Question: Should fast food restaurants and unhealthy drinks be banned from schools and campuses such as Qatar University?

Write an outline:

1 ) Thesis Statement

2) Topic Sentence 1

3) Topic Sentence 2

4) Counterargument Sentence

5) Refutation - Intro to refutation

# data[].attributes.headline
Should fast food restaurants and unhealthy drinks be banned from schools and campuses such as Qatar University?

# data[].attributes.subject
Should fast food restaurants and unhealthy drinks be banned from schools and campuses such as Qatar University?

# data[].attributes.body
For:

1. Young people haven't mastered self-control yet, and still need guidelines in order to develop discipline - in this case to pick food choices that would serve their health.

2. Banning fast food and unhealthy drinks from schools and university campuses - in which students spend a huge portion of their time - would force students to become used to healthier options, hence significantly helping them develop a habit for eating and drinking healthily.

3. Banning unhealthy options will force students to become self-aware in terms of how healthy their food and drinks' choices are.

Against:

1. It's kind of unfair to control what people choose to eat, and it could discourage them from learning.

2. Healthier options aren't accessible for everyone, and for so many people they're noticeably harder to access.

3. Young people need to learn self-control without needing restrictions from older people.

# data[].attributes.body
1. In recent years, the Middle East has been investing heavily in solar power and other renewable energy technologies. Electricity generation from renewables doubled in the region between 2010 and 2020, and it is anticipated to double again by 2024.

Recently, the Middle Eastern region is investing in long-term sources of clean energy such as, solar power and other technologies. Whereas, the electricity sources have doubled in the last decade, and it is expected to be doubled again by 2024.

# data[].attributes.body
Recently, Arab countries have been putting money into solar power and other energy generation technologies. Between 2010 and 2020, electricity generation from renewables have increased twice as much and it is predicted that it will increase twice as much again in 2024.

# data[].attributes.body
1. About four out of ten Americans say they would definitely or probably be interested in orbiting the Earth in a spacecraft in the future, while roughly six out of ten (58%) say they would not be interested.

Less than half of the United States citizens are willing to go on a future trip around the Earth in a spacecraft, while more than half express no interest.

# data[].attributes.body
The Arab world in the past few years has been investing greatly in solar power and technology related to renewable energy. In a decade between 2010 and 2020, electricity generation from renewables increased twice as much in the area. It is expected to see it double again by 2014.

# data[].attributes.body
2)

Paraphrasing:

Solar power and renewable energy sources is one of the main investments of the Middle East region. The clean energy industry has doubled in the region in the past decade and by 2024 it is expected to increase by double

# data[].attributes.body
1.      About four out of ten Americans say they would definitely or probably be interested in orbiting the Earth in a spacecraft in the future, while roughly six out of ten (58%) say they would not be interested.

paraphrasing :

About more than half Americans say that they maybe be curious   in orbiting the earth in a spacecraft in the future, while around 58% say they are not interested.

2.       In recent years, the Middle East has been investing heavily in solar power and other renewable energy technologies. Electricity generation from renewables doubled in the region between 2010 and 2020, and it is anticipated to double again by 2024.

paraphrasing :

In modern years, the middle east has been providing lots of money in solar power and other recyclable energy electronics. New generation from renewables times two in the area from 2010 to 2020 and it is against doubling again in 2024.

3.      Most animals are either highly social, or fiercely independent, coming together only to mate. Tasmanian devils are a rare exception falling somewhere in between, which makes their interactions particularly interesting to science.

paraphrasing:

A large majority of animals are each or two highly social or fiercely independent , with each other only to a friend . Tasmanian devils are a rare exception to not succeed most of the time in between , which makes their interplay specialy curious to science .

# data[].attributes.body
Forty percent of Americans voice that they most likely be intrigued in orbiting the earth in a spacecraft in the future, however about 60% say that they would not be intrigued.

# data[].attributes.body
1)

Paraphrasing: A small majority of the U.S. population have shown no interest in space tourism, however slightly less than halfdid show interest in the idea.

# data[].attributes.body
Original: In recent years, the Middle East has been investing heavily in solar power and other renewable energy technologies. Electricity generation from renewables doubled in the region between 2010 and 2020, and it is anticipated to double again by 2024.

Newly, middle eastern countries are dedicating their investments in solar power as well as other alternative energy applications. The number of electricity generators from alternative resources had doubled in 2010 and 2020, and it is expected to double once again by 2024.

Original: Most animals are either highly social, or fiercely independent, coming together only to mate. Tasmanian devils are a rare exception falling somewhere in between, which makes their interactions particularly interesting to science.

When breeding the majority of animals are rather extremely social or furiously independent. However, Tasmanian devils are sitting on the fence. Therefore, their interactions had attracted scientist's curiosity.

# data[].attributes.body
1. ORIGINAL: About four out of ten Americans say they would definitely or probably be interested in orbiting the Earth in a spacecraft in the future, while roughly six out of ten (58%) say they would not be interested.

PARAPHRASED: When it comes to space exploration in the near future, the majority of US citizens are curious about the adventure, while less than half the population is not quite fascinated.

2. ORIGINAL: In recent years, the Middle East has been investing heavily in solar power and other renewable energy technologies. Electricity generation from renewables doubled in the region between 2010 and 2020, and it is anticipated to double again by 2024

PARAPHRASED: Significant investments have been made by the Middle East in renewable energy technologies such as solar energy, over the past few years. Throughout the last decade, the region's renewable energy production increased twofold and is predicted to see further growth by 2024.

3. ORIGINAL: Most animals are either highly social or fiercely independent, coming together only to mate. Tasmanian devils are a rare exception falling somewhere in between, which makes their interactions particularly interesting to science

PARAPHRASED: The majority of animals interact solely for reproduction purposes and are either extremely social or strongly autonomous. Scientists are particularly interested in the social behaviors of Tasmanian devils since they are a unique exception when it comes to the creature's interactional manner.

# data[].attributes.body
paraphrasing

19.11.23

original: About four out of ten Americans say they would definitely or probably be interested in orbiting the Earth in a spacecraft in the future, while roughly six out of ten (58%) say they would not be interested.

paraphrased: About two out of five of the American population have a curiosity in spinning around the earth in a spaceship, when three out of five believe that it’s not an important topic.

original: In recent years, the Middle East has been investing heavily in solar power and other renewable energy technologies. Electricity generation from renewables doubled in the region between 2010 and 2020, and it is anticipated to double again by 2024.

paraphrased: last few years, the Middle East governments were investing deeply in solar energy and other Tecnologies functions. Generating electricity from a natural force twice as much in a decade, except to twice as much again by 2024.

# data[].attributes.body
original: I never make mistakes!

Paraphrase: under no circumstance do I make mistakes.

# data[].attributes.body
Original: I never make mistakes.

Rephrase: Mistakes are never made by me .

# data[].attributes.body
original: only half of the students passed their driving test

Paraphrase: Fifty percent of the pupils passed their driving test.

# data[].attributes.body
I never make mistakes!

Mistakes are rarely made by me.

# data[].attributes.body
1.original:half of the students passed their driving test

paraphrase : about fifty percent of the pupils have passed their driving test.

2.in recent years the Middle East has been investing heavily in solar power and other renewable energy technologies.electricity generations from renewable doubled in the origin between 2010 and 2020 and it is anticipated to double again by 2024.

Lately, southwest Asia has been investing in clean and advanced power source . Clean electricity generations has doubled in the area between 2010 and 2020 and it is expected to double again by 2024.

# data[].attributes.body
I am always correct.

# data[].attributes.body
-original: Only half of the students passed their driving test.

paraphrased: The percentage of pupils passing the driving exam was only 50%.

# data[].attributes.body
ORIGINAL: Only half of the students passed their driving test.

PARAPHRASE:

fifty per cent of learners completed their driving exam .

ORIGINAL: I never make mistakes!

PARAPHRASE:

Mistakes wiere never made by me

# data[].attributes.body
1)

Original: Only half of the students passed their driving test.

Paraphrase: The driving test was failed by half of the students.

2)

Original: I never make mistakes.

Paraphrase: Mistakes are never made by me.

# data[].attributes.body
Original: only half of the students passed their driving test .

Paraphrase: Just fifty percent of the trainees were able to pass their driving exam.

# data[].attributes.body
Only half of the students passed their driving test.

only fifty percent of the pupils were able to pass the driving exam.

I never make mistakes!

I never commit errors!

# data[].attributes.body
original : I never make mistakes

paraphrased : I don't ever commit errors .

# data[].attributes.body
Original: Only half of the students passed their driving test.

Only fifty percent of the students nailed the driving examination.

Mistakes are never committed by me.

# data[].attributes.body
Original : Only half of the students passed their driving test.

Paraphrased : Fifty percent of the driving learners have passed the test.

Original : I never make mistakes.

Paraphrased : Mistakes are never done by me.

# data[].attributes.body
Fifty percent of the students failed the driving assessment .

# data[].attributes.body
original : only half of the students passed their driving test .

paraphrased : just fifty percent of the students successfully completed their driving test .

# data[].attributes.body
1-

Original: Only half of the students passed their driving test.

Paraphrased: The driving assessment was successfully completed by just 50% of the learners.

2-

Original: I never make mistakes!

Paraphrased: Errors are never made by me!

# data[].attributes.body
Approximately 40% of the U.S. citizens say that they are willing to circulate around the world in a spacecraft in the upcoming time whereas 60% would not be curious about that.

# data[].attributes.body
1. Approximately 40% of Americans express definite or potential interest in traveling around the Earth in a spacecraft in the future, while approximately 58% indicate that they would not be interested in such an experience.

2. In the past few years, the Middle East has made significant investments in solar power and other renewable energy technologies. The region experienced a twofold increase in electricity generation from renewables between 2010 and 2020, with expectations for another doubling by the year 2024.

3. The majority of animals exhibit either strong social tendencies or a marked preference for independence, forming social bonds primarily for mating purposes. Tasmanian devils, however, stand as a unique exception, occupying a middle ground between these extremes, rendering their interactions especially intriguing to the scientific community.

# data[].attributes.body
1.  About four out of ten Americans say they would definitely or probably be interested in orbiting the Earth in a spacecraft in the future, while roughly six out of ten (58%) say they would not be interested.

Final (1 mark):

Of Americans, about half (58%) say they would not be interested in orbiting the Earth in a spacecraft in the future, while about four out of ten say they would definitely or probably be interested.

2. In recent years, the Middle East has been investing heavily in solar power and other renewable energy technologies. Electricity generation from renewables doubled in the region between 2010 and 2020, and it is anticipated to double again by 2024.

Final (1 mark):

The Middle East has made significant investments in solar energy and other renewable energy technologies in recent years. Between 2010 and 2020, the region's renewable energy generation doubled, and by 2024, it is expected to increase again.

