ISSUE 4 SPRING 2017

Issue No. 4

FallSpring 2015 2017 Issue 1

MindSc pe SIMMONS SCIENCE MAGAZINE

MindScope

Simmons Science Magazine Website: http://www.simmonsmindscope.org

Executive Board (2016-2017)

Editor-in-Chief: Ariana Savage Managing Editor: Kristen Doucette Secretary: Brooke Lucier Treasurer: Alex Kemna SGA Representative: Laura Plaza Communications Manager: Sophie Streimer

Writers

Gabriela Taslitsky Androssenko Nicolla Bulato Angela Capriglione Silvana Chumaceiro Angelica Coleman Lexi Galdo Sophie Lawsure Shelby Van Leuven

Isabella LoChiatto Sierra McCaffrey Kimanna Nguyen Emma Roy Kolby Shaw Liliana Torres Gabriella Trombley Madeline Uretsky Grace Wilson

Design

Madison Florence

Copy Editor Hannah Green

Contributing Copy Editors Madeline Uretsky Kelly Harrison

Printing

Copy/Mail Center, Simmons College 300 Fenway Boston MA 02115

Cover picture Shutterstock

Web-Head Photography

Semestrial- Spring 2017

Letter from the Editor

EDITORIAL

Dear Mindscopers!

Mindscope magazine is excited to present our spring edition inspired by Simmons’ invigorating dedication to neuroscience. Whether you are interested in biology, psychology or a deeper understanding of how the brain works, then neuroscience has something to offer you. The brain is considered the most important organ in the body because it controls everything from mood, to memory and motor functions. Without it we couldn’t get around this beautiful campus or study for our tests, so maybe it is time we all learned a little more about the super computer sitting in our heads.

Simmons College is one of the few universities in Boston that offers a neuroscience major. A neuroscience degree opens up many opportunities to work in different environments such as research and clinical settings. It has become a popular choice for students pursuing a premedical track.

There are actually two tracks offered in neuroscience at Simmons College. Neurobiology blends the biological and social sciences by incorporating cellular biology, neural networks of learning and memory and the biology behind human decision-making. Students on this track explore evolutionary biology, computer science, psychology, mathematical modeling and even philosophy.

The cognitive and behavioral track explores the neural substrates that underlie our mental processes and digs into possible disruptions in common neurological disorders. Cognitive and behavioral scientists use advanced imaging techniques, behavioral assessments and computational modeling to explore how the brain uses information to produce memories, language and mental processes.

This issue features Professor Carey, an alumna and neuroscience professor, as she talks about her experiences as a student and professor at Simmons College; you’ll also have the opportunity to read about several alumnae with neuroscience degrees pursuing different career paths.

Student articles showcase what they are being taught in their classes and research on new topics in neuroscience that are making waves in the field.

This semester, students are even making efforts to start the Neuroscience and Psychology Liaison, which will assist current and future students with networking and staying up-to-date on developments in the field.

I would also like to take this time to thank the e-board, writers, editors, faculty advisors and graphic designer for their work on Issue Four of Mindscope magazine. Without all of your hard work, Mindscope could not be possible. I am so excited that so many students have joined the team and that Mindscope is continuing to thrive. As a neuroscience major myself, I am truly thrilled by the passion that this team has shown in highlighting how exciting and fun this field can truly be. It is only with passion that more minds can be enticed to truly learn the vast scope of the mind.

Sincerely,

Ariana Savage, Editor-In-Chief

Table of Contents Neuroscience

A Brief Introduction to Neuroscience Meet Our Alumnae My New Normal: Life After a Traumatic Brain Injury Managing Stress with Animal-Assisted Interventions: Man’s Best Friend as a Healer What Happens When Your Brain Doesn’t Sleep Meet Professor Carey Neuroscience & Psychology Liaison Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis A Head of the Game?

An Active Mind or a Fit Body?

Biology

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Chiari Confusion A “Prescription” of a Plant-Based Diet When Two Worlds Collide: The Important Marriage of Science and Film Meet Professor Scott

Nutrition

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Protecting the Next Generation

Astronomy

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Tracking Sunspots to Calculate How Much the Sun Rotates

in Comparison to Earth Each Day

Chemistry

Birth Defects Associated with the Use of Personal Care Products Unwanted: The Hierarchal Restraints of Healthy Living Can We Trust the Personal Care Industry to Regulate Our Labels?

Green Chemistry and Catered Food: The Fall Launch Meet Professor Ramirez

Student Voice

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Simmons Overseas

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— Grace Wilson —

Adobe

Neuroscience

A Brief Introduction to Neuroscience

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Have you ever wondered what makes up your personality, heard of art or music therapy, or taken a left brain versus right brain Buzzfeed quiz? If so, you’ve unknowingly heard of the scientific field of neuroscience.

Defined as a field that studies the anatomy and physiology of the nerves and nervous tissues, neuroscientists research how behavior and learning impact different brain and bodily functions. With a neuroscience degree it is possible to apply this knowledge to many different careers in the science field, which is what I hope to do.

Although studying neuroscience is something I had at the back of my mind when I first started thinking about college, I quickly realized that it was the right path for me. But, what does a neuroscience major even do, anyway? As a first year, people are constantly asking me what I would do with a degree in this field, what I’m studying and what interests me about it. The truth is, majoring in neuroscience can take you down many paths and I’ve already forged part of mine, both in high school and at Simmons.

I first discovered neuroscience when my high school English class had to write a research paper on any topic of interest and present the paper to a group as our final grade. My other interest is music—I’m a trombone player—so it was then that I first decided I wanted to combine music with science. Neuroscience research plays a major role in brain injured patients recovering from various impairments by singing or playing musical instruments, as well as tapping or moving around to the beat. If you’re not sure what I’m talking about, this is better known as music therapy.

Besides my interest in music therapy, there are lots of other professions you can take on with a neuroscience degree, including research, teaching or even going into the medical field. In this issue, you’ll see interviews and articles about the different aspects of the neuroscience field, and how this once obscure profession is becoming more and more prominent. Simmons is one of a small number of schools that have an established neuroscience major, which is one of the reasons why I chose to go here! In our program, there is a wide variety of classes you end up taking, from psychology to biology and chemistry, and for many students I’ve met, it combines two interests into one, such as science and music for me.

If you’re undecided, or are interested in science but enjoy the more psychological aspects of human activities and functions, neuroscience could be the right major for you. In addition to being a pretty diverse program in terms of material you cover over the four years here, neuroscience is an up-and-coming field, and there isn’t nearly as much information known in this field as there is in mathematics or biology. As scientists learn more about the human brain, things like using music therapy to help brain injured patients has become more and more possible, and the more we know about the brain, the more we will be able to research and pursue treatments for diseases such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s. In the following pages, you’ll learn more about why neuroscience is so important in the modern scientific world, what the professors here are researching and other information about the brain and its functions.

Who knows, maybe neuroscience will become the thing you’re passionate about too! •

— Ariana Savage —

Name: Caroline Coughlin Year of Graduation: 2015 Major: Neuroscience and Behavior Fun fact: I studied abroad in Granada, Spain the summer after my sophomore year and it was wicked awesome.

What have you been doing since graduation?

Since graduation I have been working in a lab at Dana Farber doing lymphoma research. In the summer I will be starting an MD/PhD program.

What was your favorite class at Simmons? Why?

My favorite classes are a tie between neurobiology with Professor Gray and developmental biology with Professor Owen. In both classes I was able to use my knowledge from the introductory level courses to understand more complex topics. The classes were interesting and engaging. I particularly enjoyed the labs where we were able to directly study and test what we were learning in class.

What inspired you the most at Simmons?

The support and dedication of the professors at Simmons was very inspiring and pushed me to pursue a career in science. All of my professors were enthusiastic about their field and challenged me in the classroom to think critically and apply my knowledge. They were also always available to talk about coursework and post-grad options which was really helpful and kept me motivated.

What was your most memorable moment at Simmons?

My most memorable moments at Simmons came from being on the cross country team. As a member of the team for all four of my years at Simmons, I was fortunate to be part of an amazingly talented and supportive team. From meets to practices to just hanging out on campus, we were always laughing and having fun but at the same time serious about our sport and intent on improving ourselves and the team.

What is one piece of advice you would give to Simmons students interested in pursuing a career in science?

I would tell students interested in science to explore all of their interests and the different careers available to them.

There are so many different types of science related careers, so it is important to find a career that will keep you interested and engaged every day. Networking, internships and attending different seminars are great ways to explore different areas of science.

Name: Audrey Purcell Year of Graduation: 2013 Major: Cognitive Neuroscience and Behavior (minor in Studio Art) Fun fact: I did rowing in college all four years, and still do it now for a community team. Love it!

What have you been doing since graduation?

I went straight into two and a half years of grad school for speech language pathology after graduation. It was a blur of classes and externships. I still wake up from dreams where I didn't study for a final, or I forgot to prepare my lesson plans for a supervisor! But it was worth every bit. I now work in a medical setting treating adults with dysphagia (swallowing disorders).

What was your favorite class at Simmons? Why?

All of my cog/psych classes were really great. I guess biopsychology stands out because it helped me figure out what options I had for career paths as a neuroscience major, and I went on to TA it for 3 semesters because I just loved everything about the brain. Plus, who doesn't like lab dissection days?

What inspired you the most at Simmons?

Many of the faculty inspired me through their support. I felt I could really achieve what I set my eyes on. And now, because of them, I hope I can provide that same kind of support and inspiration through clinical instruction/supervision to students in my current field.

What was your most memorable moment at Simmons?

Oh this is hard to answer. I have so many great memories at Simmons with friends, teammates, co-workers, faculty/staff. I'll just say the entirety of graduation week since it was filled with such excitement, anticipation and fun activities with my classmates.

What is one piece of advice you would give to Simmons students interested in pursuing a career in science?

Persistence and perseverance pays off, and accepting that there are many ways to accomplish a goal. Simmons is well known in the area for preparing very strong and smart candidates for positions (with a bonus of externship experience), so the real key is to think outside of the box. This is especially true for those going into the science field, such as when you're developing pilot studies or designing clinical trials.

Neuroscience

Meet Our Alumnae

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Name: Susan Thapa (Rasakham) Year of Graduation: 2001 Major: Psychobiology Fun fact: I have a very stubborn and independent, but lovely, beagle named Bella. Training her was (and still is) difficult--positive reinforcement works best!

My neuroscience/psychology background definitely helped.

Now, I'm using what I know about child development with my toddler daughter, Aevarya.

What have you been doing since graduation?

After graduation I worked as a Research Technician in the Center for Neurologic Disease at Harvard Medical School/Brigham and Women's Hospital for two years. I gained a tremendous amount of valuable experience working with Drs. Michael Schlossmacher and Dennis Selkoe studying biochemical mechanisms of Parkinson's Disease. I then went on to complete my MA/ PhD at Northeastern University in the department of psychology in the behavioral neuroscience program with Dr. Jay McLaughlin. For my dissertation I studied kappa opioid receptor regulation and modulation of cocaine reward. Continuing on in research I worked as a research fellow/postdoctoral fellow at Temple University (Dr. LeeYuan Liu-Chen) and Massachusetts General Hospital studying cocaine, opioids, pain and drug abuse and addiction. I briefly left bench science to work in scientific and medical publishing. Now, I'm back working in research in drug discovery in Biotech/Pharma.

What was your favorite class at Simmons?

Why?

Seminar in psychobiology. I enjoyed reading research papers and getting hands-on research experience with the rats.

What inspired you the most at Simmons?

There are many great professors at Simmons who were passionate about science and teaching, especially in the departments of psychology and biology!

