I have always been fascinated by the sciences and new discoveries in medicine, and when presented with an opportunity to begin my own independent research project, I immediately turned to developments in the medical community.
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While considering possible scientific topics to pursue and document in my essay, I sought out recent discoveries in cancer research, specifically natural remedies. It wasn't long before I was surprised by claims from several sources that frankincense--an oil I have only heard of around Christmastime--has shown promise to treat several different types of cancer. I was doubtful at first, but as I collected more data and examined more studies it was clear that there was significant evidence to back up frankincense's validity in cancer treatment.
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Now I had a subject to research, but I had no question to answer. I knew I couldn't simply ask how frankincense can be used as a treatment for cancer, as that has already been answered. Instead I looked towards its countries of origin. Frankincense comes from trees of the genus Boswellia, which grow in both regions in Africa and the Middle East (Middle East Institute). When I collected enough data supporting the potential of frankincense in future cancer treatment, I hypothesized that if and when demand for the oil rises due to its cancer-treating abilities, areas that harvest the tree will benefit economically. A closer look into the Boswellia tree's properties showed me that the tree is environmentally beneficial in the Horn of Africa, so I decided to choose Ethiopia as my country of interest (Mokria).
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Once I had a question, I began my research on frankincense in Ethiopia. I have always been particularly interested in environmental sciences, especially after taking APES last year, so it was exciting to discover that Ethiopia has recently adopted plans for restoring their forests, and implemented sustainable agroforestry laws for farmers (Evans). From this point my research came along smoothly, because not only could I assess local economic and environmental benefits of frankincense demand, I could also prove that it would not promote over-harvesting of the product in Ethiopia due to the new laws.
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After submitting my research paper, I have kept up with news relating to agroforestry in Ethiopia and worldwide frankincense demand. Sure enough, it has been projected that the market for frankincense is growing due to demand in pharmaceuticals (Shah). I hope to see this increased demand taken advantage of in a way that is both beneficial to Ethiopian farms and environments while upholding their new forestry laws.
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Works Cited
Evans, Monica. "Ethiopia's new forestry law: A win for landscapes and livelihoods?" Forests News, 20 Aug. 2018, forestsnews.cifor.org/57465/ethiopias-new-forestry-law-a-win-for-landscapes-and-livelihoods?fnl=en.
Middle East Institute. "The Story of Frankincense." Middle East Institute, www.mei.edu/sqcc/frankincense. Accessed 28 Nov. 2018. Mokria, Mulugeta, et al. "The frankincense tree Boswellia neglecta reveals high potential for restoration in the Horn of Africa." Forest Ecology and Management, vol. 385, Elsevier, 2016, pp. 16-24. Science Direct, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378112716310349. Shah. “Global Frankincense Extracts Market to Be Driven by Growing Applications in Pharmaceutical Industry.” Press Release - Digital Journal, Digital Journal, 7 Jan. 2019, www.digitaljournal.com/pr/4096250. |