# data[].attributes.body
1) A small majority of the U.S. population have no interest in space tourism, however some did not show any interest in the idea

# data[].attributes.body
1. Among people from the United States, an approximate 40% consider themselves certainly or likely to take interest in travelling around the Earth in a spacecraft, whereas a weak majority wouldn’t take interest.

2. As per the last few years, Middle Eastern countries have been putting so much effort into pursuing energy generation from renewable sources, like solar energy generation and others. From the years 2010 and 2020, electricity production from sustainable sources saw a 200% rate increase. By 2024, this rate is expected to reach another 200% rise.

3. Animals tend to either be heavily community-based, or extremely solitary that procreation is their only form of relationships. Tasmanian devils, however, are a special case that makes their relationships an exciting study for scientists - as their social habits take a middle-of-the-road trend.

# data[].attributes.body
19/11/23

A small majority of Americans are not curious in space exploration, whereas 40% are

# data[].attributes.body
origianl sentence 1:

About four out of ten Americans say they would definitely or probably be interested in orbiting the Earth in a spacecraft in the future, while roughly six out of ten (58%) say they would not be interested.

sentence 1 paraphrased:

While about more than half of the US citizens are curious about riding a spacecraft around the earth in the future, approximately half of them are indifferent.

# data[].attributes.body
1) less than half of American citizens state that they would be curious about experiencing space tourism, whereas a small majority did not show any curiosity about the matter.

# data[].attributes.body
1)

Original: About four out of ten Americans say they would definitely or probably be interested in orbiting the Earth in a spacecraft in the future, while roughly six out of ten (58%) say they would not be interested.

Paraphrased: Less than 50% of U.S. citizens claim that they would most likely or surely be intrigued in revolving our planet in the coming years. On the other hand, more than half say that they would prefer not to.

2)

Original: In recent years, the Middle East has been investing heavily in solar power and other renewable energy technologies. Electricity generation from renewables doubled in the region between 2010 and 2020, and it is anticipated to double again by 2024.

Paraphrased: The MENA region has been increasingly funding solar energy and different forms of regeneratable power recently. Throughout 2010 and 2020 the formation of electric power from undepletable sources has increased by two times in the area and is expected to increase in the same way again within 4 years.

3)

Original: Most animals are either highly social, or fiercely independent, coming together only to mate. Tasmanian devils are a rare exception falling somewhere in between, which makes their interactions particularly interesting to science.

Paraphrased: The majority of creatures on Earth are either extremely outgoing, or intensely self-reliant, meeting solely for breeding. Scientists are specifically curious about Tasmanian devils because they standout as their relationships lie among the two extremes.

# data[].attributes.body
1-About more than half Americans say that they maybe be curious   in orbiting the earth in a spacecraft in the future, while around 58% say they are not interested.

# data[].attributes.body
Review the above PPT on Strategies to great paraphrasing.

Then, post your paraphrase to these sentences.

1. Original Sentence:

About four out of ten Americans say they would definitely or probably be interested in orbiting the Earth in a spacecraft in the future, while roughly six out of ten (58%) say they would not be interested.

# data[].attributes.body
Arguments for:

1) Enable people to get in touch with each other

2) Helps people to be informed about global events

3) It helps students in studying

Argumnents against:

1) It has detrimental consequences on well-being and human behavior.

2) lower the rate of intellect

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Why Internet Access Needs to Be Considered a Basic Human Right

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The internet has become an important tool in accessing many human rights.

# data[].attributes.headline
Positive & Negative of Should businesses allow more work from home.

# data[].attributes.subject
Positive & Negative of Should businesses allow more work from home.

# data[].attributes.body
positive:

. Comfort and flexibility so that you can take a break at any time.

. Save time and money by avoiding traffic congestion, etc.

. Balance between work and personal life.

Negative:

. Continuous work pressures affect health.

.Social isolation because his focus is on getting work done.

. Low discipline and supervision, such that there is no oversight at work.

# data[].attributes.headline
Positive&Negative of Should businesses allow more work from home

# data[].attributes.subject
Positive&Negative of Should businesses allow more work from home

# data[].attributes.body
positive:

. Comfort and flexibility so that you can take a break at any time.

. Save time and money by avoiding traffic congestion, etc.

. Balance between work and personal life.

Negative:

. Continuous work pressures affect health.

.Social isolation because his focus is on getting work done.

. Low discipline and supervision, such that there is no oversight at work.

# data[].attributes.headline
Is access to free internet a universal human right?

# data[].attributes.subject
Is access to free internet a universal human right?

# data[].attributes.body
Advantages:

Information and knowledge are essential for exercising the right to education and information. The internet provides abundant access. It fosters learning, inquiry, and information access, which are crucial for personal development and informed decision-making.

Internet access is essential for participating in the modern economy in our increasingly digital culture. People need internet connectivity to overcome career and financial barriers because to online employment and economic potential. Internet connection helps reduce socioeconomic inequality.

Counterarguments:

Due to resource constraints, governments in underdeveloped countries emphasise fundamental human rights like food, water, and shelter. One may argue that internet connection is valuable but not more important.

A revolution in national security and governance.
Some nations believe unlimited internet access threatens national security and societal stability. Online extremism, criminality, and misinformation are commonly used to justify internet restrictions. The careful balance between accessibility and security and management is difficult.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Definition of brainstorming

Brainstorming is a creative thinking technique for coming up with new ideas and solving problems. Teams use this ideation method to encourage new ways of thinking and collectively generate solutions. Brainstorming encourages free thinking and allows for all ideas to be voiced without judgment, fostering an open and innovative environment. This process typically involves a group of people, although it can be done individually as well.

This guide will help you get the most out of every creative session. When you're ready to start your next free thinking exercise, jump into Miro's brainstorming tool to generate ideas and turn them into action.

What is the main purpose of brainstorming?

The primary purpose of a brainstorming session is to generate and document many ideas, no matter how "out there" they might seem. Through this lateral thinking process, inventive ideas are suggested, which sparks creative solutions. By encouraging everyone to think more freely and not be afraid to share their ideas, teams can build on each other's thoughts to find the best possible solution to a problem. Brainstorming usually takes place in a group setting where people get together to creatively solve problems and come up with ideas. However, it's also useful for individuals who need to explore novel solutions to a problem. Sitting down by yourself and writing down solutions to potential problems is a great way to brainstorm individually. Focusing your mind on a defined problem allows you to think of many creative ways to get to an answer. While brainstorming normally allows for free-form methods of thinking and doesn't require many rules, the best results usually stem from controlled sessions. Posing questions and role-playing different scenarios during the brainstorming session is a smart way to pull out unusual ideas and never-before-thought-of solutions.

Benefits of brainstorming

Why is brainstorming such a popular approach to solving problems and generating ideas? Here are some of its many advantages:

Encourages creativity

Brainstorming sessions are meant to be free of judgment. Everyone involved is meant to feel safe and confident enough to speak their minds. There will be some good and some bad ideas, but this doesn't matter as long as the final outcome is one that can solve the problem. This kind of free-thinking environment, along with a few essential brainstorming rules, encourage creativity in the workplace.

Fosters collaboration and team building

Brainstorming is not only good for problem-solving. It also allows employees and team members to understand how the people around them think. It helps the team get to know each other's strengths and weaknesses and helps build a more inclusive and close-knit workforce.

Generates innovative, revolutionary ideas

Brainstorming is the perfect mix between a free-thinking, creative environment and one that is governed by rules. Being faced with a defined problem or asking questions like "What do we do in X scenario?" forces everyone in the room to come up with ideas and solutions. No two people think alike. So, combining the good parts of everyone's answers will result in holistic and revolutionary solutions.

Establishes different perspectives

One of the major benefits of brainstorming is that it allows and encourages all members of the session to freely propose ideas. This type of environment fosters courage in people who may not usually offer their perspective on a problem. Garnering a range of different perspectives can lead to a never-before-thought-of solution.

Introduces many ideas quickly

The beauty of brainstorming is that it encourages teams to come up with many ideas in a relatively short period of time. Ideas are thrown around, and every train of thought is documented. Different perspectives give different answers, and sifting through a few good answers in quick succession may lead to the perfect solution in no time.

Types of brainstorming techniques

There are plenty of creative brainstorming techniques to choose from. Here are some of the most popular ones:

Reverse brainstorming

In a typical brainstorming session, the group is asked to consider solutions to a problem. This means that they will spend time thinking about the outcome - the end goal - rather than the root of the problem - the starting point. Reverse brainstorming is simply the opposite: teams are asked to ideate on the problem instead of the solution. This type of brainstorming is done before the start of an important project, as it helps teams anticipate any future obstacles that might arise. To help frame this way of thinking, use a Reverse Brainstorming Template to get the team started.

Random word brainstorming

One of the main goals of a brainstorming session is to come up with new ideas. One of the best ways to do this is to say the first words that come to mind when a specific topic or subject is mentioned. Random word brainstorming allows for exactly that. The team is given a problem, and they need to shout out the first words that they think of, regardless of what they are. These words are then written down and later put into interesting combinations to see if they will lead to a usable solution. This brainstorming method is extremely fast and usually very efficient at solving a defined problem. The Random Words Brainstorming Template can help get you started.

The 5 Whys Method

Like the reverse brainstorming method, the 5 Whys method aims to look at the root causes of a problem to stop that same issue from arising again. This method attempts to curb the problem before it can reoccur by asking the question "why?" over and over until it can no longer be answered. Once you reach this stage, you have arrived at the root cause of the issue.

SCAMPER model

Developed by Bob Earle, an author of creativity books for kids, the SCAMPER model was originally a game aimed at imagination development in adolescents. It has, however, become popular in the corporate world as a means of improving and encouraging creativity in team members when dealing with complex, defined problems. Using this model, your team will view a problem through 7 filters: substitute, combine, adapt, modify, put to another use, eliminate, and reverse.

Rapid ideation

Rapid ideation brainstorming is almost the exact same thinking model as random word brainstorming. In this method, however, everyone writes down the solutions they are thinking of instead of shouting them out. This gives participants a bit more privacy with their immediate thoughts - possibly leading to even more creative and revolutionary outcomes.

Starbursting

Once again, brainstorming can change based on the team's perspective and each session's expected outcome. Starburst brainstorming focuses on getting the team to ask questions instead of coming up with answers.

How to hold a brainstorming workshop

Ready to harness the power of a well-run brainstorming session? Here's a step-by-step guide on how to organize a successful brainstorming workshop:

1. Assign a facilitator

When done as a group, a brainstorming session needs to have boundaries. You need to choose someone who will facilitate the session and provide guidelines for the thinking exercises that the group will partake in. This is so the session doesn't get too scattered and stays on the right track. The facilitator should pose questions and guide the group from start to finish.