What was your most memorable moment at Simmons?

I can't say there is one moment that is the most memorable since many moments have made my college experience and educational experience at Simmons a blessing. I met many great colleagues and mentors throughout my time both on and off campus.

What is one piece of advice you would give to Simmons students interested in pursuing a career in science?

Start networking early and have many mentors.

You can find mentors through organizations such as American Women in Science (AWIS), MassBio and Propel careers. Don't be afraid to reach out and ask questions.

Name: Caroline Wingard Year of Graduation: January 2017 Major: Psychology major, French minor Fun fact: I have two cats named Tucker and Percy.

What have you been doing since graduation?

Since graduation, I've been working at McLean Hospital's OCD Institute, which is an intensive day and residential treatment program for individuals with severe Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). My work there involves conducting one-on-one Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP) sessions with patients (the top form of treatment for OCD) and providing around-the-clock coaching for all symptom-related behaviors. It's hard work but I continue to learn more from it every day. I'm also in the process of applying to graduate school to obtain a master's in mental health counseling, which will eventually allow me to practice therapy.

What was your favorite class at Simmons?

Why?

My favorite class at Simmons was abnormal psychology with Dr. Feldman. The material covered everything I'm passionate about in the world of psychology (namely, mental health disorders and their treatment) and I really enjoyed Dr. Feldman's engaging teaching style.

What inspired you the most at Simmons?

Definitely the professors--they were a wonderful support system in a variety of areas. Having people like that around inspires you to keep going, even when you're feeling overwhelmed and confused about career choices, grad school, etc.

What was your most memorable moment at Simmons?

Obtaining a good senior yield field placement (after a long, exhausting search) was pretty big. I remember being so happy when I heard and it turned out to be the perfect jumping-off point in terms of clinical experience.

What is one piece of advice you would give to Simmons students interested in pursuing a career in science?

That you know that you're not going to have it all figured out right away, and that's okay. Even though I feel like I have a pretty good (at least better) grasp on my trajectory compared to last year, it could all change tomorrow, and that's something I've learned to be okay with. Things will fall into place eventually--take your time and enjoy the experience along the way. •

— Madeline Uretsky —

As a freshman in high school, I played soccer, ice hockey and competed in two seasons of track and field, in addition to being a straight-A student. On October 13, 2011, my sophomore year self had no idea what the next five years would entail.

At 15 years old, I sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) playing in a high school soccer game that changed my life in a matter of seconds.

I was running full speed after the ball with a player from the opposing team when she tripped me from behind. I fell down on my forehead and snapped my neck back. I was disoriented and could hear my teammates yelling at me to “take a knee” so the game would stop. I was evaluated immediately by our school’s athletic trainer, told I probably had a concussion, and was taken out of the game. I had sustained a minor concussion five months earlier and was fine in a week, so I figured this would be the same.

My mother brought me to the emergency room that evening for testing and head imaging. I could not tolerate any light or noise, and I had trouble walking in a straight line, moving my head, following conversations and remembering details from the day.

I was diagnosed with a severe concussion and told to see my doctor immediately, who then referred me to a neurosurgeon. The neurosurgeon gave me various tests, including a list of four words to repeat after him. When he said the words and asked me to repeat them, I could not remember that he had just said four words, never mind what the words were.

I was never given a time frame as to when I might feel better, be able to go back to school or return to sports. In the meantime, I was told that I had to go on brain rest. That meant no computer, no cell

phone, no TV, no drawing, no reading, no school work, no puzzles, no exercise – I slept in a dark room 24 hours a day, seven days a week beginning after my first appointment with the neurosurgeon.

This brain rest continued for three months until I was deemed ready to leave my house for activities other than appointments. I began to attend school for two hours a day, though I couldn't do any work.

I also started intensive rehabilitation to enhance my memory, balance, light and noise sensitivity, and to improve my neck pain, headaches, concentration and reading ability. I remained out of school full time until the start of my junior year of high school, but was tutored to catch up during the prior summer. During this time, I was testing at a 5-year-old level for the integration of new information.

Neuroscience

My New Normal: Life After A Traumatic Brain Injury

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Neuroscience 5

Throughout high school, I continued to see various doctors and specialists multiple times per week, and to this day, I have not been cleared to do any physical activity other than walking, lifting light weights and jogging for short periods of time. Socially, I had to miss dances, sporting events and taking upper-level classes due to my various symptoms. Seeing 24 doctors and specialists sure is time consuming!

Now more than five years out, I am thankful to say that I am feeling better; however, I still have a ways to go to reach a full recovery. Since my accident, I continue to struggle with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), and I still wear sunglasses every time I go outside (my pupils do not constrict properly). Now I see my neurosurgeon twice a year, and various specialists several times per year, compared to multiple times per week. I still have the constant headache that I’ve had since the moment of impact, and I have anywhere from 20 to 160 short, sharp headaches daily—that’s more than 90,000 headaches to date! I call this my “new normal.”

As a former athlete, the most difficult part of this has been finding something to replace that time and passion. I have put that energy into my advocacy work with the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts as an Ambassador Speaker. My experience has motivated me to pursue a career in the field of clinical neuropsychology, with hopes of

becoming a clinician and an educator. As a result, I chose to attend Simmons to major in neuroscience and behavior, a field I never imagined entering prior to my injury. Additionally, since January 2016, I have been assisting with two clinical research studies at the Boston University School of Medicine CTE Center as an intern.

Brain injuries are extremely serious, no matter the severity and can occur from doing almost anything, from opening a cabinet to slipping on ice. I know that I have to live my life in constant caution.

Many people do not know what truly happens when a severe concussion is sustained; they think, “they just have a headache and they’ll be fine in two weeks.”

I’ve had a constant headache every day for the last five years.

I could feel sorry for myself and do nothing, but I choose to be proactive and use my injury to help others. When I give speeches, I’m often asked if I am going to allow my future children to play contact sports. Playing sports gave me so much growing up, teaching me the values of teamwork, dedication, wellness and time management. However, sports can be played safely. Rules can be changed, and are being changed, to make games like football and soccer safer for children so that their heads are not hit hundreds of times before they reach high school.

A TBI is an isolating, painful injury with both physical and social side effects. I have had to face the fact that I am unable to play contact sports again, but I am hoping to return to running someday. The hard work that goes into recovery has paid off, and I will continue to share my story to hopefully bring this process out of the dark. •

— Silvana Chumaceiro —

Adobe

They say that dogs are man’s best friend; however, many people do not know that dogs, and pets in general, are also beneficial for improving health. Animals and humans have coexisted in therapeutic relationships for more than 12,000 years. “One of the earliest cited findings is the skeletal remains, found in northern Israel, of a human holding a puppy” (Morrison).

If you want to test this theory, find a friend or a family member with a pet and watch them interact with it. Do they seem happier? Calmer? More relaxed?

Well, positive interactions with pets have proven to be effective ways to manage stress. “Pets have been shown to lower blood pressure, improve recovery from heart disease, and even reduce rates of asthma and allergy in children who grow up with a Fido or a Frisky in the house. Pets also improve people’s psychological well-being and self-esteem” (Junge & MacDonald).

Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI) can be Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT), or Animal-Assisted Activities (AAA). AAT is used to improve human physical, social, emotional and/or cognitive functioning.

For example, dogs can help PTSD patients manage their daily symptoms. In contrast, AAA is used for motivational, educational, recreational and/or therapeutic benefits to enhance quality of life. An example of this is during finals week when Simmons College brings therapy dogs to the library for students to interact with. In the context of who facilitates what, AATs are facilitated by specialists who have been trained to integrate the animal as a therapeutic intervention, while AAA specialists are trained to help facilitate the activities mentioned, which are typically more informal.

Based on previous research, scientists have hypothesized that “some animals may induce, for some people, an immediate, physiologically calming state of relaxation simply by attracting and holding our attention” and that, “some animals provide, for some people, a form of stress-reducing or stress-buffering social support” (Arkow). This research has proven the benefits of AAI for humans.

So, how does playing with a pet decrease your levels of stress? Stress is a physical, chemical or emotional factor that causes bodily or psychological tension, and may be a factor in causing disease (Merriam-Webster). Stress is caused by stressors, which can be internal or external, and consist of anything that places high demands on a person such as a job. Physiologically, stress is manifested in the body by the over production of cortisol, which promotes the body's fight-or-flight response. This increases heart rate and the production of glucose, and halts digestion, among other things. Consequently, if the production of cortisol is prolonged, the immune system and overall health of an individual may be compromised.

Nevertheless, there are methods that can help you reduce stress, including Animal-Assisted Interventions. Having pets has been clearly correlated with better health outcomes. Dog owners typically have a higher level of daily physical activity and experience more restful sleep compared to those without dogs.

Having a pet reduces stress hormone levels and boosts the amount of feel-good chemicals in the brain.

Next time you feel overwhelmed, spend some quality time with a pet and watch your worries melt away. •

Neuroscience

Managing Stress with Animal-Assisted Interventions: Man’s Best Friend as a Healer

Works Cited:

Arkow, P. (2004). Animal-assisted therapy and activities: A study, resource guide andbib- liography for the use of companion animals in selected therapies (9th ed.).

Stratford, NJ: Phil Arkow.

Junge, Christine, and Ann MacDonald. "Therapy dog offers stress relief at work." Harvard Health Blog.

Harvard Health Publications, 29 Oct. 2015. Web. 21 Feb. 2017.

Morrison, M.L. "Health Benefits of Animal-Assisted Interventions." Complementary Health Practice Review 12.1 (2007): 51-62. Web. "Stress." Merriam-Webster. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 21 Feb. 2017.

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What Happens When Your Brain Doesn't Sleep — Lexi Galdo —

A loud and agonizing sound goes off, waking you from your deep slumber. Rubbing the tiredness from your eyes, you look around to make sure that the world hasn’t ended and you in fact have just woken up thirty minutes later than when your alarm first went off.

You wonder how that could have happened, and then remember the four times you hit the snooze button.

You inwardly groan at the realization that you have about thirty minutes to get ready in order to make it to your 8:00 a.m. Your eyes are heavy and you can’t stop yawning--no doubt an effect from binge watching "Shameless" until two in the morning. Today is going to be a long day.

But it doesn’t just stop there; the habit of staying up late and not getting enough sleep is a continual routine, even more so now that you’re in college. Here are some things that happen when your brain is sleep deprived.

Lost Memories. The hippocampus, your brain's memory center, exhibits a distinct pattern of neural activity when the waking mind learns new information. Scientist believe our brain later “replays” the same activity pattern while we’re sleeping to help the information stick. Therefore, if you lose sleep, you can also lose long-term memories.

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Increase in appetite. And generally not for a kale salad. Sleep deprivation effects can show up pretty quickly as appetite changes.

Your levels of ghrelin (a hormone responsible for letting your brain know you’re hungry) goes up when you’ve had insufficient amounts of sleep. Ironically, ghrelin’s complementary hormone is leptin (a hormone that signals the brain that you’re full), so not only are you being told to keep eating, but also that you’re full. In summary, you’ll just keep on eating.

Spacey. It’s normal to lose focus and tune out, especially during a particularly dry lecture.

However when sleep-deprived people space out, they exhibit impaired visual sensory processing, which places them at a completely different level of disengagement from the world.

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Mood Swings. Decreased sleep leads to negative, long-term effects such as anxiety and depression. Interestingly, missing one night’s sleep doesn’t induce immediate depression; instead, it creates a sense of euphoria, improving your mood. This may be due to neurotransmitters and other hormones that are released to keep one awake. However, over time this loss of sleep causes us to lose our ability to tell what is important and what is not. Suddenly, everything may feel important; this sensation may explain why when you’re tired and cranky, your roommate dropping things loudly on accident feels like the worst thing that ever happened.

