research question proposal

https://youtu.be/Z9D3iHfNCy4

this video should explain what you need to do, my research question is the one at the bottom with the sub-questions too .

lemme know if you have any question.

ill attach a paper from last year class so you have an idea

Research Question: How effective are current asteroid detection and deflection technologies in preventing potential impacts on Earth?

Sub-questions:

1. What methods are currently used to detect and track near-Earth objects (NEOs)?
2. What technologies and strategies are being developed to deflect or mitigate the impact of potentially hazardous asteroids?
3. How do international organizations collaborate to address the threat of asteroid impacts?
4. What would happen in case of impact with the earth?

Juan López de Azcona
04/24/23
CHM 108- A Research Paper
Is kiwi the king of Fruits?
It has been scientifically proven that the consumption of fruits is an essential part of the
human diet. Their energy content and nutrients act as protective mechanisms for our health.
Some types of fruit, however, provide a larger variety of health benefits based on their chemical
structure and nutrient composition (Slavin & Lloyd, 2012). Kiwis are one of them; their minerals,
vitamins and dietary fiber help support the immune system, improve digestion, and protect the
body against diseases. It is common for people to be unaware of their nutritional benefits because
they are relatively newer in many parts of the world and consequently, they face stiff competition
from more widely available and marketed fruits (Richardson, Ansell & Drummond, 2018). In this
research paper we will take a closer look at some of the most relevant nutritional advantages found
in kiwis and address the following question: ‘Are kiwis the most beneficial fruit to eat.?’ In order
to come up with an accurate answer, it is important to be familiar with the components that make
a fruit health protective.
The first one is vitamins; these are essential organic compounds needed for our bodies to
function properly. Fruits are generally an efficient source of vitamins which is why their
consumption help boost the immune system and aid in a healthy metabolism. Different fruits
contain different types of vitamins but some of the most common and efficient ones include
Vitamin A, C and K. Vitamin A supports the replacement of skin cells and provides a barrier to
infection. It is an essential macronutrient used for many physiological processes (eyesight) and
helps maintain a healthy immune system (Gilbert, 2013). Vitamin C is another vital nutrient for
our health and immune system that our body doesn’t naturally store. This antioxidant provides
protection against cardiovascular disease and is involved in body functions such as the absorption
of iron, wound healing, and the maintenance of cartilage, bones, and teeth (Zelman, 2022). Vitamin
K is a fat-soluble vitamin that functions as a coenzyme for vitamin K-dependent carboxylase, an
enzyme required for the synthesis of proteins involved in blood clotting, bone metabolism, and
other diverse physiological functions (Coates, Betz & Blackman, 2010).
Another essential component of fruits that makes them health protective are minerals. This
macronutrient helps the body perform necessary functions such as producing hormones, building
strong bones, and transmitting nerve impulses (Gharibzahedi & Jafari, 2017). There are 4 essential
minerals found in fruit: magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc. Magnesium supports the immune
system, helps the body maintain a healthy heart rhythm and regulates blood pressure. Calcium is
important for building and maintaining strong bones as well as supporting nerve transmission. Iron
is a necessary mineral for the production of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries
oxygen throughout the body. Finally, zinc is important for supporting immune function, wound
healing, and cell growth (Myers, 2021).
Fiber is a nutrient that plays an important role in maintaining good health. There are two
types of fiber found in fruits: soluble fiber and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber helps lower cholesterol
levels and improve blood sugar control. Insoluble fiber prevents constipation by adding bulk to
stool. Additionally, fruits are a good source of dietary fiber, which is important in reducing
cardiovascular and coronary heart diseases as well as in maintaining a healthy digestive system. It
has been proven that a lower intake of fiber contributes to increased risk of weight gain,
inflammation, chronic diseases, and other health concerns (Davison, Karen & Temple, 2018).
The reason why kiwis are so nutritious and beneficial for the health system is because its
content of key macronutrients discussed above exceed most other fruits. In fact, recent research
has demonstrated that kiwis can increase the uptake and retention of essential dietary minerals
(Wolber, Beck, Conlon & Kruger, 2013). In terms of vitamins, it is important to highlight the
abundant amounts of vitamin C stored in kiwis; one kiwifruit contains roughly 230% of the daily
recommended intake of Vitamin C (Sachdev, 2022). This is going to stimulate the body’s immune
response more efficiently than almost any other type of fruit. Additionally, its high levels of
antioxidant vitamins protect the body from inflammation and disease. If there’s something,
however, that characterizes the health benefits of kiwis is its aid in the digestive process.
This type of fruit contains a proteolytic enzyme called actinidin which helps break down