2. Establish context and ensure group understanding

A brainstorming session cannot be properly carried out without context. The group must understand why they are meeting and what the end goal of the session is. Everyone should also understand the meaning of brainstorming and what to expect from the brainstorming process. The brainstorming method that will be used should also be established (see point 5) and explained at the outset.

3. Define an objective

While brainstorming is often looked at as a form of free-thinking creativity, it is best to try to stay within certain rules. It's essential that you define a clear objective and use the session to reach your predetermined goal.

4. Set a time limit

Setting a defined time limit before the session starts is important to the success of your brainstorming session. No doubt your team could come up with countless ideas, but there has to be a limit on how long the session can run. Knowing that you need to solve a problem within one hour, for instance, will help the team focus on the job at hand and come up with ideas faster. It will also keep everyone thinking about the same problem.

5. Decide on the brainstorming technique

The brainstorming technique that will be used must be decided on before the session begins. The best way to do this is to look at the problem at hand. If you're looking to prevent obstacles from arising in the future, try the "5 Whys" technique. If you're looking to come up with new marketing ideas or get creative with workplace conflicts, try the rapid ideation technique.

6. Set some ground rules

As stated above, the best and most productive brainstorming sessions are those that allow for free thinking and creativity within preset boundaries. Brainstorming ground rules are essential to to the success of the session, as they keep everyone focused on the topic at hand and ensure that no one goes off track.

7. Capture all ideas

The entire point of a brainstorming session is to come up with as many ideas as possible, regardless of whether the standalone suggestion will lead to success. This means that you need to use the right tools to document the ideas being suggested. Miro has a host of idea-capturing tools, including a simple-to-use visual platform for remote brainstorming sessions and digital sticky notes.

8. Discuss and vote on ideas

After all the ideas have been captured, it's time to discuss them. The team needs to be productive in choosing a creative idea that suits the problem, or they can try combining a few ideas to come up with a holistic solution. To make decisions as a group and come to an agreement, teams can use the dot voting method. This technique reveals group priorities and helps everyone reach a consensus on the direction to take.

9. Turn ideas into action

Once the final idea has been chosen, it's time to create a plan of action and a deadline for the idea to be put in place. Transform your ideas into detailed, tangible steps with the Action Plan Template. This will help with coordination between team members and ensures that nothing is missed.

Tips for your brainstorming activities

While all brainstorming sessions look a little different, here are some best practices to get the most out of yours:

Record all ideas

If you want to have a successful and productive brainstorming session, it's important that you capture every idea suggested, good and bad. An idea might seem silly when first brought up, but it might become an invaluable idea as the session moves on. Capture everything, and right at the end, work out which ideas best suit the problem.

Ensure that everyone's ideas are heard

When brainstorming is done as a group activity, everyone needs to feel comfortable and confident to propose ideas. The best way to make sure the environment fosters these feelings is to make the session feel like a conversation, not a presentation. Create a safe and open environment that gives everyone equal opportunity to voice their opinions and ideas.

Focus on quantity

People often like to say, "Focus on quality, not quantity," but it's the opposite when brainstorming. In a brainstorming session, you should focus on getting as many ideas on the board as possible, even if they're only one-word ideas. These can all be used to come to a holistic solution at the end of the session. Each suggestion could be invaluable if you're coming up with a combined idea.

Mix it up

Brainstorming should be a fun and creative endeavor. You shouldn't be too rigid - though some ground rules are important. If your team has weekly brainstorming sessions, try new brainstorming techniques and activities each time you meet. This will keep your team members on their toes and help make them excited about the next meeting. It will also encourage out-of-the-box thinking, which is essential to any successful brainstorming session.

Avoid criticism

We'll say it again: there are no bad ideas in a brainstorming session. This is the attitude that all team members must adopt when entering the session. No one should be criticized for the ideas that they propose. The best way to foster an environment that is devoid of criticism and encourages creativity is to maintain a relaxed approach. This will make everyone feel comfortable and happy to contribute their ideas.

Get on board in seconds

Join thousands of teams using Miro to do their best work yet.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What is Brainstorming? Techniques and Methods | Miro

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Ensure you get the most out of every brainstorming session with this in-depth brainstorming guide. Discover brainstorming techniques and activities using Miro.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
What if we told you that one simple change to your organization could expand your talent pool, save you thousands of dollars, and make a positive difference for the world? You'd be interested, right? OK, here it is: Let your employees work remotely.

With the COVID-19 pandemic, you may have already switched your staff to remote work. Good for you. But you should consider this as a long-term strategy, not just an emergency measure. Not only can it improve employees' work-life balance, it offers key benefits for employers, which may explain why more companies are embracing remote employment.

More Companies Are Embracing Remote Employment

Sixty-eight percent of employers "allow workers to telecommute as needed," according to research cited by The New York Times. A Vox article describes remote options as "a defining feature of the future of work."

Now that COVID-19 has forced many companies to go completely virtual, a growing trend has suddenly skyrocketed. "Covid-19 could permanently shift working patterns as companies forced to embrace remote working by the pandemic find that their employees do not want to return to the office once the closures are lifted," explains The Guardian. Employers may also discover the key benefits provided by allowing their employees to work from home.

The Benefits of Remote Work for Employers

Let's look at the five key benefits to employers.

5. Remote Work Helps Employers Save Money

If you let your employees work from home, it can significantly improve your bottom line. "Allowing a worker to telecommute half the time can save an employer more than $11,000 a year," according to CNN. Let's break down some of the financial benefits:

4. Remote Work Helps Employers Boost Engagement and Productivity

Are you worried that remote employees will be disengaged and disconnected? The opposite is true. According to the Harvard Business Review, remote workers are more engaged, in part because leaders are purposeful with their communication. The Review cites a case study in which "team members who were not in the same location with their leaders were more engaged and committed - and rated the same leader higher - than team members sitting right nearby."

Employees feel their time is valued, not wasted in meaningless meetings. Free to manage their day without interruptions, remote workers can dive deeply into projects. In fact, "the productivity increase among remote workers is equivalent to an extra day per person per week," according to a study cited by Gallup.

3. Remote Work Helps Employers Build Their Brand

Remote work is good for the planet. The equation is simple: Less commute time plus reduced facility use equals a smaller footprint. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

cites the combined environmental impact of three companies, Xerox, Dell, and Aetna, which switched a large portion of their employees to telework. In one year, they "saved 95,294 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions."

A commitment to sustainability isn't just the ethical choice: It's also good for business.

Dedicate a section of your website to showing the environmental benefits of your remote team. You'll attract employees who care about partnering with a socially responsible company, and you'll make customers feel good about their brand loyalty.

2. Remote Work Helps Employers Increase Retention

Employees consider remote work to be a prized benefit, which means it may help you retain your top talent.

According to Gallup research, 54 percent of employees would "change jobs for the choice to work remotely or not." Conversely, those who already have remote options are more likely to stay with their employer.

Give your workers what they crave: the freedom to choose where they work and live.

1. Remote Work Helps Employers Recruit Talent

You want to find the ideal employee for your position. Why limit yourself to workers within commuting distance? Recruiting remote employees means you can focus on who is the best fit for your position, wherever they live. In other words, it expands your talent pool.

Matt Mullenweg, co-founder of WordPress, explains it like this: "In Silicon Valley, you have the big tech companies fishing from essentially the same small pond or bay. By making the company distributed, we can fish from the entire ocean."

Mullenweg points out an additional benefit of disturbing your workforce across state and international borders: Your employees will "bring a different understanding of that culture and a different lived experience." Embracing remote employment can increase your team diversity, which in turn leads to greater productivity and profit.

Lead Your Team to Success

We can help you develop the leadership skills for a successful team - whether they work in the office or at home. Explore our professional development programs through USF's Office of Corporate Training and Professional Education, or contact us at 813-974-0950. Please note that all our courses will be in a live online format during the coronavirus crisis, so you can pursue your career goals while social distancing.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Why More Companies Are Embracing Remote Employment

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Discover why companies are embracing remote employment. Allowing employees to work remotely can expand your talent pool and save you thousands of dollars.

# data[].attributes.headline
Should businesses allow more work from home ?

# data[].attributes.subject
Should businesses allow more work from home ?

# data[].attributes.body
Topic 3 : Should businesses allow more work from home ?

Adventages

People with social anxiety who have the talent and ability to do creative and outstanding work will not worry much about communications and interactions between them and other employees because they are working from their own comfort space

Provides access to a wider range of talented employees as for example the employer does not certainly have to be in the country where that company is found as they can be working from their own home country

Leads to higher attendance rates such as if you could not attend to the workforce due to a valid reason as for example illness then you are not marked absent as you could still do the work from home so you technically attended work even if you did not show up

Disadvantages

People will tend to procrastinate more and delay work if the place they work in is the same as the place where they rest and relax as the lack of a clear separation between work and home can make it difficult for employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance

Lowers productivity as the surrounding of the house tricks your brain into resting and relaxing while the surrounding of the workforce is translated by your brain into doing the work because you have a certain work time and you need to be done with the work at a specific time and generally your home environment can be filled with distractions making it difficult to focus and maintain productivity while setting up a dedicated workspace can help in being more productive

Working from home will have this constant presence of work related reminders as for example seeing your laptop or unfinished tasks or emails will not allow you to fully relax if you had to or if you needed to disconnect from work for a while

# data[].attributes.headline
Should employees have the choice to work from home?

# data[].attributes.subject
Should employees have the choice to work from home?

# data[].attributes.body
For:
1) Increases efficient outcomes.
2) Corporations will invest less money on building working places .
3) Flexibility
4) Attract new talents

Against:
1) Staff feeling isolated
2) Home distractions
3) Information security risk
4)Difficulty monitoring performance.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Advantages and disadvantages of employees working at home | nibusinessinfo.co.uk

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Key advantages and disadvantages of home working - from productivity boosts to problems monitoring performance.

# data[].attributes.headline
should scientists help people live longer lives?

# data[].attributes.subject
should scientists help people live longer lives?

# data[].attributes.body
1- overpopulation, lack of human rights (negative).
2- Fear of death or losing people we love (positive).
3- It would not be fair for low and middle class people (negative).
4- Keeping important people alive, politicians for example will prevent a lot of global issues (positive).

# data[].attributes.body
3 arguments against:
- Strong point is waste of money and resources
- Scientists should on more important things
- Some religious think that the human lifespan shouldn’t be missed with.
2 arguments for:
- Some people look forward to make a difference in the world.
- People will pay more attention to the universal problem such as climate change and pollution.

# data[].attributes.headline
should scientist help people live longer lives? 

# data[].attributes.subject
should scientist help people live longer lives? 

# data[].attributes.body
1- overpopulation, lack of human rights (negative).
2- Fear of death or losing people we love (positive).
3- It would not be fair for low and middle class people (negative).
4- Keeping important people alive, politicians for example will prevent a lot of global issues (positive).