Brain Damage. You can add all-nighters to the list of things that kills brain cells (in this case, in the brain stem). The damage isn’t easily fixed and makes “catching up on sleep by snoozing until noon on the weekends” a bad excuse.

In conclusion, sleep is amazing for our bodies.

Although there are many things about sleep that scientists have yet to discover, one thing we do know is that when we are well-rested, we feel happier and have more good days. Gone are the kindergarten days of designated nap time; now as adults, we are fitting in naps between classes, then staying up late only to get an average of four to six hours of sleep at night. So, when it is time to sleep at night, shut your laptop off-the Gallaghers will have to wait--and give your brain that well-deserved rest. •

Works Cited:

Rose, Almie. "One Simple Chart Shows 11 Ways Your Brain Reacts When You Don't Sleep." ATTN. N.p., n.d.

Web. 21 Feb. 2017.

Zoldan, Rachel Jacoby. "This Is What Really Happens To Your Body When You Don't Get Enough Sleep."

Self. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Jan. 2017

— Ariana Savage —

When a full time teaching position opened I immediately applied and was fortunate enough to get the job! This is a great example of how helpful making and keeping connections can be for your future.

What did you major in? What made you first interested in this major?

I majored in what was called psychobiology here at Simmons. It has now been renamed to something more appropriate: neuroscience and behavior. I came to Simmons as a biology major. I chose biology because I had a natural interest in science since childhood, but also I read a lot of science fiction books, which made me love science even more. When I started at Simmons, I took psychology classes at the same time as my biology classes.

This wasn’t something I had exposure to previously.

I became fascinated by human behavior and the brain.

Sophomore year I was talking to some friends about how I wanted to combine those areas of study. They said, “Hey! You know there is a major that does that,” and the rest is history.

How did you end up teaching at Simmons?

I kept in touch with some of the professors in the psychology and biology departments during and after graduate school. Psychology had an opening to teach Biological Psychology one semester and they asked me if I would be interested. I wasn’t sure if I would like teaching because of the public speaking aspect. I have always had a fear of public speaking, but I did enjoy being a teaching assistant in graduate school. So, I took a leap of faith (and a lot of deep breaths)--and I fell in love with teaching!

Neuroscience

Meet Professor Carey

What is your favorite memory at Simmons as a student and as a teacher?

My friends and I were very silly, so a lot of my favorite memories from college come from our time hanging out in the dorms or in what is now Common Grounds. In fact, the area where Commons Grounds is didn’t exist when I first got to Simmons. It was a concrete outdoor patio! Later on, they built an inside space that looked a little different than it does now, but provide us with a space to have some fun--and maybe study sometimes, too. The beautiful library we have now also didn’t exist then, so there were not as many comfortable spaces like that. Oh no...this is starting to sound like a “back in my day...”speech. Take home message: Cherish the memories you are making with your friends right now! I barely remember the times I panicked before a presentation or exams I didn’t do well on. I remember all the good times with friends, so try to make and cherish some good memories during your time here.

There are so many great memories as a teacher.

Last year I took part in the SURPASs program with two students. These students developed research projects and completed them in my lab over the summer. All the SURPASs students and faculty would meet regularly to discuss research in our respective fields. I loved hearing about research outside of my discipline. It was eye opening, the vast and wonderful range of research we have going on here at Simmons. It was also a wonderful experience mentoring students from the beginning to the end of an entire project--and I hope it was a transformative experience for them, too.

What was your favorite class at Simmons when you were a student?

My favorite class was biological psychology.

Biological psychology was the first time that I saw this intersection between the mind and the brain. It was eyeopening; it was a new world to me. Now I teach it along with my colleague who was the one who taught it to me!

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What advice do you have for students pursuing science careers?

I think it is important to be passionate about what you want to do. Science can be difficult and graduate school can be difficult. If you are passionate about it, then it is all worth it and you will love what you do. If you are not passionate about it then find something else you are passionate about. Maybe your passion is in another science or related to science such as science writing.

Passion isn’t going to be the only thing you need to succeed in science, of course, but it is a great start.

Simmons College Neuroscience and Psychology Liaison

What is the most important set of skills in teaching and science?

For me personally, paying attention to details and staying organized helps me in both science and teaching.

For example, the amount of work that goes on “behind the scenes” when you are teaching three courses can be very overwhelming and time consuming. Staying very organized allows me to use my time efficiently, so that I still have time to mentor students and do research--and sometimes I even get to go home! In the lab, attention to detail is also an important skill. You cannot just skim a research protocol or make approximations. Details are very important in science. Would you rather do an experiment right once or have to repeat it ten times? I definitely know what my answer is.

At a competitive, women-centered college, it can be a challenge to find your niche. When I formed the Neuroscience & Psychology Liaison at Simmons College, I started it with the intention of having an all-inclusive environment where all students, no matter their major, could become involved.

This organization is necessary because neuroscience can often get lost as a subcategory when discussing broader fields of science.

However, it is an up-and-coming field with much to discuss. It is a relatively new major at Simmons College and therefore it would be beneficial to create a community space where neuroscience is the main focus. We incorporated psychology in our liaison as well because there is currently no active liaison for psychology majors at Simmons, and we believe this will help increase membership and involvement.

Currently, our small organization is quickly growing as word is spread amongst different classes of students. Our E-board is working hard to get the liaison recognized as an official organization. In the meantime, we have various ideas for potential events to take place both on and off campus.

In the near future, we hope to host a moviescreening event on the Simmons academic campus of a neuro-related film in order to spread the word about our organization. As a liaison, we plan to reach out to Simmons alumnae and professionals in the area so that students can begin networking and thinking about career planning for after graduation.

As a group, we attended the Brain Health Fair on Friday April 21, 2017, at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. This event was free for all to attend. We hope to continue attending local events such as this one so that students can get a better sense of new developments in their field.

We also hope to continue collaborating with other organizations at Simmons so that we can reach a wider audience. We’re looking forward to being instated as an official organization on campus! •

What is your main interest in research?

My main interest in research is in a broad field called nutritional neuroscience, which means that I like to look at how the way you eat can affect your brain in a good or bad way. I just completed a study looking at ways to mitigate the negative effects of a high fat diet on the brain. Research shows that high fat diets can cause inflammation and cognitive problems. We found that eating raspberries was able to prevent some of the cognitive dysfunction and inflammation associated with the high fat diet. America is known for having bad diets and it is really overwhelming to say, “Now change your whole diet” to someone, and often leads to failure. I wanted to know if small changes, like adding an extra serving of fruit or vegetable more often, could prevent or reverse some of the consequences from eating a poor diet.

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Why did you decide to teach and pursue research instead of just pursuing teaching or just research?

Originally I thought I was going to be a researcher because of my fear of public speaking. In research you still have to give presentations, but you don’t normally have to publically speak multiple times a day, like in teaching! After graduate school, I did a post-doc, which is your first step in becoming a scientist after graduate school, but after my experience teaching biological psychology I realized I wanted to focus more on teaching. The type of research that I wanted to do was the type that I could involve students in, so Simmons was a great choice because I could focus a lot on teaching and also mentor students in my laboratory. •

— Angela Capriglione —

Contact Information: Facebook: http://facebook.com/simmonsneuro Email: simmonsneuro@gmail.com

Neuroscience

Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis

http://nypost.com/2009/10/04/my-mysterious-lost-month-of-madness/

— Kolby Shaw —

In early 2009, New York Post reporter Susannah Cahalan awoke to what she believed were bed bug bites; this would be the first in a months-long series of incidents resulting from a dangerous, rare form of encephalitis: antiNMDA receptor encephalitis. First diagnosed in 2007, anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s antibodies attack NMDA receptors.These receptors are responsible for the brain’s electrical impulses, which can control bodily functions such as breathing and swallowing, as well as affect perception, judgement and memory.

Though there is not sufficient scientific evidence to pinpoint what causes the body to attack its own receptors, NMDA receptor encephalitis is often associated with ovarian tumors (teratomas) in young women. Teratomas are different from most body tumors in that they contain body tissues from sources other than that in which they grow. For example, although it is ovarian teratomas that are associated with NMDA receptor

encephalitis, in a majority of cases these teratomas actually contain neural cells! Due to the prevalence of ovarian teratomas, incidents of NMDA receptor encephalitis are largely skewed towards women, who account for 80 percent of all cases. Unfortunately, there are several cases (such as Cahalan’s) in which a tumor is never found. As a result, the cause of this rare encephalitis has yet to be discovered.

Cahalan describes her earliest symptoms as being flu-like, accompanied by extreme paranoia, anxiety and memory loss. Though her illness went undiagnosed for months, these are the top symptoms of the disease.

As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms such as seizures, hypoventilation, speech impairment and body spasms become more common. Often, hallucinations and delusions are associated with NMDA receptor encephalitis, and many patients are often mistreated in a psychiatric facility, their symptoms linked to psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia.

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those who contract the disease, which can be lifethreatening, tend to recover quickly and can resume with their normal lives. Unfortunately, because of the wide variety of symptoms and its rarity, anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis is not always detected in a timely manner. Hypoventilation and cardiac arrest as a result of the disease often kill patients who are not diagnosed or treated properly. Additionally, as in Cahalan’s case (who was in the hospital for almost two months), long hospital stays contribute a great deal to fatalities associated with the diseases. Immunosuppressive drugs and exposure to infections acquired in the hospital can lead to dangerous infections that the body is unable to fight off.

Treatment of anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis includes a cocktail of steroids and the intravenous delivery of immunoglobulin and plasmapheresis, a procedure used to filter the harmful antibodies out of the patient’s blood. Additionally, specialized medications can be used in the treatment of the most severe symptoms, including drugs to prevent seizures and muscle relaxants to reduce muscle spasms. After initial treatment, it is not uncommon for a patient to continue to take an array of medications.

Relapse is common in many cases, and as a result those who contract anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis will remain on steroids for years after their initial diagnosis.

In some cases, treatment has no effect on the patient if they have an irreversible amount of neural degeneration.

Typically, 14-25 percent of patients will relapse, most of whom had a case in which a teratoma was not found.

With a prompt diagnosis and proper treatment,

It is frightening to think that such a powerful and dangerous autoimmune disease has yet to be associated with a particular cause. It is also saddening to know that those whose conditions went untreated led to death or unnecessary psychiatric treatment. Cahalan’s story exists to create awareness of this rare encephalitis, and will hopefully lead to faster diagnoses, better treatment and fewer relapse incidents. Recovered patients, the AntiNMDA receptor encephalitis foundation, and physicianscientists worldwide are working towards determining the exact cause of the disease, and hope that understanding the cause will lead to a better prognosis for diagnosed patients. •

http://www.neurology.org/content/84/8/859/F1.expansion.html

Neuroscience

Aside from the primary symptoms and presence of a teratoma, anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis can also be detected through blood/cerebrospinal fluid tests. These tests look for high concentrations of the antibodies associated with the encephalitis. In Cahalan’s case, her blood tests and spinal tap came back showing only negligible concentrations of these antibodies, further prolonging her diagnosis. Because anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis is so difficult to detect, especially when a teratoma is not present, it is likely that people who have been affected before the disease’s first characterization in 2007 went untreated, or were treated for the wrong condition.

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Cahalan’s full story can be read in her memoir: Brain On Fire: My Month of Madness

http://www.playbuzz.com/brucebanner10/italianneurosurgeon-sergio-canavero-plans-to-performthe-first-human-head-transplant-next-year

— Gabriela Taslitsky Androssenko —

In 2016, Italian neuroscientist Dr. Sergio Canavero announced his plans to perform the first cephalosomatic anastomosis human head transplant. The transplant is scheduled to happen in 2017.