proteins in the digestive tract (Tyagi, Nanher, Sahay, Kumar, Bhamini, Nishad & Ahmad, 2015)
and facilitates the process of gastric emptying. The dietary fibers in a kiwi are provided by the
polysaccharides contained in its cell walls. Its high fiber content (both soluble and insoluble)
promotes healthy bowel health and digestion. The soluble fiber dissolves in water and forms a gellike substance in the digestive tract which slows down the emptying process of the stomach
content. These dietary soluble fibers found in kiwis are called prebiotics and promote the growth
of beneficial bacteria in the gut. They produce short-chain fatty acids such as butyrate, which have
many health benefits (Sims & Monro, 2013). Without them, less healthy varieties of microbes
would act as replacements which could result in unhealthy outcomes and diseases (Feltham, 2021).
The insoluble fibers on the other hand, do not dissolve in water and pass through the digestive tract
largely intact (Rasheed, Hussain & Syed, 2021). These nutrients are essential in preventing
constipation. Furthermore, kiwi’s fiber has unique hydration properties that help regulate blood
sugar levels and promote healthy digestion. Its capacity to swell reaches over three times its
volume in the original fruit and its water retention capacity is substantially higher compared to
other fruit’s fibers such as apples (Sims & Monro, 2013). This helps to add bulk to stool, improve
transit time and promotes healthy bowel movements.
In addition to its digestive benefits, kiwis contain nutrients that support skin health and
protect it against damage from environmental stressors. As we mentioned earlier, they are a rich
source of Vitamin C, this antioxidant helps protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals
such as pollution and UV rays (Tyagi, Nanher, Sahay, Kumar, Bhamini, Nishad & Ahmad, 2015).
Vitamin C stored in kiwis also plays an important role in the production of collagen, this is a
protein that protects the skin texture and enhances its elasticity and firmness. Another antioxidant
found in kiwis that helps in perking up dull skin and brightening it is Vitamin E. This vitamin
contains antioxidants that can prevent the accumulation of dead skin cells, promote the growth of
new ones, and overall improve skin hydration (Tyagi, Nanher, Sahay, Kumar, Bhamini, Nishad &
Ahmad, 2015). Although it may sound surprising, kiwis are a good source of potassium. We often
associate potassium-rich fruits to bananas, but the reality is that a kiwi has almost the same levels
of potassium as an entire banana (Marini, Bedosky & Grieger, 2021). This mineral plays an
important role in regulating fluid levels in the body. When the body is properly hydrated, the skin
is more likely to stay plump and firm, and less likely to become dry and wrinkled. The dietary
fibers in kiwis that help regulate digestion also indirectly benefit the skin; during the digestive
process toxins are eliminated from the body. An unhealthy gut makes toxins build up in the body
which can lead to skin problems such as acne, eczema, and skin aging (Mirabello, 2019). There is
a type of flavonoid stored in kiwis called quercetin which has been shown to protect the skin
against UV radiation (Alim, Nisar, Ren, Zhai & Pang, 2019). This natural compound has
antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce oxidative stress in the skin and
protect against DNA damage caused by UV radiation.
As we have seen, there are many health benefits associated to the consumption of kiwis.
Unfortunately, there are severe social implications associated with the production, distribution, and
consumption of this fruit that we must be aware of. The most relevant one is its expensive pricing
(Ciuraru, 2020). Due to their short growing season and the limited amount that can be produced
and harvested, there isn’t a high availability which has driven up prices. Additionally, because their
skin is very delicate and prone to bruising, there are added costs associated with handling and
shipping kiwis. Another factor that contributes to the high cost of kiwis is the labor required to
harvest and transport them. Kiwis are typically harvested by hand, which is a labor-intensive
process that can add to the price of the fruit. Transporting kiwis over long distances is also costly,
as they need to be shipped in temperature-controlled containers to prevent spoilage.
After all, the consumption of fruits is and will always be crucial for maintaining good
health. Kiwis, in particular, are a highly nutritious fruit that provides numerous health benefits due
to their high content of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. These are essential for the immune
system and support basic body functions such as digestion and skin regeneration. When attempting
to conclude if kiwis are the most beneficial fruit to eat, it is very difficult to make an objective
decision since fruits contain different types of nutrients and health benefits. Its high cost per pound
is definitely something to consider as it makes kiwis less accessible to lower-income families and
individuals. With that being said and after doing an in-depth analysis, it is fair to say that kiwis are
among the most nutrient-dense and health protective fruits available. They provide more vitamins
and minerals per gram, and per calorie, than most other fruits. Incorporating kiwis into one’s diet
can be a highly beneficial way to promote overall health and well-being.
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