# data[].attributes.headline
Is access to free internet a universal human right?

# data[].attributes.subject
Is access to free internet a universal human right?

# data[].attributes.body
Arguments For

1- The internet has become a diverse platform. Many aspects of daily life have been shifted to online platforms. For example: banking, flight bookings, remote work, shopping, education, etc. Therefore lacking internet access would put people at a major disadvantage.

2- The internet provides a platform for people to freely express their opinions. This could serve as an important way of solving societal issues. Also, the internet facilitates worldwide communication especially with people who are incapable of interacting with their loved ones physically on a daily basis.

Arguments Against:

1- It is not a necessary aspect for maintaining life. Humans have lived without the internet for decades and they survived and thrived the same way we do nowadays. This proves that the internet is not crucial for living, and we can survive without it.

2- It can lead to people overstepping their boundaries on the internet. This can lead to controversial arguments on the internet. In addition, cyber bullying and rumor spreading can lead to issues in society. These issues especially become more common if the internet is a human right because people feel "over-comfortable" and tend to over-step their boundaries.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Should Internet Access be Declared a Basic Human Right?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
UNITED NATIONS, Apr 13 (IPS) - The United Nations defines human rights as “rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status”.

# data[].attributes.headline
Is access to free internet a universal human right?

# data[].attributes.subject
Is access to free internet a universal human right?

# data[].attributes.body
Argument for:

1- communicate with others.

2- know what is happening around us.

argument against:

1- reduce the intelligence rates.

2- negative effect on human behavior and health

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Free internet access must be considered as a human right, as people unable to get online lack meaningful ways to influence the global players shaping their everyday lives, according to a new study.

Free internet access must be considered as a human right, as people unable to get online - particularly in developing countries - lack meaningful ways to influence the global players shaping their everyday lives, according to a new study.

As political engagement increasingly takes place online, basic freedoms that many take for granted including free expression, freedom of information and freedom of assembly are undermined if some citizens have access to the internet and others do not.

New research reveals that the internet could be a key way of protecting other basic human rights such as life, liberty, and freedom from torture - a means of enabling billions of people to lead 'minimally decent lives'.

Dr. Merten Reglitz, Lecturer in Global Ethics at the University of Birmingham, has published his findings - the first study of its kind - in the Journal of Applied Philosophy.

"Internet access is no luxury, but instead a moral human right and everyone should have unmonitored and uncensored access to this global medium - provided free of charge for those unable to afford it," commented Dr Reglitz.

"Without such access, many people lack a meaningful way to influence and hold accountable supranational rule-makers and institutions. These individuals simply don't have a say in the making of the rules they must obey and which shape their life chances."

He added that exercising free speech and obtaining information was now heavily dependent on having internet access. Much of today's political debate took place online and politically relevant information is shared on the internet - meaning the relative value these freedoms held for people 'offline' had decreased.

Dr. Reglitz's research attributes to the internet unprecedented possibilities for protecting basic human rights to life, liberty and bodily integrity. Whilst acknowledging that being online does not guarantee these rights, he cites examples of internet engagement that helped hold Government and institutions to account. These examples include:

The 'Arab Spring'- new ways of global reporting on government atrocities.

Documenting unjustified police violence against African Americans in the US.

#MeToo campaign - helping to 'out' sexual harassment of women by powerful men.

Dr. Reglitz defines 'moral human rights' as based on universal interests essential for a 'minimally decent life'. They must also be of such fundamental importance that if a nation is unwilling or unable to uphold these rights, the international community must step in.

The study points to a number of important political institutions which have committed to ensuring universal access for their populations, convinced that this goal is affordable:

The Indian state of Kerala has declared universal internet access a human right and aims to provide it for its 35 million people by 2019.

The European Union has launched the WiFi4EU initiative to provide 'every European village and city with free wireless internet access around main centres of public life by 2020.

Global internet access is part of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, with the UN demanding states help to deliver universal Internet access in developing nations.

Dr Reglitz outlines the size of the challenge posed in providing universal internet access, noting that the UN's International Telecommunication Union estimated that, by the end of 2018, 51 percent of the world's population of 7 billion people had access to the Internet.

Many people in poorer parts of the world are still without internet access, but their number is decreasing as technology becomes cheaper. However, internet expansion has slowed in recent years, suggesting universal access will not occur without intentional promotion.

"Universal internet access need not cost the earth - accessing politically important opportunities such as blogging, obtaining information, joining virtual groups, or sending and receiving emails does not require the latest information technology," commented Dr Reglitz.

"Web-capable phones allow people to access these services and public internet provision, such as public libraries, can help get people online where individual domestic access is initially too expensive."

He added that the human right to internet access was similar to the global right to health, which cannot require globally the highest possible medical treatment, as many states are too poor to provide such services and thus would face impossible demands.

Instead, poor states are called upon to provide basic medical services and work toward providing higher quality health care delivery. Similarly, such states should initially offer locations with public Internet access and develop IT infrastructure that increases access.

According to the NGO The World Wide Web Foundation, founded by World Wide Web inventor Tim Berners-Lee 'affordability' remains one of the most significant, but solvable, obstacles to universal access.

For the Foundation, internet access is affordable if one gigabyte of data costs no more than two percent of average monthly income - currently some 2.3 billion people are without affordable Internet access.

For more information, interviews or an embargoed copy of the paper, please contact Tony Moran, International Communications Manager, University of Birmingham on +44 (0) 121 414 8254 or +44 (0)782 783 2312. For out-of-hours enquiries, please call +44 (0) 7789 921 165.

The University of Birmingham is ranked amongst the world's top 100 institutions, its work brings people from across the world to Birmingham, including researchers and teachers and more than 6,500 international students from over 150 countries.

'The Human Right to Free Internet Access' - Dr. Merten Reglitz is published in the Journal of Applied Philosophy.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Free internet access should be a basic human right - study - University of Birmingham

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Free internet access must be considered as a human right, as people unable to get online lack meaningful ways to influence the global players shaping their everyday lives, according to a new study.

# data[].attributes.body
For:
1. Increasing societal productivity as we increase people's youth years
2. Improving mental health/societal happiness as people become less stressed about dying or losing their loved ones

Against:
1. Lack of the enough esources that people living longer would consume
2. It costs a lot of money that could be dedicated for potentially more important causes

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2690099/

# data[].attributes.body
for:
-increasing the number of young years which means increasing productivity in society
-reducing the stress about loosing a family member
against:
-unintended consequences such as overpopulation,lack of resources.
-it costs a lot of money that could be used in more important cause

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
In the last two decades, biogerontologists have found that the pace of aging can be decelerated in mammals by dietary or genetic means. Though still largely unappreciated by the lay and scientific public alike, these discoveries belie the common assumption that human aging probably cannot be slowed and prompt the question of whether we can use our growing knowledge about aging to produce 90-year-old adults who are as healthy and active as today' 50-year-olds. This article explores three related issues: first, why discussions of antiaging medicines are no longer silly; next, why the development of antiaging strategies is making so little headway; and last, whether further work in this area would be worthwhile.

By "aging" I mean a process that converts healthy young adults into less healthy older ones with an increasing risk of illness and death. This definition, which seems fairly innocuous, is careful enough to be controversial, because there are many interesting areas of investigation-studies of childhood development; specific late-life diseases; death or proliferative ennui of cells in culture; leaf abscission; and time-dependent changes in the chemical composition of wines, cheeses, and bones-that are sometimes proposed in various combinations as worthy of gerontological attention and governmental funding. Each of these areas may deserve study, and some of them may eventually provide insights into real aging, but to avoid confusion, I shall discuss only the kind of aging that turns whole young bodies into old ones.

The idea that antiaging interventions might someday be developed makes the assumption, remarkably controversial when carefully scrutinized, that there is an aging process, as contrasted to a set of aging processes that just happen to occur in rough synchrony within any one species and at different rates among different species. In the gerontological community, the majority of deep thinkers ( Holliday 1999; Masoro 1995; Partridge and Harvey 1993) are now convinced that there is no aging process, no central clock timing the race through life. The conviction of these "multiplicitists" rests on the profound awe at the complexity of aging, with its effects on proliferating cells, nonproliferating cells, extracellular matrices, cell-to-cell communication, gene expression patterns, cell structures, and the like. It is obvious that each of these age-related forms of disarray can be influenced by many genes, many more or less predictable progressive adaptations to environmental insults, and many forms of stochastic misadventure. Thus the sum of these processes-which we call aging-must be more complicated still. From this perspective, a quest for antiaging medicines resembles the alchemists' search for the sorcerer' stone; that is, it is clear evidence that the alchemists' worldview is inadequate.

The Case for an Aging Process

From many fronts, there now is incontrovertible evidence that aging in mammals can be decelerated and that it is not too difficult to do this. In ways that I shall describe, caloric restriction (CR) surely slows aging ( Weindruch and Sohal 1997), and methionine restriction may also do so ( Orentreich, Matias, DeFelice, et al. 1993). At least three spontaneous mouse mutants (dw, df, and lit) and two induced ones (GHR/BP and p66 shc knock-outs) reproducibly increase life span by as much or more than caloric restriction does and do so through metabolic alterations that overlap with CR only partially ( Brown-Borg, Borg, Meliska, et al. 1996; Coschigano, Clemmons, Bellush, et al. 2000; Migliaccio, Giorgio, Mele, et al. 1999). Artificial selection for altered body size creates long-lived dogs ( Li, Deeb, Pendergrass, et al. 1996; Miller 1999) and mice ( Miller, Chrisp, and Atchley 2000), and possibly horses, does so over and over again, and does so in a few dozen to a few hundred generations. Natural selection for adaptation to environmental niches with low intrinsic hazards routinely produces species (and, in some cases, subspecies or races) with longer lives ( Austad 1993; Austad and Fischer 1991), including, for example, at least three species of rodents (porcupines, naked mole rats, and capybaras) with lifetimes three-to tenfold longer than those of common household and laboratory rodents. Indeed, nature can churn out long-lived variants from short-lived predecessors quickly and reliably, making bats, tortoises, flying squirrels, elephants, parrots and many other birds, tuna and rockfish, longevitous opossums, and people. This trick seems to be easy to do and, at least in the opossum, takes only an evolutionary eye blink ( Austad 1993).

Aging in mice, dogs, horses, and people is easily recognized: a creature with cataracts, weak muscles, poor immunity, incipient deafness, drastically reduced cardiopulmonary reserves, and several early malignancies is clearly old, but we cannot know whether it is 2, 12, 25, or 75 years old until we know to what species it belongs. It seems odd that each of these processes, and many more besides, are timed by independent clocks that just happen to count out 2 years in a mouse and 75 in a human, and it is equally odd to view as pure coincidence the ability of multiple single-gene mutations and at least one dietary modulation to slow all these down in synchrony. My own reading of the evidence is that the aging process is probably timed by a single clock (or perhaps a very small number). We will call this view the "unitarian" thesis.