The surgery will be performed on Valery Spiridonov, a Russian volunteer patient suffering from Werdnig-Hoffmann Disease.

Werdnig-Hoffmann Disease is a rare, and often fatal, genetic disorder that causes the deterioration of skeletal muscles and neurons in the brain and spinal cord.

Spiridonov is confined to a wheelchair, which he controls with a joystick, and his motor abilities consist of typing and feeding himself.

Performing a cephalosomatic anastomosis would require eighty surgeons and cost tens of millions of dollars if approved. The procedure would also require a body from a young brain-dead male patient to attach to the head of Spiridonov.

Dr. Canavero believes that the surgery, in which they will connect a human head to a different body, has a “90 percent plus” chance of success. He recently performed a similar experiment where he was able to successfully reconnect a severed spinal cord in a dog.

However, many professionals in the community believe this procedure to be unethical and impossible.

Firstly, many scientists believe that Dr. Canavero's success with repairing the spinal cord of a dog does not give enough evidence that fusing a human spinal cord onto a different body is possible. They say there is a big difference between being able to repair a spinal cord and fusing it with a foreign spinal cord.

The closest procedure to date was in the 1970's in an experiment done by neurosurgeon Dr. Robert White.

Dr. White completed a successful transplant by attaching a monkey’s head onto another monkey. However, within eight days after the surgery the monkey died from a compromised immune system.

Even if the surgery were to have been successful, it raises further uncharted, ethical concerns.

Two Italian bioethicists, Anto Cartolovni and Antonio Spagnolo, pointed out in a letter to Surgical Neurology International after Canavero’s paper was published last year that there is a high likelihood that Spiridonov will be psychologically changed. This is due to the possible damage to the brain or an unpredictable reaction to the new body.

Therefore, Spiridonov may struggle to synchronize his new body with his pre-existing body image and sense of self.

Another unethical issue arises if Spiridonov were to reproduce, because with his new body, the offspring have the genes of his donor. This raises the question: what kind of rights might the donor’s family have over the offspring?

Also, Cartolovni and Spagnolo argue that because the outcome of the surgery is uncertain, the procedure could take away vital donor organs that could be used on other patients.

Some people may say that there was a similar amount of skepticism before the first heart transplant.

However, the head is not an isolated organ like a kidney or heart, but the heaviest and most complex part of the body.

Another challenge that Dr. Canavero has overlooked is the chance of an adverse immunological response where the patient's body rejects the transplant.

If the surgery were not challenging enough, the procedure has to be finished in less than an hour. Both of the heads would have to be removed from Spiridonov and the donor’s body at the same time.Then, the surgeons would have to reattach the head of the person they want to keep alive to the circulatory system of the donor's body while both bodies are under total cardiac arrest.

If this controversial procedure is approved, it would most likely take place in China or in another country outside of Europe or the United States. •

Neuroscience

A Head of the Game?

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— Sophie Lawsure —

Being engaged in physical activity has been noted to promote a healthy body, but what about its effects on a wholesome mind? Recent studies show that people who are active in order to shed weight or to look a certain way are notably less productive than the population engaged in physical activity for an immediate, mentally satisfying reward. Mental gratification comes in various ways though, moving beyond just physical demands to the body and further into the mental activations.

To begin, one must first examine what advantage the brain obtains from a mobile body. It involves a process called neurogenesis — a process in which a person gains neurons. The body constantly needs an adequate amount of these cells in order to transfer and store important information. It has been previously theorized that the production of neurons stopped at adulthood.

Yet after more in-depth animal studies done on brain cells and aerobic exercise by Karen Postal, president of the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology, this phenomenon of neurogenesis turned out to be inaccurate. Postal discovered that the production of even the smallest amount of sweat, only 30 to 40 minutes a day, initiates the development of neurons in the hippocampus region of the brain (the area involved in implicating routines by memory and prolonged learning outcomes).

Shutterstock

Neuroscience

An Active Mind or a Fit Body?

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What effect does brain cell implication have on long term memory? Animal studies have shown that if a new cell does not undergo multiplication in a few days after being born by challenging the brain, then the neurons die off. Another phenomenon, known as brain derived neurotrophic factor (or BDNF) can also be stimulated from brain manipulations and can exploit long term memory. BDNF prompts neurons to bind to one another,

resulting in the spaces between the cells, scientifically referred to as synapses, to become more connective or dense. An active adult who attempts to reinforce healthy living can profit from this adaptation in the hippocampus because they learn to develop nourishing habits and sustain them.

To further denote how the hippocampus profits from various physical activities, a specific study done by Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS) in 2011 noted a growth of 1-2 percent tissue volume in this region as a result of physical activity; this is equivalent to the opposite of a two-year age gain in the brain.

Another key brain-focused study published by scientists in the Frontiers Human Neuroscience Journal consisted of two groups: one that participated in multiple mentally exhausting cognitive training activities and another that participated in various physical training sessions, both for three hours a week. After the twelveweek mark of each experiment, MRI scans conveyed an accumulation of blood flow to two separate parts of the brain. The cognitive group outcomes were primarily executive function-based located in the frontal region, while the group that participated in aerobic activity benefited in the hippocampus region of the brain. Here, the differences in brain affects from distinct levels of demand can be seen.

As noted from the previously mentioned study, the frontal lobe is the less impacted region of the brain.

This executive cerebral portion contributes to a sense of mindfulness. Elevations in heart rate, oxygen uptake, respiration, blood flow and other regulating factors in this region result in a stronger ability to manage one’s focus, concentration and time.

In the end, a challenge to the brain is critical.

Whether the labor comes from an extensive run, or a lengthy written exam, your brain will benefit and execute efficiently. Exertion has the ability to positively impact the brain, not just to produce a desirable, toned body. After all, what is activity without a well-functioning brain, and what is a well-functioning brain without activity. •

— Sierra McCaffrey —

In preparation for the surgery, you will go under anesthesia to numb the pain.

The head is then secured with special equipment to ensure that the head will not move during the procedure.

Then, a portion of your hair is shaved (just a strip) in the incision area. Depending on the severity of your condition, vertebrae may be removed to reduce crowding in the brain.

As noted by the Mayfield Chiari Center, “ These steps expose the protective covering of the brain and spinal cord called the dura. Bone removal relieves compression of the tonsils." The dura, or protective membrane containing the brain and the spinal cord, is cut to reveal the tonsils to see if they need to be shrunk, and to ensure there is no blockages in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

To complete the procedure, the incision is covered by a synthetic material or a piece of the patient’s deep scalp tissue, which is then secured and stitched into place. This allows the dura to be enlarged and creates more space around the tonsils to reduce any future discomfort. Then, the neck muscles and skin are sewn back into place and bandaged to prevent infection. The hospital stay is usually two or three days. However, the recovery could take up to a couple of weeks.

After the surgery, medication to aid any soreness will be prescribed if the patient desires it; doctors also recommend that patients get lots of rest in order for the body to fully heal. Patients should refrain from carrying anything heavy, excessive neck movements, athletics, and even work or school.

As you can see, although headaches are common due to stress and other everyday obstacles, sometimes their presence might not be so innocent. If you or someone you know have chronic neck pain and headaches, Chiari malformation might be the diagnosis. • Adobe

It seems that with every headline about trauma and brain injury in our society, people’s first reaction is to assume a concussion was at fault. However, there is another invisible illness that brings throbbing headaches and discomfort to many people: Chiari malformation.

I had never heard of this condition before—that is, until my best friend was diagnosed with it. A few years later when I was in college, I was shocked to discover that two of my roommate's family members had been diagnosed with it as well; it was at this point that I decided to investigate this invisible illness.

According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Chiari malformation (CM) is a group of complex abnormalities that affect the area in lower posterior skull where the brain and spinal cord connect." Essentially, the crowding of tissues and muscles in one’s brain area creates an unnecessary pressure that causes aching and irritation within your body. Although the initial cause of CM is not yet known, some believe it is a condition children are born with, and that many just never receive a diagnosis.

Symptoms of CM vary greatly depending on the severity of the condition. As noted by the Mayo Clinic, some signs of CM include: extreme headaches, dizziness, neck pains, speech impediments, difficulty seeing, numbness and poor coordination. However, if someone does not know they have Chiari, they might just mistake the malformation as a common migraine or headache. It is when the subtle suffering becomes excessive that most people seek medical care.

Treatment options depend on the severity of the condition. A few resources include medication to ease the soreness, and eventually surgery to remove bone from the back of the neck and spine. According to the Mayfield Chiari Center, because of structural defects in the brain and spinal cord, the base of the skull is abnormally small and brain material needs to be removed.

Biology

Chiari Confusion

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A “Prescription” of a Plant-Based Diet — Kimanna Nguyen —

It’s becoming more common now for doctors to suggest patients change their current diet to a whole, plant-based one, especially patients who have diseases such as heart disease, cancer and even diabetes. Some may ask, "What exactly is a plant-based diet?" A plantbased diet consists of eating plant-based foods such as whole vegetables, legumes, grains, fruit, nuts and seeds.

A plant-based diet is a vegan diet; however, it differs in that the plant-based diet is noted for only being about 10 percent protein, 10 percent fat and low in processed foods compared to other vegetarian and vegan diets.

However, don’t mistake the low protein and fat aspects of this diet as not meeting adequate nutritional needs. What you may not realize is that Americans typically overconsume proteins and fats. Dr. Mary Harkins Becker of Yarmouth, Maine, who practices emergency and palliative medicine, said that no other diet has been shown to reverse heart disease and slow and stop tumor growth in mammalian studies.

The reason that a plant-based diet is so effective is that plants contain various phytochemicals that may enhance immune function, inhibit cancer cell growth and prevent carcinogens (cancer-causing agents) from forming. These compounds also have antioxidant properties that can help maintain cellular health and reduce damage caused by environmental pollutants and contaminants. There is preliminary evidence from animal and cell culture studies suggesting that phytochemicals may play a role in cancer prevention.

One new study found that women who were placed on a plant-based diets for just two weeks suppressed the growth of three different types of breast cancer. The same blood coursing through these women's bodies gained the power to significantly slow and stop breast cancer cell growth through this brief change in diet. Furthermore, a study at Loma Linda University reported that vegans have much lower rates

of cancer than both meat-eaters and vegetarians. This was compared to a group of healthy omnivores who ate substantially less meat than the general population; the researchers also controlled for nondietary factors such as smoking, alcohol and a family history of cancer.

There has also been research done by Drs. Dean Ornish and Nobel Prize winner Elizabeth Blackburn that found a vegan diet causes more than 500 bodily changes in only three months, turning on genes that prevent disease and turning off genes that cause breast cancer, heart disease, prostate cancer and other illnesses.

A plant-based diet can positively affect blood sugar levels, so it is also a natural supportive treatment for diabetes. Animal-based proteins stimulate a rapid release of insulin into the bloodstream due their high fat content, which prevents insulin from reaching the cells effectively. This phenomenon, known as insulin resistance, is closely associated with diabetes. Animal proteins also trigger the release of IGF-1 (insulin growth factor) which is a hormonal response that’s been linked to cancer. As you can see, eating a whole, plant-based diet can have a huge impact on an individual’s health.

