Use a web browser and go to the Wikipedia site featured in the link below. Note that the file provided in this DB is a screenshot and is not actively searchable, so you will need to enter the web address in a browser to reach this Wikipedia site. Search through the links provided on that Wikipedia site to view a wide range of global problems. Pick six that you find most interesting and write a problem statement for each (2 points for each correctly written statement). Follow the instructions for writing an effective problem statement provided by our textbook authors on page 22. This includes who is experiencing the problem, what the problem is, and why it is a problem for the user.  

#1: Write an effective and succinct problem statement (Course Objective #4): EXAMPLE #1 Origin of Life: Scientist would like to know exactly how and when did life originate on Earth. There are many hypotheses for this question, but no one truly know the answer.   Origins of Viruses: Doctors and Scientist would like to know exactly when and how did different groups of viruses originate.  Understanding when and how viruses originated, could help lead to the elimination of the virus.  Extraterrestrial Life: Scientists would like to know if there is life that does not originate on earth and if that life is intelligent.  If there is life that does not originate from earth and it is intelligent, then there is a lot of things that can be learned from them to potentially help humans on earth.   Homosexuality: Scientists would like to know what the cause of homosexuality is, especially in humans. In most animals, sex is for reproduction.  Homosexuality isn’t for reproductive purposes, it is personal preference.   Development and Evolution of the Brain: Scientists would like to know how and why the brain evolved.  By knowing the how and why, scientist may be able to use that to come up with some cures for brain diseases that people suffer from.   Human Biology: Scientists would like to know why humans have finger prints.  Fingerprints are unique and can be used for identification, but what reason do they actually serve on the human body? EXAMPLE #2 1. Unsolved problems in astronomy: Black holes in our solar system are studied by many scientists. From the begging and until now, due to lack of data and difficulty creating experimental tests for black holes, scientists are left without answers. Scientists are concerned with black holes producing thermal radiation, which is expected on theoretical grounds. This may be an issue for our solar system in time.  2. Unsolved problems in Biology: Humans from all over the globe have different blood types. Blood is used to donate to those who are in need, but only if the blood types are the same. It is unclear how ancient the origin or purpose of where blood types came from, but blood transfusions are needed for many. There are several different blood types but O negative is the rarest and in demand. This results in the lack of blood for those who have O negative blood type.  3. Unsolved problems in Medicine: In Hospitals, some patients are diagnosed with a disease. To this day, there are numerous diseases for which causes are not known. This is an issue for doctors who need to treat the patient. Some doctors will partially or fully understand the cause of a problem, but sometimes there is no effective treatment available. Some patients have to endure the pain or discomfort until there is a solution. Others do not ever get one.  4. Unsolved problems in neuroscience: In neuroscience, scientists still until this day search for the answers to the human brain and its consciousness. It is the sole reason for our awareness and ability to function. No one has managed to explain why brain activity results in feelings, emotions, and experiences much less the feeling of pain. This may be an issue for doctors or brain surgeons to help those in need.  Consciousness is unobservable. You cannot look at someone’s head and see their experiences or feelings. Consciousness is crucial to our lives.  5. Unsolved problems in geoscience: Sky quakes happen in several locations around the world such as Norway, the East Coast, and Italy. The sound of a loud boom and vibrations in buildings reportedly comes from the sky. These mysterious sky quakes are random and no one has an explanation for where it comes from.  Citizens have heard loud chime-like sounds. Scientists believe sky quakes are from meteors, escaping gas, or landmass. There is no apparent cause but the vibration and loud sounds may be disruptive and potentially fearful for those who encounter it.  6. Unsolved problems in philosophy  Moral luck occurs when factors beyond a person’s control positively affect how much praise or blame they deserve. It is said that a person can be born with moral luck. The fundamental question of moral luck is how our moral responsibility is changed by factors over which we have no control.