Aging Is Both Unitarian and Multiplex

Is aging one process or many? When both alternative answers to a question are clearly correct, the question is poorly phrased. An economy, for example, is clearly multiplex, with many interlocking, partially independent, parallel processes and is just as clearly subject to acceleration or deceleration through fairly simple means-a change in interest rates, a war, massive deficit spending-that influence the much larger set of downstream processes. The time spent by gerontologists debating whether aging is a single process or many would be better devoted to trying to figure out the mechanistic links between the master clock whose existence is strongly suggested by the unitarian argument and the many cell-specific, organ-specific, and organism-wide processes that march in crude synchrony at species-specific rates.

Why Do We Age at All?

A remarkable proportion of first-year medical students are confident of the same wrong answer to this question: the assertion that evolution promotes genes that cause aging in order to clear away old individuals and make room for their progeny. This belief rests on a misunderstanding of how evolution works: genes that hypothetically accelerate aging would have little chance of taking hold in a population because their owners would, as they became enfeebled and then died, leave fewer offspring than would their colleagues that did not have the fast-aging gene. Evolutionary biologists have indeed developed a clear, consistent, and fairly well-tested understanding of why aging is so common (nearly universal) among plants and animals ( Medawar 1952; Williams 1957). The key realization is that the genes that have ill effects only at later ages-ages "late" with respect to the attainment of breeding age-are not exposed very strongly to the pressures of natural selection. Consider, for example, a hypothetical species (the grommit) whose environment is full of hazards. In their environmental niche, even the healthiest young adults have a 50-50 chance each year of starving, being eaten, or succumbing to infection. A genetic mutant that greatly increased the likelihood of dementia, osteoporosis, or cataracts in one-year-old grommits is likely to be weeded out by natural selection because there are many one-year-old grommits, whose chances of reproducing would be diminished by any of these (and many similar) tribulations. But a mutation that caused ill effects in 10-year-old grommits would have very little impact on reproductive success, because with 50 percent annual mortality, very few grommits would live that long. And indeed, a mutation that even slightly increased the reflex speed or muscle strength or immune response in one-year-old grommits would be highly favored, even if as a side effect it caused serious illnesses in 10-year-olds. The consequence is clear: mutations with late-acting deleterious effects tend to accumulate in the genome of every species. If fully evolved grommits are lucky enough to find themselves in a zoo or laboratory in which their food supply is constant and their predators, both infectious and carnivorous, have been banished, they will suddenly be confronted, at age 10 or so, with the fruits of this genetic burden: the losses in skin, bone, muscle, brain, immune, endocrine, and digestive functions that we so readily recognize as aging in our pets and in ourselves.

This argument shows why we age, but why, then, do we not age more slowly? Nature can make 20-year-old turtles and horses and tunas, so why does it shy away from evolving mice that age at the same slow rate? The catch is that genes that could slow aging have reproductive costs. For the same reason, it would not be worthwhile to print the Michigan Daily on stone tablets, because today' issue is not likely to have much value in the next millennium; nor are titanium doors worth the price in an automobile likely to break down in a few dozen years. High-hazard niches, in which a mouse-however resistant to cancers and cataracts and osteopenia it may be-is likely to be eaten within a year or so, do not support the selection of genes that postpone these age effects for decades, because mice that devote their energies to eating and breeding will do better than those that spend valuable capital on eye repair and anticancer surveillance.

Although Nature invests in longevity often, it does so only in safe neighborhoods. Not all rodenty creatures burn their candles at both ends. Rodents that learn to fly or glide become, respectively, bats and flying squirrels, nearly every species of which is remarkably long-lived compared with nonflying animals of the same size ( Austad and Fischer 1991). Rodents that evolve protective spines become porcupines, among which most species are quite long-lived ( Carey and Judge 2000); the current world record for longevity in a rodent is owned by a Sumatran crested porcupine who made it to 27.25 years. Rodents that learn to live underground in thermocontrolled bunkers also do well-the naked mole rat, a 25-gram denizen of Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia, has lived at least 20 years in captivity, with rumors of 30-year-old specimens abounding wherever naked mole rat experts congregate. Nature discovered the backbone once, the flower once, hair once, and the hand once but figures out longevity over and over, always when a species stumbles into a suitably safe niche where flying, body armor, large size, predator-free islands, or (for humans and naked mole rats) environmental control systems mitigate risk and offer a potential payoff for decelerating senescence. This seems to be an easy trick to learn, and it would be of great practical and theoretical interest to find out whether it is performed in the same way-that is, by using genetic alterations of the same set of biochemical pathways-in each phylogenetically distinct instance.

Anti-geric Intervention: Slowing Aging in Laboratory Animals

Mother Nature can slow down aging and so, it turns out, can we. So far, two approaches work for sure: diminished total caloric intake, and changes in genes that regulate the rate of early-life growth.

Since the work of McCay and his colleagues ( McCay, Crowell, and Maynard 1935) in 1935, which was replicated and expanded by Masoro and his colleagues ( Maeda, Gleiser, Masoro, et al. 1985; Yu, Masoro, and McMahan 1985), we have known that rats and mice that are given about 40 percent less food than they would eat on their own live about 40 percent longer than do fully fed controls. This basic observation has been repeated in about 100 experiments done in dozens of independent laboratories ( Weindruch and Walford 1988). The "caloric restriction" (CR) protocol differs from starvation in that CR rodents receive fully adequate amounts of proteins, vitamins and minerals, fatty acids, and other nutrients; that is, their diets are adjusted to provide adequate nutrition but with drastically fewer calories. Their life span is extended because the CR diet postpones whatever diseases are the key causes of death in each species and stock that has been tested. The CR diet does not merely postpone diseases and death but also seems to decelerate aging per se and, in so doing, retards age-related changes in nearly every system and cell type that has been examined. For example, CR slows down the effects of aging on cells that divide frequently (such as bone marrow and gut-lining cells), cells that divide only rarely (bone cells), and cells that do not divide at all (neurons). It retards age changes in extracellular materials (such as collagen and the crystallin proteins of the eye lens), in intracellular processes (age-sensitive patterns of gene expression), and in systems that mediate intercellular communications (endocrine feedback loops). Thus CR seems to slow aging, and indeed, the CR-mediated deceleration of aging is a key element in the argument that aging is sensibly considered a unitary process with varying rates. It will be highly informative to learn more about the ways in which an apparently simple intervention leads to a delay or deceleration of age-related changes in so wide a range of apparently disparate cell types and inter- and intracellular processes.

CR works in rodents and has been shown to extend life in a wide range of other animal types, most of them invertebrates. At least three research groups are now conducting studies designed to determine whether CR will retard aging in a nonhuman primate, the rhesus monkey. The data, though incomplete, so far look fairly promising. The largest CR effects are seen in experimental protocols in which the dietary restriction is begun early in life, for example, in adolescents or young adults, but partial effects have been demonstrated in rodents first exposed to CR about 40 percent through their average life span.

How does CR work? Of the dozen or so plausible ideas, only a few, to date, have been disproved. McCay' original notion was that CR extended the life span by preventing growth to full body size, but this is wrong: CR dramatically extends life span even if begun when the animal is already a full-sized adult. CR rodents are typically very lean, suggesting that the lack of adipose tissue is a key element in their extended youthfulness, but the imposition of CR on a mouse with a genetic mutation that leads to extreme obesity also produces a very long-lived, albeit fat, mouse. The idea that CR slows aging by diminishing the rate at which food is converted to energy (and thus the rate at which metabolism produces toxic, oxidizing by-products) was disproved by studies showing that the small body size of CR rodents balances their lower food intake, so that the amount of fuel used (or oxygen used) per gram of body mass is not lower in CR than in control rodents ( McCarter, Masoro, and Yu 1985). Several other theories, though, are still fully plausible, including notions that the long healthy lives of CR rodents are due to their low glucose levels, high insulin sensitivity, mildly elevated glucocorticoid levels, or changes in gene expression that represent adaptive responses to metabolic hardship. Determining the mechanism by which CR slows aging, and discovering a technique for inducing these changes without restricting the number of calories per se, would constitute a major landmark in medical research.

In regard to public health and preventive medicine, we should note that CR does not merely postpone death and does not merely prolong late-life disabilities. Instead, CR rodents remain healthy and active at ages at which all their control littermates have long since died. Studies of exercise capacity, for example, show that when ordinary rats are given access to a running wheel, they typically put in about 1,000 meters/day for their first few months of adult life, but then after the age of eight months, they abruptly slow down and rarely run more than 200 meters/day. In contrast, CR rodents typically run 4,000 to 5,000 meters/day until they are at least two years old (the median life span for controls) and are still running 1,000 meters/day at three years of age. Autopsy studies of CR animals at the end of their life span typically show very low levels of arthritic, neoplastic, and degenerative change, and in functional tests of immunity, memory, muscle strength and the like, they typically resemble much younger animals of the control group.

For about 50 years, the CR protocol was the only established method for producing very old, very healthy rodents. This situation changed in 1996 with the discovery that the Ames dwarf mutant mouse lived about 50 percent (and for females, up to 70 percent) longer than did nonmutant control mice ( Brown-Borg et al. 1996). The small stature of these mice results from deficits in their production of growth hormone, thyroid hormones, and prolactin. Since 1996, two laboratories, including my own ( Miller 1999), have documented a similar extension of life span in the closely related Snell dwarf mouse, and a third group ( Coschigano et al. 2000) has shown exceptional longevity in an engineered mutant that can make growth hormone but cannot respond to it. A fourth mutation with defective activation of the growth hormone pathway, the "little" mutant lit/lit, also shows extended longevity (about 20 percent to 25 percent over controls) when raised on a diet relatively low in fat ( Flurkey, Papaconstantinou, Miller, et al. 2001). Snell and Ames dwarf mice, unlike the other two mutants, also are deficient in their production of thyroid hormones and prolactin, one or both of which may contribute to their especially dramatic longevity. The characterization of the pathophysiology of these long-lived mutant mice is much less advanced than studies of the CR effect, but it is already apparent that Snell dwarf mice, at least, are not only long lived but also relatively slow to develop age-related changes in their immune and connective tissues ( Flurkey et al. 2001). Thus it seems likely that a thorough characterization will show that these mutants are authentic examples of decelerated or postponed aging. These observations do not contradict the claims that administering growth hormone (GH) to elderly people may help alleviate some of the ill effects of aging, such as loss of muscle mass ( Rudman, Feller, Nagraj, et al. 1990), because it is quite plausible that the effects of GH early in life may be different from those it has at advanced ages.