Prescribing medication for patients that they’ll have to take everyday for the rest of their lives is not beneficial or realistic for the patient. Pharmaceutical companies may benefit from this, but the patient will not. Instead of prescribing patients drug after drug, health care professionals are beginning to urge patients to change their lifestyles. A lifestyle change, especially one regarding diet, can do more for the body than any type of drug. Could lifestyle changes be the new prescription drug? Hopefully in the future, we will see more medical professionals pushing their patients to take charge of their long-term health. • Adobe

Biology

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095159/

— Angelica Coleman —

Love science? Enjoy going to the movies? If so, Science on Screen might be just the type of event for you.

Hosted annually by the Coolidge Corner Theatre, this local program unites the worlds of cinema and science by featuring films of various genres in combination with talks by prominent members of the science/research community. Science on Screen began in Boston 12 years ago, and in 2011 they received funding to kick-start the program on a national level. With the help of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, 57 additional U.S. theatres added Science on Screen to their list of programs.

This event series is great for the community because it allows the public to engage with scientific researchers in a captivating manner. Both members and non-members of participating theatres around the country may attend a Science on Screen event simply to see a popular film, but they will also leave with scientific knowledge that they may not have access to otherwise.

As it grows, this type of program has the potential to promote collective awareness about important matters relating to climate change, global health, mental illness and other pertinent topics in the world of science.

Each Science on Screen event is unique, featuring different films, new speakers and varied topics.

In November 2016, the Coolidge Corner Theatre hosted Dr. Daniel Lieberman, a professor of human evolutionary biology at Harvard University, who discussed the evolutionary theory behind the film "Planet of the Apes" (1968). Dr. Lieberman ended his talk by proposing a controversial question: Would the Earth be better off without humans? He concluded that this was a good

Biology

When Two Worlds Collide: The Important Marriage of Science and Film

question for Hollywood to explore, thereby promoting inclusivity and public participation in the scientific dialogue.

Additionally, the Coolidge Corner Theatre featured the popular romantic comedy "A Fish Called Wanda" (1988) just prior to Valentine’s Day this year.

The film was paired with a talk by Dr. Catherine Dulac, a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator and Harvard professor. Dr. Dulac discussed the molecular biology behind pheromone signaling and related it to human behavior in typical romantic comedy movies. The seasonally-appropriate theme and popularity of the film attracted a large audience, as the theatre was sold out for this event. The two events described here exemplify the range of the Science on Screen program in terms of attracting diverse audiences with different film genres and interesting scientific topics.

Across the country, the Science on Screen program is connecting the scientific community with the film-viewing public. It makes sense that such a program developed in a city like Boston, one of the science and technology capitals of the world. Bostonians are very aware of current science news because of their proximity to countless laboratories, numerous colleges and universities and world-class hospitals. However, in other cities where the subject of science is not as pervasive, it is even more important that researchers and professors are supplied with sufficient outlets to communicate their knowledge to the public.

Science on Screen is open to any member of the community, but they have a particular interest in reaching the student demographic. When contacted about this topic, a program associate responded, DzIt’s especially important for young people to feel engaged by science because science is what drives us forward, and a program like Science on Screen shows that just about any popular film can be an entry point to a discussion about science and its role in shaping the world we live in. Thanks to outreach programs like this, there is hope for greater public interest and science literacy on the horizon. • To find out more about the Science on Screen program and participating theatres, visit

scienceonscreen.org

For information on upcoming local events at the Coolidge Corner Theatre, visit coolidge.org/programs/science-on-screen Background Photo: Madison Dean

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Biology

Meet Professor Scott — Alex Kemna —

Did you study microbiology in your undergraduate career or was there something else that interested you?

I studied microbiology because I went to school in the British university system. You go to university for a specific discipline, you don’t do the liberal arts education.

You go to university to get a degree in microbiology, or medicine, or architecture or whatever you like.

What sparked your interest in microbiology and public health?

I didn’t know anything about microbiology until just before I got to college.Then I fell in love with the idea of this world of microbes that we couldn’t see unless we looked through a microscope. It was so fascinating and I was so taken up with that idea as soon as I discovered it. Also, from then on I was really interested in infectious diseases, and that really kind of took me into public health in a very traditional way. Public health really started around issues of infectious disease like cholera in London, so for me that was just a natural pathway to getting interested in public health.

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How did you end up teaching biology and public health classes at Simmons?

That’s a great story because I actually was introduced to Simmons by a colleague of mine—her name was Jill Taylor. Many people on this campus knew Jill very well. Sadly, she’s since passed away. She introduced

me to Simmons and I started here as an adjunct teaching BIO 221 one semester a year. Then from there I started to do more teaching here and sort of fulfilled a role in microbiology as that opened up. Then I was fortunate enough to get a contract and then onto a tenure track, and everything happened from there. So that was my role in microbiology in the biology department. But about nine years ago I had this great experience of being at a social event with professor Valerie Leiter in the sociology department. We sat and chatted and it turns out, we both had interests in bringing public health to this campus. Out of that wonderful evening grew this idea of starting a program in public health. That’s how we ended up with our interdisciplinary program that comes from a biology track and a social sciences track. Now just this last year it has gone further than that and we now have a department of public health with an undergraduate major and new faculty who have created a unique and exciting master’s in public health online.

Do you have any favorite memories or favorite research projects that you have done while working here at Simmons?

Yes, I have done lots of research here and made lots of great memories. My research is applied microbiology and consists of looking at microbes in our living environments. I am really interested in the microbes that our in our homes, in schools, the workplace and anywhere indoors. We’ve had projects where we went

Do you have any advice for students studying microbiology and/or public health to be more competitive in the field?

I would say keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities. One of the best ways to promote yourself in a competitive field is to either get yourself involved in undergraduate research or into some really relevant internships. Do those things as often as you can. Just keep networking and connecting and getting these experiences.

One of the things graduate schools are really looking for is passion and commitment.

Besides microbiology and public health do you have any other hobbies?

I have so many hobbies. I love gardening. I also spend my summers sailing. I live aboard a boat with my family and my dog and we sail the Cape and the islands for as much time as we can. I love to travel, that’s one of my favorite things. My sons are spread out around the world, two of them live in California and one lives in Australia, and my family are in the UK, so I’m happy to hop on a

plane and go anywhere at anytime. I just love traveling.

I also love walking and hiking—anything outdoors. If it’s something outdoors, I’m there.

Do you have any tips to spread the message about the importance of public health issues, such as hygiene and food borne illnesses?

In several of my classes I really like to work with students on getting them to become communicators for these issues. We've actually started doing quite of lot of work in some of my classes about how to blog about science topics, how to make videos about science topics and how to find ways to reach the community. Because one thing that scientists do an awful lot of is talk to each other, and that doesn’t really get our message out there!

We do need to talk to each other, but we've also got to go beyond that. I really like to encourage students to think about ways that they could communicate. We’ve done some big projects in my epidemiology class on being vaccine communicators. I am passionate about the importance of vaccination as a way to reduce infectious disease around the world. Yet there’s this movement, especially here in North America, an anti-vaccine movement. Students made videos that they could launch on YouTube to promote vaccinations.

Biology

out into homes all around the Boston area and sampled for bacteria. We've had projects where we sampled student nursing scrubs here on campus and nursing scrubs in a hospital. We had a research project on alternative water filtration: biosand water filtration units.

We did a study in my lab to verify their efficiency. Right now we have this ongoing study that’s been going on for about two years where we are looking at Staph aureus carriage in the nose. We’re looking at nasal carriage of Staph aureus in a student population. We’re looking for differences between nursing students who have done their clinical and non-nursing students, specifically science students. That’s an ongoing project and I think there are about eight undergraduates working around that project right now.

One of my favorite memories actually, goes back to that water filtration project. That water filtration project was done in collaboration with another Simmons faculty member, Dr. David Gullette. He runs this big project down in a little town in Nicaragua called San Juan Del Sur. He actually runs the sister city program between Newton, Massachusetts and San Juan Del Sur. He was the one who was instrumental in setting up these alternative water filtration units in people’s homes in rural Nicaragua where people don't have access to clean drinking water.

So he got me involved, I started doing research in my lab, and students started working with me in the lab testing those units.We’ve got these big buckets of gravel and sand in the lab. Then, one January I actually went down there with a group of students. We took what we knew from our lab research, we took it down to the field situation, and we helped build these units. We helped install them into people’s homes and educated people on how to use them. And, we actually set up a field lab in San Juan Del Sur. That was just such a fantastic experience. People just loved it so much.

Can you explain your roles in the Scientific Advisory Board of the International Forum on Home Hygiene and on the editorial board of the American Journal of Infection Control?

About 18 years ago the international forum on home hygiene was formed. I worked with a group of colleagues from around the world. I was sort of one of the founding members of that forum. It’s all about promoting information on how people can protect themselves against infectious disease in their everyday lives. For the American Journal of Infection Control, I’ve been on the editorial board for a number of years now.

In my role, I’m asked to peer review papers that are going to be published in the journal.That’s the sort of work I do.

Do you have anything else you would like to share with the Simmons Community?

The one thing I would say to Simmons students is never allow anyone to tell you that you can’t do what you want to do. Hang onto your dreams and your goals and your aspirations and just go for it. There will be setbacks. There are always setbacks. When you look up to professionals in your field you see them in the position they're in now and you think “Oh I want to be that, I want to be that person, I want that job.” But what you don’t see is the path it took to get there, and everybody’s path has twists and turns in it. I just would like to convey that message. Never, never give up. My career path has been convoluted, I’ve had real setbacks. And you just keep going at it, and if you're really passionate about it, you'll get there. •

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Nutrition

Protecting the Next Generation — Liliana Torres —

The Obama administration worked hard to improve the health of America, especially that of the students attending public schools. In particular, Michelle Obama strongly promoted a healthy lifestyle. She had a positive impact on the United States when she created the “Let’s Move!” exercise program to fight obesity in children, along with the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act. However, this past election left many people and parents wondering, "Will the new administration work to promote nutrition in schools?"

PBS.org1 sheds light on the negative impact President Trump could have on food regulation, especially the regulation placed on school lunches. He has promised to curb federal regulations, which could have a damaging effect on the health of those who get their meals from a government funded establishment such as schools. Another possible outcome is that the new administration will vote to cut costs when it comes to schools’ meal expenses, leading to a decrease in fresh, healthy options. http://www.eurthisnthat.com/2015/04/21/michelleobama-not-school-chef-blamed-for-nasty-lookingschool-lunch-so-whats-new/

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention2, about 17 percent of American adolescents 2-19 years old are obese and one in three are overweight.

This may sound like just a statistic, but these are real, living children who are slowly being pushed into an unhealthy cycle of poor eating habits that will eventually lead to a multitude of health problems. Former Surgeon General Richard Carmona states that, “Because of the increasing rates of obesity, unhealthy eating habits and physical inactivity, we may see the first generation that will be less healthy and have a shorter life expectancy than their parents”3. An article in Health Marketing Quarterly4 explained how this destructive cycle of poor eating habits is due to the fact that people tend to establish their food preferences at a

young age; as a result, these eating habits become difficult to break over time. People often make their food choices based on taste, convenience, cost, pleasure, nutrition and weight control. Since many people are in school throughout their youth, their main source of nutrition tends to come from the food that the school provides. So what are we to do when the schools can’t provide healthy, balanced options? What affect are these unhealthy meals having on the children who depend onthose meals? Why don’t the schools offer more nutritious options?

Most schools face many obstacles when it comes to providing fresh, healthy options. Money is only one of the many obstacles, considering schools only get $2.68 for every free meal they serve through National School Lunch Program; that money must cover the food, the labor, the facility and any structural costs the school requires in order to provide the meal. It’s nearly impossible to create a fresh meal for under $1, even in a big school system. Schools also have contracts with food management companies, which gives all the purchasing power to companies who have no incentive to provide healthy, “more costly” options5.

A possible solution lies within the government and federal nutrition programs. The president and his administration have the power to advocate for healthier options and promote real change. As proven by the Obama administration, it is possible to create positive change through federal nutrition programs and regulations.

If we don't promote change for a healthier America, then the obesity rate will continue to sky rocket, eventually leading to a decrease in life expectancy for the majority of the population. Change starts at the very beginning with the next generation. If they can learn from an early age how to eat healthy, then the harmful cycle of poor eating habits will cease, thus making the next generation more healthy. •

Works Cited: 1 http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/willtrump-fast-food-fan-remake-healthy-school-lunches/ 2 https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/childhood.html 3 http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/ HealthyKids/ChildhoodObesity/Overweight-inChildren_UCM_304054_Article.jsp#.

WKNKURIrLq0 4 http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/ full/10.1080/07359680802619834?src=recsys 5https://www.artinstitutes.edu/about/blog/unhealthyschool-lunches-not-making-the-grade

— Gabriella Trombley —

Astronomy

Tracking Sunspots to Calculate How Much the Sun Rotates in Comparison to Earth Each Day

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Sunspots are defined by the Encyclopedia Britannica as “a vortex of gas on the surface of the sun associated with strong, local, magnetic activity” (2).

These spots appear darker on the sun when observed through a protected telescope because they are much cooler than the surface of the sun.They are located in the photosphere layer of the sun, which is the layer that emits light and heat (3). However, the brightness of sunspots is very relative because if they were put in the typical night sky, they would shine about as bright as the moon does.

Sunspots were first observed through a telescope

by Galileo Galilei on 1610; after this initial observation, an observatory in Zurich began to make daily observations of sunspots to track their activity. This observatory discovered that sunspots appear and disappear randomly, which sparked further research into this field.

This research showed that sunspots are magnetic in nature and occur when the top layer of the sun is weakened. The gasses then “poke” through the photosphere and appear as a sunspot. The spots also contain a north and south pole that are similar to those on the earth. This is why sunspots are typically observed in an arch form when examined closely.

Figure 1: Layers of the Sun

It was also noted that sunspots appearing on the sun can survive anywhere from weeks to months depending on the rotation of the sun and earth. With this research as a starting point, four Simmons College firstyears recently conducted an experiment to determine the rate at which sunspots rotated across the sun's surface.

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Astronomy

Figure 3: Analysis of sunspots and circumference

Figure 2: North and South pole of sunspot

This experiment was conducted on the Simmons College academic quad between the hours of 3:50 p.m. and 4:10 p.m. Sunspots were tracked between the dates of Oct. 7, 2016 and Nov. 28, 2016. A telescope with a sun filter was used to observe the sunspots, and an iPhone adapter was used to photograph the sunspots. When placed over the camera of the iPhone, the adapter could be used to attach the phone to the telescope and obtain photos for analysis. Once the telescope was positioned with the lens facing the sun, it was manually focused until the image was clear. The adapter was then placed on the eye piece with the phone attached, and the alignment was checked again through the camera of the iPhone.

The adjustment knobs were then used to focus the camera until sunspots could be seen clearly. Multiple images were then taken so that the best ones could be chosen for the analysis.

To analyze the photos, they were first uploaded to a computer and saved with the date and time they were taken as the title. A computer program called “MeasureAll” was then opened, and the desired photo was selected for analysis when prompted.

When the entire sun was able to be seen on the screen of the computer, the button labeled “circle” was pressed and the perimeter of the sun was selected.

When the circumference of the sun is set, the location of the spots can be selected. To analyze the location of the spots, the button labeled “spots” was selected. The center of each spot was chosen using estimation. When all spots were selected, the button labeled “done” was clicked and a dialogue box appeared.

In this dialogue box was the circumference of the sun and the x and y coordinates of each of the selected sunspots in the order that they were clicked on. These numbers were then copied and pasted into a word document and the previous steps were repeated for eachof the photos that were taken.

Once all photos had been analyzed, the spots were tracked across the sun by assigning each spot a color and color coding the appropriate x and y coordinates.

A pair of matching spots were then put in a plain text document and saved.

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A program titled “Spots” was then opened and the plain text document was imported into the program.

This program allowed students to move the spots so that the line between them was horizontal. When the line was horizontal, the button labeled “done” was pressed and a dialogue box appeared with the latitude of the spots on the sun and the Dlon measurement. The Dlon measurement is the angle between the two spots and can be divided by the number of days between measurements to give the degrees that a particular sunspot moved each day. These steps were repeated for all of the spots and then graphed to compare the rate that sunspots at different latitudes rotated.

Figure 4: Dlon of spot traveled and latitude

When all data was analyzed, it was shown that the spots that were closer to the equator of the sun, or in other words, had a lower latitude value, rotated faster than those that were farther away from the equator and closer to the poles of the sun. The data also showed that a spot located at 0.34427 degrees above the equator rotated an average of 13.3219 degrees per day compared to a spot located at 21.218659 degrees which rotated an average of 12.4321 degrees per day.This is a difference of 0.8898 degrees per day.

The graph that was created also shows that there is a general downward trend of the line of best fit due to the fact that the farther away a spot is from the equator of the sun, the slower it will move across the surface.

This proves that the data supports the theory that was being tested; this theory stated that if sunspots were measured and tracked over a period of time, then it will be determined that the spots closer to the equator will move at a faster rate than those which are closer to the poles.

Astronomy

Figure 5: Graph of degrees of sunspots compared to latitude

The average rotation for something located at the equator of the sun is 25 days. This means that a spot directly on the equator will rotate approximately 14.4 degrees per day. The average rotation for something located on the poles of the sun is approximately 35 days, which means that a sunspot would move about 10.286 degrees per day. This is significantly less compared to a spot on the equator.

Figure 6: Rotation of different latitudes on Sun

It should be noted that these numbers are not exact because there are two different ways to measure objects on the sun. One method is a sidereal rotation measurement, which measures the motion of the sun as it is seen from the Earth. The second method uses Synodic motion and is the motion of the sun from a fixed point in space1. This will slightly change the measurements given because both the sun and the Earth are rotating at the same time.

The difference in rotation of spots on the sun can be explained by the fact that the sun is not a solid object and therefore does not rotate at a constant and consistent rate as the Earth does. The photosphere where sunspots are located consists of very loosely held

together gasses and plasmas.This allows different parts of the sun's photosphere to move at different rates based on factors such as solar winds in a specific region of the sun.

While this experiment produced the desired results, there were some errors that must be taken into consideration when analyzing data. Some of these errors include that all photos were not taken from the same source. Some photos were taken on an iPhone at Simmons College while others were taken by professionals at NASA. This affected the accuracy of the measurements taken. In addition, when selecting spots on the sun for measurement, the center of the spot was estimated; this means that the exact middle of the spot was not tracked each time.

There are some modifications that could be made to this experiment to make it more accurate.

One recommendation would be to use photos from a consistent source so that there would be fewer errors.

This would also be helpful because only one person would be analyzing all of the data. As a result of these changes, the estimation of the sunspot's center would be more consistent, which would reduce the possible errors in this lab. •

Works Cited: 1 Rulison, Michael K.Earth’s Synodic Day. Digital image. Oglethorpe. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Dec. 2016.

2 "Sunspots." Encyclopedia Britannica. Research Starters, 2014. Web. 10 Dec. 2016.

3 Weber, Renee. "The Photosphere." National Aeronautics and Space Administration. N.p., n.d.

Web. 10 Dec. 2016.

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— Isabella LoChiatto —

http://www.ialonline.com/service/pharmaceutical/personal-care-product-testing

Chemistry

Birth Defects Associated with the Use of Personal Care Products

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The list of do’s and don’ts for pregnant women goes on and on, telling women what to do and what to avoid to ensure that the healthiest baby possible will be delivered in nine short months. What is not on that list, however, could be some of the most influential factors when it comes to a fetus’s health. What most pregnant women do not realize is that there are a multitude of chemicals that they are exposing their unborn child to on a daily basis through products that no one thinks twice about. The use of personal care products are leading to the exposure of high toxin levels to babies before they are even born. These toxins, that fetuses are being exposed to in utero, are linked to the causation of innumerable birth defects, both physical and mental, as well as future health complications.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2015), birth defects are not a rare occurrence, as they occur in about one in every 33 babies born in the United States, totaling to about 120,000 babies born each year (Facts About Birth Defects). As stated by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, birth defects are

categorized as any abnormality upon birth, either physical or mental, that may cause a strain on the child’s life. Birth defects can be inconsequential issues that can easily be fixed, or lifelong endeavors (Birth Defects). The biggest issue at hand is not that more and more babies are being born with birth defects, but understanding why there is such a rise in cases. If women are following all the rules while they are pregnant, such as refraining from smoking and alcohol use, there should be no reason as to why so many infants are born with birth defects annually. Given that fact, the focus is now being shifted to some of the pernicious chemicals that are found in everyday personal care products and how they are likely affecting the health of unborn children.

The Environmental Working Group (2005) recently debunked the theory claiming that the fetus shields the placenta from most dangers of the outside world, including toxins (Body Burden: The Pollution in Newborns). On the contrary, recent testing has proven that unborn children are exposed to just about as many chemicals on a daily basis that fully grown adults are.

Shutterstock

Chemistry

Although women are told that avoiding toxic substances such as alcohol and tobacco is critical while pregnant, the Environmental Working Group (2005) has found that the “umbilical cord carries not only the building blocks of life, but also a steady stream of industrial chemicals, pollutants and pesticides that cross the placenta as readily as residues from cigarettes and alcohol." In a study conducted by the Environmental Working Group (2005) in collaboration with Commonweal, umbilical cord blood from ten babies born in August and September of 2004 was tested and resulted in the analysis of 287 chemicals. From these results, it was concluded that 180 of those chemicals are known to cause cancer in both humans and animals, 217 are considered toxic to the nervous system and 208 can cause birth defects and impair development (Body Burden: Pollution in Newborns: study methodology).

As discussed by Alex Formuzls (2016), these results are concerning due to the fact that the exposure of such chemicals to children during such a critical time in their development increases their chances of developing birth defects and other ailments later in life significantly (Toxic Contamination Begins in the Womb).

Although studies are still being conducted to determine exactly what kind of birth defects are a result of these exposures, it has recently been established that extensive exposure to phthalates while in the womb is linked directly to certain birth defects. According to Green Facts (2016), phthalates are categorized as “...a group of man-made chemicals that are structurally related to the organic acid, phthalic acid. The most important use...is in plastics, especially in PVC” (Diethylhexyl Phthalate). Phthalates are also categorized as endocrine disruptors, which can disrupt patterns of both estrogen and testosterone, as referenced by Schettler, Ted (2016).

According to Koniecki, Diane (2011) although phthalates are commonly used in plastics, they are also frequently found in products such as fragrances, hair care products, deodorant, nail polish, lotions, skin cleansers and even baby care products themselves (Phthalates in Cosmetic and Personal Care Products). Most of the products listed above are products that the average women uses on a daily basis, suggesting that fetuses are being exposed to high levels of phthalates. Especially at high risk to the effects of phthalates are baby boys, as it has been shown that a now common birth defect called hypospadias (which affects the opening of the urethra on the penis (Facts about Hypospadias)) is directly linked to exposure in the womb. According to the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (2016), hypospadias is a physical birth defect that affects about five in every 1,000 babies born each year in the United States. Healthy Child Healthy World (2013) states that other conditions such as hormonal and reproductive system issues in males, premature birth, increased risk of behavioral problems and respiratory issues in children with bronchial obstruction are also closely related to exposure to phthalates in the womb (Avoid Phthalates: Find Phthalate Free Products Instead!).