The association between alterations in body size and longevity seen in these mutant mice seems likely to be reproducible in other rodents and other species of mammals. The most dramatic example comes from a comparison of body weight and longevity among breeds of purebred dogs. Using statistics compiled by Norman Wolf from an archive of veterinary records ( Li et al. 1996), I have shown by means of linear regression that the relationship between breed weight and mean breed longevity is very strong, with a squared correlation coefficient of 0.56 among the 16 breeds for which records were available ( Miller 1999). Thus centuries of breeding to produce dogs whose size suited them for particular tasks-small dogs as pets and rodent hunters, larger dogs for guard and military duty-not only has created the intended wide variations in growth rate and ultimate size but also unintended differences in life span. The high correlation coefficient supports the provocative conclusion that 56 percent of the variation in longevity among extant breeds is due to the effects of genes whose main, selective, purpose is to regulate size and growth rate. The physiological basis for differences in size between related large and small breeds has been investigated in two cases only but in both instances was shown to represent genetic differences in the response to growth hormone-smaller dogs producing less growth hormone and, perhaps as a consequence, living longer. There is also some evidence, so far anecdotal, of exceptional longevity among miniature breeds of horses.

Dogs are dogs and mice are mice, but what about humans? The relationship between size and longevity genes in humans is difficult to tease apart, because socioeconomic advantages can contribute to both large body size and good health outcomes. Nevertheless, there is some evidence that after controlling for the potential confounding effects of nonbiological influences, people of relatively short stature may be relatively long lived, or at least relatively resistant to certain major classes of disease ( Davey, Hart, Upton, et al. 2000; Samaras and Storms 1992). For example, on the European island of Krk, some humans have a short stature because of a mutation in the same gene responsible for the Ames dwarf mutation in mice. The limited evidence ( Krzisnik, Kolacio, Battelino, et al. 1999) suggests that this particular variety of growth hormone deficiency in humans may, like the dwarf mutations in mice, be associated with exceptional longevity.

Thus three lines of evidence-one genetic, one based on dietary restriction, and one phylogenetic-lead to an important conclusion: although the signs of aging are, to a first approximation, similar in all species of mammals, the pace at which these changes develop can be coordinately regulated and, in some cases, by as simple a change as the modification of a single base of DNA sequence or the restriction of food availability. Fifty years ago an assertion that the rate of aging might be deliberately modified would have been only a hunch or statement of faith, without empirical foundation. Today, however, it is clear that the rate of aging can differ among members of the same species and differ radically between species as closely related as monkeys and people. These new findings lead to an important question: what implications would the development of a simple intervention, such as a pill, that would lead to a dramatic decline in the rate of aging have for public health? What obstacles need to be overcome to achieve this result? And would such a discovery be a good thing or, like television, gunpowder, and the internal combustion engine, a mixed blessing?

What Would an Antiaging Pill Do?

What if we figured out enough about caloric restriction or age-retarding mutations to be able to design strategies that could routinely produce centenarians whose physical and mental health (and life expectancy) resembled that of today' typical retiree? A pill, free of side effects, that could slow down aging to the extent that is now reproducibly attained in calorically restricted laboratory rodents? One can, without undue speculation, produce a credible estimate about what such a pill would do to actuarial tables and life insurance rates. CR typically produces in rodents an increase in mean and maximal longevity of about 30 percent to 40 percent. Similarly, the dwarf mutations of mice lead to an increase in both their mean and maximal life span of about 25 to 70 percent, and the longest-lived small-dog breeds typically outlive average-sized dogs by a similar amount. Restriction of the amino acid methionine, which, like the restriction of calories, also retards growth and extends life span ( Orentreich et al. 1993; Richie, Leutzinger, Parthasarathy, et al. 1994), lengthens life by about 30 to 42 percent, and a mutation that alters cellular resistance to irradiation seems to produce mice that live 28 percent longer ( Migliaccio et al. 1999). Thus one can, with some confidence, expect that an effective antiaging intervention might increase the mean and maximal human life span by about 40 percent, which is a mean age at death of about 112 years for Caucasian American or Japanese women, with an occasional winner topping out at about 140 years. Claims in the popular press, however, even by accredited gerontologists, suggesting the possibility of 200-to 600-year-old people are not supported by any credible evidence.

Effective antiaging interventions-those that mimic the known results of CR or the genes that produce fox terriers and miniature schnauzers-would be expected to produce 112-year-old people with the same, highly variable set of abilities and disabilities seen in today' 78-year-olds. We can infer that CR, or something like it that worked in people, would not produce 112-year-olds that resemble today' supercentenarians in their precarious states of mental and physical health, because 3.25-year-old CR mice, our current best guides to what we would expect to see in a 112-year-old CR-facsimile person, are still fairly vigorous and admirably free of degenerative changes. Interventions that slow aging-at least the ones we know about so far-do not prolong the period of late-life suffering but instead delay its appearance by increasing the length of healthy adult life.

Demographic considerations show that aging research has potentially the biggest bang for the buck and may improve public health to a far greater extent than would research that works on only one disease at a time. Calculations based on estimations of life tables based on the hypothetical elimination of specific causes of late-life illness clearly make this point. , based on calculations by S. Jay Olshansky ( Olshansky, Carnes, and Cassel 1990), illustrates this idea. In 1985, for example, the typical 50-year-old American woman could look forward to another 32 years of life, with a mean age at death of about 82 years. The elimination of all forms of cancer-that is, the hypothetical adjustment of cancer mortality risks to zero at all ages above 50-would increase this woman' life expectancy by only 2.7 years, with death expected, on average, at about age 85. In fact, the complete elimination of all deaths due to cancer, heart diseases, stroke, and diabetes would produce a mean life span of about 96 years, or a change in the mean age of death of only 17 percent (i.e., from 82 to 96 years). The reason that the disease-at-a-time approach is so unproductive is indicated in : most causes of death show an exponential, rather than a linear, increase in incidence across the last third of the life span. Therefore, eliminating any one of the major lethal illnesses buys only a short respite from the implacable march of the next illness in line. also estimates the longer life span that we would expect if we could decelerate the aging process in humans to the extent that has been routinely feasible in rodents.

It seems reasonable to suppose that the discovery of a technique that can, in a laboratory animal, diminish to near zero the incidence of neoplasia, cardiovascular illnesses, and diabetic changes would prompt a substantial public commitment to working out the mechanism of the intervention and developing analogues that work well in humans. Reasonable but wrong: such an intervention has been clearly established for decades, and yet its investigation receives such a small proportion of governmental research funding that it cannot be seen in a pie chart.

Obstacles to Applied Gerontology

Why is research on aging and longevity-despite its immense potential to prevent late-life illness and prolong active adult life-relegated to an obscure and dusty corner of the research establishment? I can suggest eight reasons:

1. Most gerontologists who are widely known to the public are unscrupulous purveyors of useless nostrums. Fears of aging, illness, and death make most of us easy prey to confidence hucksters armed with bottles of potions and attractively polished testimonials. Amazon.com lists 57 titles on melatonin and another 20 on DHEA, most at sales rankings well above that for the Journal of Gerontology: Biological Sciences. At present, books like HGH- The Amazing Medically Proven Plan to Reverse Aging are gaining rapidly on last year' champions, The Melatonin Miracle and The Superhormone (aka DHEA). Scientists and their patrons-even those who have legitimate research interests in interventional gerontology-do not wish to be seen hanging out with snake-oil vendors. Perhaps for these reasons, discussions of research on life span extension are carefully skirted in political discourse at the National Institutes of Health and among similar custodians of public funding. One can sometimes get away with cautious circumlocutions ("we do research on the causes of late-life illnesses"), but to be safe, it is clearly better to focus on how to "add life to years" and how "to learn the secrets contributing to a healthy old age." A president who announces a war on cancer wins political points, but a president who publicly committed the government' resources to research on extending people' life span would be deemed certifiable.

2. Senators' and voters' parents died of specific diseases. Cancer, kidney diseases, AIDS, lung diseases, and Alzheimer' all have lobbies raising significant amounts of private funds for research and, more important, convincing legislators to allocate public funds to disease-specific research programs. Lobbyists for basic aging research, though doing the Lord' work, are thinner on the ground. To a great extent, the problem is one of public education: cancer and Alzheimer' are officially viewed as diseases and are thus in the realm of the theoretically curable, like polio, but aging is proverbially inevitable, its opponents as deluded as Canute. Those of us who have become convinced that aging, whether or not it is considered a disease, is the root of nearly all late-life illnesses, a fulcrum from which to shift the timing of all the real diseases on the list, have not yet convinced those who have the power to do much about aging.

3. Aging experiments in mammals take more than four years to finish. Young scientists need to write a lot of papers to get a postdoctoral fellowship, to get a job, and to get tenure. No responsible mentor will advise a smart and ambitious protégé to go into biogerontology research (except possibly in malleable, but questionably relevant, model organisms that have the grace to die in a few weeks).

4. Worse yet, aging experiments in mammals usually do not require fancy equipment or "cutting edge" methodology. Smart beginners can sometimes be seduced by the opportunity to learn the hottest new methods and use expensive new equipment, but unfortunately, many gerontological questions of interest require only the ability to distinguish live from dead mice. Learning to make this distinction is not adequate preparation for getting an academic or industrial position, and students know this.

5. Pharmaceutical firms can and do make excellent profits selling antiaging medicines that do not work. U.S. law permits over-the-counter sales of medicines without proven efficacy as long as the sales pitch does not explicitly state that the substances are to be used to treat disease. Pharmaceutical firms are, to some extent, in business to make money, and if it is legal and more or less harmless to pour tap water into bottles labeled "Authentic Ann Arbor Springs Health Water," they see little reason to spend valuable marketing money on proving that the stuff retards aging.

6. A pharmaceutical firm cannot test, let alone sell, actual antiaging medicines in the expected lifetime of the firm' CEO. The good-guy CEO of PharmaInc, who wants to develop an agent that slows aging, has a problem: it will be extremely difficult, and very time-consuming, to develop convincing evidence that a candidate drug delays aging in people. Although some interventions slow aging in rodents, there is no evidence that these would work if applied beyond approximately the middle of the life span. Caloric restriction has its largest effect if begun at juvenile or adolescent stages; it has a reproducible but smaller effect when applied at about midlife, but no detectable effect if applied at later ages. But even if a potential anti-geric compound appears in animal models to postpone or decelerate aging when administered to middle-aged volunteers, documentation that it has an effect on longevity or late-life illnesses in humans is, at minimum, a 20-year exercise, and an expensive one with no certainty of success.