Although it is possible to give birth to a healthy baby after high amounts of chemical exposures during pregnancy, that does not necessarily mean that there are not future health risks for the child. For example, in an article written by the Physicians for Social Responsibility, it was discussed that phthalates are shown to cause increased attention neurodevelopmental disorders in girls that had high exposure in the womb. It was also shown that the presence of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which contribute to the development of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders, increased overall body mass index (BMI), as well as reduced IQs compared to children that did not have high exposures (Prenatal Exposure to Toxic Chemicals). PCBs, which have recently been classed as a probable human carcinogen by the EPA, are still showing up in cord blood despite being banned almost 40 years ago.

Understanding the significant effects that heavy exposure to chemicals have on the future health of unborn children is critical to making informed decisions on the products people use while pregnant. While completely preventing fetal exposure is an insurmountable task, minimizing the amount of chemicals used can have a significant impact on the likelihood of an unborn child developing a birth defect or another form of a mental or physical disorder later in life. Unfortunately, living with chemical exposure is a product of living in an industrialized society. However, that does not mean that there are not options to help everyday people, especially mothers, reduce their overall exposures. •

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— Nicolla Bulato —

http://thatsenuff.com/2016/07/05/

Chemistry

Unwanted: The Hierarchal Restraints to Healthy Living

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In today's society, nothing garners more attention than the obsession over beauty and the desire to be beautiful. Social media outlets such as Instagram and Twitter have only made this message more accessible to viewers worldwide. There has not been a single greater influence on the ideal image of beauty than the cosmetics industry. The cosmetics industry's vice grip on what is deemed beautiful has caused women, especially young women, to go out and buy certain cosmetic products in order to look as "beautiful" as Kylie Jenner and Gigi Hadid.

However, over the past couple of years, a substantial amount of evidence has surfaced in regards to the possible toxicities of the chemicals used to make cosmetics. Despite the evidence, big name cosmetic brands such as L'Oreal and Lancôme have refused to take these allegedly toxic chemicals out, claiming that there is insufficient proof asto the severity of the effects the chemicals may have on consumers. This unwillingness has sparked global outrage among environmentalist groups and concerned consumers who claim that the cosmetic companies refusal to change the chemical makeup of their products is endangering consumers.

Both concerned consumers and fiscally-driven cosmetic companies are unwilling to compromise, leaving the toxic issue at a stand still.

However, there is the ability to buy healthier consumer products that uphold safety standards, which are typically labeled “Paraben and Sulfate Free" or“USDA Organic,” and may have a fragrance-free label. However this ability to attain healthier personal care products is

largely dependent on the area the consumer lives in and how much money they make. This makes it increasingly difficult for the lower and middle class to achieve a healthier lifestyle. It also raises the critical issue of why the most affluent percentage of the population are the only ones allowed the chance to buy and use healthier alternatives.The fight for consumer products to become completely clean has been going on for multiple years.

Most challenges against cosmetic companies and their recipes have been enacted upon by environmentalist groups all over the world. One such group is Skin Deep, who has been fighting to make the Cosmetic Review Panel less biased and to allow the FDA to have some regulation over chemicals in cosmetics; however, time and time again this fight has failed. Jane Houlihan, a reporter at the Environmental Working Group, stated that “Except for chemicals added directly to food, there is no legal requirement for health and safety testing or human exposure monitoring for any chemical in commerce”(Session notes were taken by Susan Roll, 2005).

One of the most known “battle between government and cosmetic company happened in the state of California in 2005 with The California Safe Cosmetics act of 2005. This act would have forced companies to“disclose any and all information on chemicals that could be linked to birth defects.” Despite the governor's pleas to make cosmetics companies more eager to share the exact chemicals in use and possibly stop using them, big cosmetic companies fought back and used their

http://www.silentspring.org/detoxme/

Despite the outcry against toxic chemicals from concerned environmentalist group and consumers alike, no bill or law has yet been passed to make a change regarding what specific chemicals companies are allowed to use and if they have to inform the consumers at all.

However, there is a silver lining in this seemingly bleak situation. Companies like the Boston-based Silent Spring Institute have generated apps such as “Detox Me” in order to help consumers knowledgeably pick what types of products are best to put on one's body.The company's Detox Me app has allowed for accessibility of a whole slew of once unknown information into the hands of the public. The app makes suggestions asto what a consumer can buy in order to make sure that their personal care products are as healthy as they can be.

What is really gripping about the information that is gathered from this app is how most of the healthier personal care products can only be found in the wealthiest parts of Boston.This raises a distinct question in regards to why only consumers who are of more affluent backgrounds have the opportunity to buy products that won't be a detriment to their health. Students from Simmons College conducted their own on-foot study to see if healthier personal care products were more readily

available in more affluent neighborhoods rather than poorer ones. They did so by gathering data from four distinct neighborhoods in the city: Jamaica Plain, Mission Hill, Back Bay, Fenway/Kenmore. The findings of the study were astounding.

The students ventured out into different neighborhoods, collecting data on if they could find personal care products, such as shampoo moisturizer and pure castile soap, that met the “Detox Me” requirement of being free of paraben, sulfate and other chemicals.

For example, in lower-income neighborhoods such as Mission Hill, none of the healthier personal care products mentioned above were found. However in wealthier neighborhoods such as the Back Bay area, students were able to find most if not all of the products that passed the health requirements from the Detox Me app. This is largely due to the economic situation of this neighborhood. The residents of Mission Hill make on average $33,000 a year whereas the residents of the Back Bay neighborhood have an average household income of around $103,000. This drastic difference in annual family income has a direct influence on what type of personal care products will be sold where.

While students were out in the different neighborhoods completing their projects, they stumbled upon one common denominator: the products that were within and met the requirements from the Detox Me app were all significantly more costly per ounce than the products that were deemed unhealthy in accordance to the Detox me guidelines. Personal care products sold in the Back Bay neighborhoods were typically more expensive than personal care products found in the Mission Hill neighborhood. Additionally, the average cost for personal care products in Mission Hill is about $7.47; in comparison, the average cost ofpersonal care products in Back Bay is about $16.73. These differing costs allow the wealthy to access better personal care items than people from a low-income background.

The cost attached to healthier consumer product alternatives creates “Consumer Product deserts” in areas of low income. Just like how “food deserts” influence the availability of nutritious food,“consumer products deserts" lack safe personal care products such as perfume and infant baby wash. In many areas, lower-income individuals do not live near, or have the financial means to, pursue healthy products.

Healthy personal care products can be more expensive to make; however, these products have been tailored to suit the lifestyle of the rich because of their ability to pay cosmetic companies steep prices for healthier personal care product options. Consumers with less disposable income often cannot access and do not have the monetary ability to purchase the products that the Detox Me app would recommend. Leaving them with little to no option in what they have to work with in regards to personal care. •

Chemistry

wealth and resources to influence the failure of the bill.

Now there are some people that ask why the United States government cannot stop cosmetic companies in their tracks and force them to expel all chemicals that could be harmful; this is due to the strict laws created many years ago to protect private business from the government. For the government to step in and entirely strip cosmetic companies (private businesses) of their rights would be viewed as highly unethical. However, one could also argue that it is also highly unethical for cosmetic companies to continue to sell products to consumers that are linked to endocrine disrupting chemicals, because of the Cosmetic Review Panels belief that “Because human studies of the long-term effects of most cosmetics (except, perhaps, hair dyes) don’t exist, there is little evidence to suggest that using cosmetics, or being exposed to the inredients in cosmetics during normal use of these products, increases cancer risk” (American Cancer So-ciety.2014 May 08).

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— Emma Roy —

Adobe

Chemistry

Can We Trust the Personal Care Industry to Regulate Our Labels?

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When browsing through your favorite personal care store, would you pick a product labeled: “WARNING! DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT! There is a possibility that this product’s ingredients can cause detrimental health effects to your body! Please use with caution."

Like most people, you would not buy the product due to common sense of not wanting to harm your body.

To avoid losing consumers, no cosmetics or personal care products use a warning label. However, harmful ingredients may be found in your everyday products.

In the United States, the personal care industry is overseen by a few government groups. These organizations are the Food and Drug Administration, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Panel and the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association. The role of these groups is to regulate the ingredients in products in an unbiased way, yet some of these groups are influenced by some of the brand name personal care companies.

Another flaw that the personal care industry need to fix is labeling. Not labeling the ingredients and products correctly misleads consumer and endangers the public's health. Some products may feel good for your skin and say that the product is natural, but just because the products feels good does not mean the ingredients aren't harmful. Is a product always safe if labeled “natural” or “organic?"

Despite what many believe, natural and organic are not the same, as there are different regulations for using each word. “Natural”can mean two different things.

In most cases, “natural” and “naturally” means something formed by nature that hasn’ t been modified by humans.

However, in the personal care and cosmetics industry, the Victorian Garden Website states that “some companies will tell you that ‘natural’ means anything that originated

somewhere on earth – no matter what has been done to it in a laboratory”(para. 2).

By using “natural” and “naturally” labels, companies trick consumers into buying potentially harmful products. Big cosmetic companies are convincing the costumers that the consumers are doing the right thing for their body by using their product, even though it is not always true.Though some of the products originally had natural ingredients, their chemical makeup was changed in a lab, and sometimes turned into a more toxic ingredient. So when seeing a product that says “organic," does that make the product safer? Not necessarily, for the labels all depends on the wording.

There are three types of organic labels used in the cosmetic and personal care industry: “100% organic," “organic," and “made with organic ingredients."

If the product has the organic seal, then the product is organically certified by the USDA. However, the National Organic Program suggests that “Cosmetics, body care products, and personal care products may be certified to private standards and be marketed to those private standards in the United States. These standards might include foreign organic standards, eco-labels, earth friendly, etc. USDA’ s NOP does not regulate these labels at this time”(However, para. 1). Using foreign organic standards is one loophole companies use to make products appear organic, even if the products are not up to USDA standards.

Another marketing trick that some companies use is labels that say, “made with organic ingredients." The National Organic Program also states that "'made with organic ingredients’ is when products contain at least 70 percent organic ingredients and product label can list up to three of the organic ingredients or “food” groups on the principal display panel” (para. 5). In other words, the other thirty percent chemicals could consist of endocrine disruptors, carcinogens or cancer-causing chemicals.

That thirty percent of the chemicals in the product are synthetic, nonorganic ingredients; which could be toxins wreaking havoc on your body.

Now some people may think, “Well it is better than being less than 70 percent of organic ingredients, or being completely man-made, right?” In response to that argument, you could say, "Yes that is correct. However, wouldn’ t you rather have the cosmetics you are using be certified by the USDA? Wouldn’ t you rather know what

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consumers’ rights away.

This concept also applies to what is in fragrance.

Most of the other chemicals in fragrance, both in cosmetics and personal care products, have not been tested for any effects on the body, both short term or long term. The big brand companies may jump at this idea, saying that since there is not much testing done, no one can say that this chemical is toxic. But the educated consumer can strike back and stick up for their rights.The consumer can say that since there is little testing done, no one can say that the chemicals in fragrance aren’ t toxic for the body, therefore the untested chemicals should not be in our personal care products.

If, after reading all of this, you are now scared about picking the right products, don’t fear. There are some tricks to conquering the mislabeled world of personal care products. For starters, look for products that have the USDA organic seal and don’ t just have “made with organic ingredients” on the label. Also, try to stay away from products that say fragrance or perfume, and try to look for products that are fragrance-free.There are also easy apps for your phone that help you find safer products like “Detox me” and “Think Dirty” to help avoid the mislabeling and the lack of labels from big companies’ products. If you use these tools and have a watchful eye for labels, you can make your body a little healthier. •

Chemistry

ingredients mean, and be informed about your current cosmetic products so you can make an educated choice for your body?"