7. We do not know how to measure aging. Research on medicines to help hypertensives depended heavily on the invention of a device to measure blood pressure. Research on antipyretics requires a thermometer, and research on antiobesity agents requires a scale. Aging is harder to measure than blood pressure, temperature, and weight, indeed so hard to measure that many authorities (such as the multiplicitists) are convinced that aging does not exist and thus cannot be measured. Informally, many researchers, like most members of the lay public, can use either visual clues or functional testing (such as uphill races to avoid the maws of charging beasts) to sort acquaintances into age classes with a good deal of accuracy, but rigorous attempts to develop test batteries that do better than chronological age at identifying those middle-aged persons who resemble younger ones in many respects have had little success so far. Traits that (a) can be measured innocuously in middle age, (b) predict remaining life span and/or time before the occurrence of some adverse late-life event of interest, and (c) predict the outcome of other age-sensitive tests in widely diverse experimental arenas (e.g., an immune test that predicts cataracts and muscle weakness and pulmonary compliance as well as life span) will deserve to be classified as biomarkers of aging and would be highly valuable as surrogate variables in tests for anti-geric interventions. No such biomarkers exist yet. Obtaining public or private money for such testing is very very difficult, and there is no organized program to develop such a biomarker battery. The absence of a well-validated method to measure biological age is a major impediment to the testing of agents thought likely to slow aging.

8. To be honest, we do not know what biochemical pathways control the rate of aging. Some scientific obstacles must still be overcome, an area beyond the scope of this article (see Miller 1997).

A Ninth Obstacle to Manipulating Longevity

A ninth obstacle is preventing the discovery of effective anti-geric interventions, which deserves a separate heading and special consideration: gerontologiphobia. There is an irrational public predisposition to regard research on specific late-life diseases as marvelous but to regard research on aging, and thus on all late-life diseases together, as a public menace bound to produce a world filled with nonproductive, chronically disabled, unhappy senior citizens consuming more resources than they produce. No one who speaks in public about longevity research goes very far before encountering the widespread belief that research on extending the life span is unethical, because it will create a world with too many old people and not enough room for young folks. Pointing out that such an argument could also be used, with equally fallacious force, against research on heart attacks, diabetes, and cancer (whose goals, like those of gerontology, are to allow people to live longer and healthier lives) does little to dispel this belief. It also does little good to point out that a similar argument could have been made 200 years ago against penicillin, plumbing systems, and surgical anesthesia, each of which helps produce people who remain healthy and productive to the age of 40 and sometimes even beyond.

A recent set of news articles about progress in extending the life span of worms elicited on the New York Times ' op-ed page a letter from Thomas Lynch, a professional undertaker-poet, calling for a halt to aging research as a danger to the public. His opinion is, in part:

The news, lately reported, that the life span of humans might be doubled in the next century is cause for sober and deliberate contemplation.... People are living longer but suffering diminishing returns on their death-care portfolios. Given adequate financing, given lucky breaks, how far could we go? ... Let me hazard that "too far" is one possible answer. We are a species, and especially a country, for whom, like drunks with drink or politicians with other people' money, enough is never going to be enough. It was true of the arms race, deficit spending and TV violence, the impeachment hearings and high-tech stocks-our appetites are insatiable, our habits tend toward gluttony .... To the medicos, maybe "thanks but no thanks" is the thing we should say-as if we had learned to spread the wealth or leave it to our children, or failing that, to leave well enough alone.

While in a certain respect it is cheering to note that biogerontology has progressed to the point that the leading figures in the mortuary business have begun to feel alarmed, this cheer is muted by the realization that so many members of the educated public, despite frequently being interested in promoting their own longevity, view improving the longevity of their fellows as vaguely distasteful and somehow unwise.

In this context, therefore, we should point out that the current, alarming population crisis and depletion of nonrenewable resources has come about without the slightest aid from biogerontologists, who have not yet discovered anything that actually improves public health or prevents disease. It follows inexorably that placing obstacles in the path of aging research will not help resolve the population crunch. Proposals that do address the root causes of the problem-solutions based on access to birth control information and hardware, strong incentives for resource conservation, and changes in social attitudes toward optimal family size, the scheduling of reproductive effort, and the proper role of the human female-typically elicit strong opposition from powerful religious, economic, and political factions. The currently fashionable concern about the hypothetical ill effects of hypothetical future advances in biogerontology seems, from this perspective, a diversionary tactic to draw attention away from the authentic malefactors whose political connections are better than those of us lowly biogerontologists. Perhaps there are some who, after sober and deliberate contemplation, feel that our Malthusian ills are best addressed by strategies that constrain the productive life span of healthy adults rather than by controlling the supply of new people. Were I a member of such a group, I would suggest that it devote its energies to removing seat belts from automobiles, insulin and antibiotics from pharmacies, and antismoking campaigns from schools, because compared with these interventions, picking on biogerontologists has a pretty low yield. The gerontologiphobic position ("Lynchism") seems to me indefensible, but it is common enough to present a formidable obstacle to progress in aging research.

Conclusion

If we-the good guys who favor preventive medicine and medical research-accept the idea that it would be worthwhile to prevent late-life illness and thus prolong the period of healthy active life, then we ought to note that researchers are very far from developing any method that can, even in laboratory rodents, prevent cancer, osteoporosis, immunosenescence, heart or kidney disease, cataracts, or indeed any other of the troublesome concomitants of old age. We can, however, routinely retard all these tribulations at the same time, at least in laboratory mammals, by well-validated methods. We do not know how these interventions work and are not likely to figure this out without a substantial investment of money and brainpower. Those of us who are still enjoying life in our forties and fifties and even beyond and still making contributions to the public weal should be grateful to our predecessors who invented plumbing, X-rays, disinfectants, antibiotics, and insulin. We biogerontologists wish to do our share to earn the gratitude of the coming generations, and we now have some good reason for optimism. But the obstacles blocking the development of the hypothetical discipline of applied gerontology are at this point about 85 percent political and 15 percent scientific, and they will not be overcome by biologists alone.

References

Carey JR, Judge DS. Longevity Records: Life Spans of Mammals, Birds, Amphibians, Reptiles, and Fish. Odense, Denmark: Odense University Press; 2000. [Google Scholar]

Davey SG, Hart C, Upton M, et al. Height and Risk of Death among Men and Women: Aetiological Implications of Associations with Cardiorespiratory Disease and Cancer Mortality. Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health. 2000;54:97-103. [[PMC free article] [PubMed] Google Scholar]

Flurkey K, Papaconstantinou J, Miller RA, Harrison DE. Life Span Extension and Delayed Immune and Collagen Aging in Mutant Mice with Defects in Growth Hormone Production. Proceedings of the National Academy of Science. 2001;98:6736-41. U.S.A. [[PMC free article] [PubMed] Google Scholar]

Holliday R. Understanding Ageing. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press; 1999. [Google Scholar]

Lynch T. Why Buy More Time? New York Times. 1999. (March 14)

Masoro EJ. Aging: Current Concepts. In: Masoro EJ, editor. Handbook of Physiology. Vol. 11. New York: Oxford University Press; 1995. pp. 3-21. Aging. [Google Scholar]

Medawar PT. An Unsolved Problem of Biology. London: H.K. Lewis; 1952. [Google Scholar]

Migliaccio E, Giorgio M, Mele S, et al. The p66[shc Adaptor Protein Controls Oxidative Stress Response and Life Span in Mammals. [PubMed] Google Scholar]

Samaras TT, Storms LH. Impact of Height and Weight on Life Span. Bulletin of the World Health Organization. 1992;70:259-67. [[PMC free article] [PubMed] Google Scholar]

Weindruch R, Sohal RS. Seminars in Medicine of the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center: Caloric Intake and Aging. New England Journal of Medicine. 1997;337:986-94. 10.1056/NEJM199710023371407. [[PubMed] PMC free article] [Google Scholar]

Weindruch R, Walford RL. The Retardation of Aging and Disease by Dietary Restriction. Ill.: Thomas: Springfield; 1988. [Google Scholar]

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Extending Life: Scientific Prospects and Political Obstacles

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
In the last two decades, biogerontologists have found that the pace of aging can be decelerated in mammals by dietary or genetic means. Though still largely unappreciated by the lay and scientific public alike, these discoveries belie the common assumption that human aging probably cannot be slowed and prompt the question of whether we can use our growing knowledge about aging to produce 90-year-old adults who are as healthy and active as today' 50-year-olds.

# data[].attributes.headline
Is internet access fundamental human right? Legain and Noora

# data[].attributes.subject
Is internet access fundamental human right? Legain and Noora

# data[].attributes.body
For:
-Allows freedom of speech and opinion.
- Essential for communication and making jobs.
Against:
- Increases cybercrime and conflict.
- Prioritizing internet access may turn the focus off on important things such as healthcare and education.https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/internet-access-basic-human-right/

# data[].attributes.headline
Should businesses allow more work from home ?

# data[].attributes.subject
Should businesses allow more work from home ?

# data[].attributes.body
Pros :
1- Time saving
2- Fewer sick days

Cons :
1- Expensive equipments
2- Less business productivity

https://kissflow.com/digital-workplace/remote-work/pros-and-cons-of-working-from-home/

# data[].attributes.headline
is accessing free internet a human right ?

# data[].attributes.subject
is accessing free internet a human right ?

# data[].attributes.body
argument for :

1- help people communicate (medical and educational uses )

2-to know what happen to the world

argument against:

1-not all people can access free internet

2-its negative effect of human health

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Free internet access must be considered as a human right, as people unable to get online lack meaningful ways to influence the global players shaping their everyday lives, according to a new study.

Free internet access must be considered as a human right, as people unable to get online - particularly in developing countries - lack meaningful ways to influence the global players shaping their everyday lives, according to a new study.

As political engagement increasingly takes place online, basic freedoms that many take for granted including free expression, freedom of information and freedom of assembly are undermined if some citizens have access to the internet and others do not.

New research reveals that the internet could be a key way of protecting other basic human rights such as life, liberty, and freedom from torture - a means of enabling billions of people to lead 'minimally decent lives'.

Dr. Merten Reglitz, Lecturer in Global Ethics at the University of Birmingham, has published his findings - the first study of its kind - in the Journal of Applied Philosophy.

"Internet access is no luxury, but instead a moral human right and everyone should have unmonitored and uncensored access to this global medium - provided free of charge for those unable to afford it," commented Dr Reglitz.

"Without such access, many people lack a meaningful way to influence and hold accountable supranational rule-makers and institutions. These individuals simply don't have a say in the making of the rules they must obey and which shape their life chances."

He added that exercising free speech and obtaining information was now heavily dependent on having internet access. Much of today's political debate took place online and politically relevant information is shared on the internet - meaning the relative value these freedoms held for people 'offline' had decreased.

Dr. Reglitz's research attributes to the internet unprecedented possibilities for protecting basic human rights to life, liberty and bodily integrity. Whilst acknowledging that being online does not guarantee these rights, he cites examples of internet engagement that helped hold Government and institutions to account. These examples include:

The 'Arab Spring'- new ways of global reporting on government atrocities.

Documenting unjustified police violence against African Americans in the US.

#MeToo campaign - helping to 'out' sexual harassment of women by powerful men.

Dr. Reglitz defines 'moral human rights' as based on universal interests essential for a 'minimally decent life'. They must also be of such fundamental importance that if a nation is unwilling or unable to uphold these rights, the international community must step in.

The study points to a number of important political institutions which have committed to ensuring universal access for their populations, convinced that this goal is affordable:

The Indian state of Kerala has declared universal internet access a human right and aims to provide it for its 35 million people by 2019.

The European Union has launched the WiFi4EU initiative to provide 'every European village and city with free wireless internet access around main centres of public life by 2020.

Global internet access is part of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, with the UN demanding states help to deliver universal Internet access in developing nations.

Dr Reglitz outlines the size of the challenge posed in providing universal internet access, noting that the UN's International Telecommunication Union estimated that, by the end of 2018, 51 percent of the world's population of 7 billion people had access to the Internet.

Many people in poorer parts of the world are still without internet access, but their number is decreasing as technology becomes cheaper. However, internet expansion has slowed in recent years, suggesting universal access will not occur without intentional promotion.

"Universal internet access need not cost the earth - accessing politically important opportunities such as blogging, obtaining information, joining virtual groups, or sending and receiving emails does not require the latest information technology," commented Dr Reglitz.

"Web-capable phones allow people to access these services and public internet provision, such as public libraries, can help get people online where individual domestic access is initially too expensive."

He added that the human right to internet access was similar to the global right to health, which cannot require globally the highest possible medical treatment, as many states are too poor to provide such services and thus would face impossible demands.

Instead, poor states are called upon to provide basic medical services and work toward providing higher quality health care delivery. Similarly, such states should initially offer locations with public Internet access and develop IT infrastructure that increases access.

According to the NGO The World Wide Web Foundation, founded by World Wide Web inventor Tim Berners-Lee 'affordability' remains one of the most significant, but solvable, obstacles to universal access.

For the Foundation, internet access is affordable if one gigabyte of data costs no more than two percent of average monthly income - currently some 2.3 billion people are without affordable Internet access.

For more information, interviews or an embargoed copy of the paper, please contact Tony Moran, International Communications Manager, University of Birmingham on +44 (0) 121 414 8254 or +44 (0)782 783 2312. For out-of-hours enquiries, please call +44 (0) 7789 921 165.

The University of Birmingham is ranked amongst the world's top 100 institutions, its work brings people from across the world to Birmingham, including researchers and teachers and more than 6,500 international students from over 150 countries.

'The Human Right to Free Internet Access' - Dr. Merten Reglitz is published in the Journal of Applied Philosophy.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Free internet access should be a basic human right - study - University of Birmingham

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Free internet access must be considered as a human right, as people unable to get online lack meaningful ways to influence the global players shaping their everyday lives, according to a new study.

# data[].attributes.headline
Should businesses start working from home?

# data[].attributes.subject
Should businesses start working from home?

# data[].attributes.body
for:

- rest once done with work

- time saving

- less transportation cost

- better attendance and punctuality

against:

- less business productivity

- technical issues can occur often

- many distractions

- rest place cannot be a work place

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Working From Home Pros And Cons | How To Embrace WFH

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Know the pros & cons of working from home and Things to consider when you allow your employees work from home for the longer run.

# data[].attributes.headline
Should employees have the choice to work from home?

# data[].attributes.subject
Should employees have the choice to work from home?

# data[].attributes.body
For:
1) Increases efficient outcomes.
2) Corporations will invest less money on building /renting working places .
3) Flexibility
4) Attract new talents

Against:
1) Staff feeling isolated
2) Home distractions
3) Information security risk
4)Difficulty monitoring performance.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Why work-from-home shouldn’t be an option

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us the pros and cons of working from home, but have we stopped to consider our options? Working from home shouldn’t be one. Going forward — the option should be in-office work — rather than having an office-first, WFH-on-occasions mentality.

# data[].attributes.headline
Essay 2: Argumentative Topics (Brainstorming)

# data[].attributes.subject
Essay 2: Argumentative Topics (Brainstorming)

# data[].attributes.body
Step 1: Watch the Video on your topic
Step 2: Take notes
Step 3: research the topic on the internet, find websites
Step 4: on Padlet, write:
- 2 arguments for
- 2 arguments against
Step 4: post your arguments to our class Padlet: Practice Writing
Step 5: add a website- find one website to post on padlet

Good luck!

# data[].attributes.body
Technology plays a big role in today's world. And it can't be denied that it keeps getting more and more advanced day by day. Technology exists in many different types, shapes, and formes. From something as simple as a phone to something as complicated as a surgery robot. It is obvious to us that the introduction of technology changed the path of this world, and with a change as big as this one, a chain reaction of effects follow. The three negative effects that this essay will cover are as following: workers losing their jobs, expenses, and functionality

# data[].attributes.headline
What are the major impacts of technology on workforce employees?

# data[].attributes.subject
What are the major impacts of technology on workforce employees?

# data[].attributes.body
What are the major impacts of technology on workforce employees? There are many institutions that organize many businesses and discussions, and each institution is linked to each other, so it takes, and in some transactions, a long time to move from one transaction to the next. The main impacts of technology on the workforce are: organizing the schedule, saving time, and preserving the environment.

# data[].attributes.body
A very important impact of technology in the workplace is making it more effective. Efficiency is defined as the least amount of time spent on the most amount of tasks, and in the workplace it is a key component. For example without technology

# data[].attributes.body
Introduction :
Could it ever be possible for workplaces to run without technology nowadays? When comparing the use of technology in work fields now and before then we will be able to detect the importance of technology. Technology is hugely needed not only for the workforce generally but precisely on the workforce and employees. Technology simply runs machines or devices which are created by humans for certain purposes. The purpose of the work they do could vary efficiently from one field to another. Technology has various of important impacts on the workforce such as creating a stable network between employees, time and work efficient, as well as opening or closing the door to certain jobs.

# data[].attributes.body
Technology has become a crucial resource in our everyday lives especially in the workforce. Technology is used to make our lives easier by making the workplace more efficient. Which means making the work places extremely productive and well organized. Therefore the effects of technology on the workplace are that it increases efficiency, improves data analysis and increases laziness.

# data[].attributes.body
Technology has developed through the years and eventually arrived to workers lives .Every year  ,technology became popular than ever . There are many positive and negative effects  of technology on workers  including ,losing their jobs ,developing their skills ,and keeping them safe .

To begin with, the first positive effect of technology on workers is losing their job.Many people lose their job because of techology which destract them from their work  .For Example people work hours or even days at the same technology for more than a year which makes them tired and want to do something else but they do not have time , So they work and do something else while they are working .

# data[].attributes.body
Last century's people thought our current age would witness flying cars; and while that didn't necessarily happen yet, we're not exactly far off. Our technological advancement is at a scary height, showing no signs of slowing down. Yet while business owners rejoice as more and more inventions are being developed to make their businesses more efficient and profitable, a very sensitive conversation arises: what about the people doing the work? Technology has had immense effects on employees everywhere; three of which have definitely been the sharpened workforce deskilling, the new modern job opportunities, as well as the increased work flexibility.

The phenomenon of deskilling in the workplace as a result of technology can be traced back to a conversation that started a very long time ago: as we become more developed and our inventions become smarter, are we actually turning less and less capable?

# data[].attributes.body
In the past, our ancestors mechanisms of labor were much different than they are today. The majority of the work was done by hand due to the absence of the aid of modern technological devices and machines. In contemporary society, the use of technological apparatus prevails. The use of such means has a number of effects on the workforce of today. Some of the effects of technology on employees include displacing human jobs, increasing productivity using new technological devices, and providing more accessible work environments.

# data[].attributes.headline
effect of technology on workforce/employee

# data[].attributes.subject
effect of technology on workforce/employee

# data[].attributes.body
introduction: Is technology presenting a risk to employees? . Technology is the application of scientific knowledge to the practical aims of human life. its integration in the workplace has concerned many employess. This essay will discuss the negative impacts of technology on workforce such as: work displacement, privacy concerns and reskilling.
body paragraph:to begin with, technology has caused job displacement. this means that advancement in AI and robotics enabled machines to take over certain job functions.

# data[].attributes.body
The effects technology has on the workplace is significant and that is shown with the difference  it made for the workplace, one century ago who would have thought that you can work from home ? The primary effects of technology on the work place is making the workplace more efficient, making communication easier, making work hours more flexible.

# data[].attributes.headline
4)  ORIGINAL: Failing the exam saddened them. 

# data[].attributes.subject
4)  ORIGINAL: Failing the exam saddened them. 

# data[].attributes.body
Failure in the exam made them sad.

# data[].attributes.headline
3) ORIGINAL: I had a meeting with some engineering students

# data[].attributes.subject
3) ORIGINAL: I had a meeting with some engineering students

# data[].attributes.body
I met with a group of engineering students.

# data[].attributes.body
3-A Few pupils form the college of engineering gathered with me.

4-They failed the test. Thereby, they were upset.

# data[].attributes.body
Nearly all females who were present in the conference work with their spouses.

# data[].attributes.body
1) Younger workers tend to argue with their managers.
2) The majority of the women that attended the forum with their spouses.

# data[].attributes.body
Strategy 1:
1- Teenage staff sometimes disagree with their managers .
2-The majority of females who were present at the meeting work with their husbands.

# data[].attributes.headline
2)  ORIGINAL: Most of the women who attended the conference work with their husbands.

# data[].attributes.subject
2)  ORIGINAL: Most of the women who attended the conference work with their husbands.

# data[].attributes.body
The majority of the conference attendees were women who work alongside their spouses.

# data[].attributes.body
1- Young workers often disagree with their managers.
2- More than half of the females who attend the conference usually share the same workplace with their partners.

# data[].attributes.headline
1) ORIGINAL: Adolescent employees sometimes argue with their employers. 

# data[].attributes.subject
1) ORIGINAL: Adolescent employees sometimes argue with their employers. 

# data[].attributes.body
Teenage employees and their employers occasionally dispute.

# data[].attributes.body
Women who cowork with their husbands make up the majority of conference attendees.

# data[].attributes.body
1 ) Young workers might possibly argure with their bosses from time to time.

2 ) The majority of the females who were present for the discussion meeting are working with their spouses.

# data[].attributes.body
Teenage workers occasionally disagree with their manager’s.

# data[].attributes.body
1-Every now and then managers get into tensed discussions with their young staff members.

2-The majority of females who were present at the event worked beside their husbands.

# data[].attributes.body
1- From time to time young workers  argue with their bosses .

2- About all of the females who came to the meeting work alongside their spouses .
———-
3- I had to meet with engineering students .
4-Failing the test made me sad.
———-
5-Half of the students who took the driving exam failed.
6-I’m always correct .

# data[].attributes.body
1) Adolescent employees sometimes argue with their employers.
Teenage employees and their employers occasionally dispute.