Viewing the labels on personal care products may seem to present an endless list of ingredients, including common culprits found in many products such as paraben, hydroxypropyltrimonium, hydroquinone and fragrances.

Unless you are a chemist or scientist, you probably won't know what those chemical’s names actually mean. You assume that these chemicals are safe since you believe that the FDA monitors and looks out for your safety. You may think that fragrance is one of the safest ingredients on the list since it is such a simple word. In reality, fragrance can be detrimental to one’ s health.

Women’ s Voices For The Earth stated that

“There are more than 3,000+ chemicals on the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) Transparency List of chemicals used in the industry. A number of resources indicate that a large number of the chemicals regularly used in fragrance manufacturing are of concern to public health.” (para. 1).

As the quote states, companies are able to pick our poison by using more than three thousand options, all labeled under the word fragrance. Some common ingredients in fragrances are Acetaldehyde, 1,4-Dioxane and Phthalates. Both Acetaldehyde and Dioxane are on the list produced by National Toxicology program (2014) for “Reasonably Anticipated To Be Human Carcinogens” (# 1&104). The Breast Cancer Fund mentions that “Phthalates are a group of endocrine-disrupting chemicals that are found in cosmetics like nail polish and in synthetic fragrance—both perfumes and fragrance ingredients in other cosmetic products. Phthalate exposure has been linked to early puberty in girls, a risk factor for laterlife breast cancer...act as weak estrogens in cell culture systems” (Phthalates, para. 1). If the information regarding concern is readily available to the public, it must be available to the large organizations who are supposed look after the safety of the public.

For example, hydroquinone is a chemical used in skin lightening cream. Clare, A. stated that “Hydroquinone is thought to increase the risk of complications such as thyroid disorders, liver disease, and adrenal dysfunction.

It has been banned for sale as a skin lightener in Europe, Japan, and Australia and many groups are calling for the FDA to ban the chemical in the US” (Hydroquinone para.2). What the evidence shows is that the CIR Panel and FDA neglect to label important information on skin lightening products. Consumers have the right to know if something is bad for their bodies and have the choice to buy it or not. Without the acknowledgment that certain products could be harmful for their bodies, it takes the

Works Cited: Breast Cancer Fund. (2016). Chemicals in Cosmetics. Retrieved

from Breast Cancer Fund. Website: http://www. breastcancerfund.org/clear- science/environmental-breast cancer-links/cosmetics/? referrer=https:// www.google.com/ Clare, A. (2014). Dangers of Skin Whitening Products. Retrieved from Skin Whitening News. Website : http://skinwhiteningnews. org/dangers- of-skin-whitening/ Malkan, S. (2007). Not just a pretty face: The ugly side of the beauty industry. (p. 113) Unmasked. Gabriola, B.C.: New Society Pub. National Organic Program. (2008, April).

Cosmetics, Body Care Products, and Personal Care Products.

Retrieved from United States Department of Agriculture.

Website: https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/ default/files/media/ OrganicCosmeticsFactSheet.pdf Can We Trust the Personal 7 Care Industry to Regulate Our October 20, 2016 Labels? National Toxicology Program. (2014).

Substances Listed in the Thirteenth Report on Carcinogens.

Retrieved from National Toxicology Program. Website: http:// ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/roc/content/listed_substances_508.pdfThe National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. (2016, April 11).

NIOSH Pocket Guide toChemical Hazards: Acetaldehyde.

Retrieved from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Website: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0001.htmlThe Victorian Garden. (2016). Natural vs Organic. Retrieved from The Victorian Garden. Website: http://www.thevictoriangarden. co.za/natural-organic/natural-vs-organic Women’ s Voices for the Earth. (2016).

Fragrance Chemicals of Concern Present on the IFRA List 2015. Retrieved from Women’ s Voices for the Earth. Website: http:// www.womensvoices.org/fragrance-ingredients/fragrance chemicals-of- concern-on-ifra-list/ U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (2015, December 29).

Fragrances in Cosmetics. Retrieved from U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Website: http://www.fda.gov/ Cosmetics/ ProductsIngredients/ Ingredients/ucm388821.htm

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Chemistry 29

Green Chemistry and Catered Food: The Fall Launch — Brooke Lucier —

The launch of Mindscope’s third issue was a success! The turnout was great and we could not have asked for a better evening.

The launch of the magazine was followed by light refreshments and a talk given by guest speaker Amy Cannon. Cannon holds the world’s first doctorate in green chemistry and is the co-founder and executive director of the nonprofit company Beyond Benign.

The work Cannon does is truly inspiring and Mindscope was lucky to have her come speak at Simmons. Her talk was titled, “Green Chemistry: Chemical Solutions to Global Challenges." She talked specifically about how green chemistry will help solve the problem of sustainability and reduce hazardous substances that humans come into contact with. Sustainability involves many fields of study which is partly why Cannon’s talk was so interesting. No matter what your interests are or what your field of study is, green chemistry and sustainability affect each and every one of us.We all use materials in our everyday lives that are hazardous and toxic, and many of us do not even realize it. Green chemistry is the solution to the global challenges we face today in the 21st century because it will not only help the environment, but it will also improve our health.

In her talk, Cannon brought up the fact that we think of economy and environment as being at a cross roads with each other. Too many times we hear that becoming more green would decrease profits or that sustainability costs too much. However, Cannon refuted that myth by explaining how it is actually more expensive for companies to use hazardous materials.This is because the cost to store, treat, transport, educate employees, etc. is very high. However, companies are still using hazardous

materials because there aren’t enough green products on the market. Although some people might see that as a negative thing, Cannon thinks of it in a positive way: “We don't always have the answers, but that’s also the exciting thing about green chemistry. It is a new field and a lot of innovations are needed.”

These words are inspiring, not only for people who want a safer and healthier future without hazardous materials, but also for young people and children who want to contribute to the field of science. Educating the future generations of scientists is one of the main things Cannon’s nonprofit Beyond Benign focuses on.

Beyond Benign believes in spending time and resources on the education of younger generations because green chemistry is not a passing fad. As Cannon said, “Are we going to look back and think ‘oh wasn't it silly when we cared about the environment and human health?’ No, because there’s a big need for green chemistry." Cannon and the team at Beyond Benign believe that education is central to creating a sustainable and healthier future for humans and the environment.

From Cannon’s talk we learned that there is no such thing as a green chemical, only greener chemicals. She compared green chemicals to running; the goal for a runner isn't to run a 0 minute mile but rather to get faster and faster. No chemical will be 100 percent green, but scientists can make them more green and safer and get closer and closer to a fully green chemical.

Cannon is clearly exceptionally smart and accomplished, and the talk she gave about her area of expertise was not only interesting, but also comprehensible. She talked about green chemistry in a way that everyone in the room was able to understand and relate to it. Cannon is truly an inspiration to any future scientist and anyone who believes in a healthier and greener future. • To learn more about the work being done at Beyond Benign you can follow the link below: http://www.beyondbenign.org/

— Kristen Doucette and Sophie Streimer —

How do you like teaching at Simmons so far?

What classes do you teach?

I love teaching at Simmons! Last semester, I taught an introduction to general, organic, and biochemistry designed for public health and environmental science majors (CHEM 109). I also helped teach a lab section of biochemistry (CHEM 345). This semester, I’m teaching introduction to biochemistry (CHEM 223). I’ve enjoyed facilitating learning for as long as I can remember. Part of the fun (and the challenge!) is figuring out how to best adapt teaching strategies for each group of learners, while also being mindful and supportive of the needs of each individual.

What has been your favorite class to teach, either at Simmons or somewhere else?

So far, I’d say it’s been teaching CHEM 109 the first time it was offered at Simmons last fall.

I enjoyed learning from the very diverse interests and points of view of my students, in addition to the many opportunities to combine teaching foundational concepts in science with real-world applications in public and environmental health.

What kind of research do you plan to take part in while at Simmons?

Part of my appointment at Simmons is based at the Center for Excellence in Teaching where I help with faculty development and educational research initiatives. A science-related research project that I’m working on getting off the ground has to do with measuring sound levels on the MBTA. It can get extremely loud in some places, such as parts of the Green Line. One of our Simmons alumnae, Erica Walker, has been doing excellent research measuring sound levels around Boston. She has a website called “Noise and the City: Noise Monitoring and Surveys

by Erica Walker” that was featured in the Boston Globe recently. She received a lot of well-deserved attention for it. Her drive and awesome work are incredibly inspiring!

I think it would be an interesting project to get students involved in (with adequate hearing protection, of course!) because they would have the opportunity to learn how to collect data relevant to their lives that has potential implications for the well-being of a population. If there are

places where routine exposure to potentially damaging noise levels happens, another aspect of the project would involve making recommendations on what can be done to better protect workers and commuters.

Is there any advice you have for science majors or those who are on the fence about becoming a science major?

I think one of the most important things you learn from taking science classes and doing science (especially when getting your PhD) is to be comfortable with failure and stupidity. A lot of people feel uncomfortable with that and think they’re doing something wrong, but these feelings mean that you’ve likely found a new opportunity to grow, and that can be a great thing! The key is to figure out how to move on from there, whether it’s designing a new experiment, building skills in a new area, or asking a new question. A second major lesson is how to become aware of what you don’t know. Sometimes people struggle because they can’t figure out what they don’t know, and even when they receive feedback, they don’t quite know what to do to overcome the problem. I think that anyone who is passionate about science or improving health shouldn’t let their abilities hold them back. If you can become good at figuring out what about your learning process isn’t working and how to overcome it (with the help of your instructor as needed), that will help get you far! Even if you encounter a challenge, you shouldn’t let that stop you from doing what you love!

Is there anything else you want to share with the Simmons community?

My family is originally from Mexico, and I started speaking Spanish before I spoke English. We know that because there is a tape from my third birthday in which I spoke English with a very thick Spanish accent. My mom is a language teacher so she also taught us French. Learning enough of a new language to get by when traveling is now a favorite hobby of mine. As in other areas of learning, the more you know, the easier it is to make connections that will help reinforce what you already know and also retain the new material. •

Chemistry

Meet Professor Ramirez

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Student Voice

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Simmons Overseas — Shelby Van Leuven —

“It was amazing!” is my usual response when asked about my experience studying abroad. I find it incredibly difficult to summon a response to such a simple question when you know the answer encompasses so much. The answer always leads me to reflect upon every friendship made, each of the unique places visited, the countless adventures that I had and the way that experiencing a new place made me feel.

I am no stranger to traveling, having moved to Boston from Oregon for college. However, I always knew I wanted to see more of the world I live in. I was fortunate enough to call Ireland home for four amazing months in the fall of 2016. To be honest, I still cannot believe I studied there. When I heard the flight attendants speaking Gaelic, I thought I may still be dreaming. I arrived at the University of Limerick ready to meet new people, and learn a thing or two from the Irish.

The study part of “studying abroad” was not the same as it was at Simmons, but this did not mean that I was taking an easy semester. I still had to take enough credits to complete a few prerequisites for my medical school application, and I knew I had to do well in these courses to still be a competitive applicant.

The most interesting part of the Irish school experience was that for most of the classes, attendance really was optional, and many Irish students took advantage of that. It was astounding to see all 300 of my physics classmates for the final when there were typically only 100 that attended the lectures. However, I soon realized that this is the culture. While the course content matched that of Simmons courses, the way classes were

organized was extremely different. Most of my grades were determined by my final exams. Talk about pressure!

But, this style of education did teach me how I learn best.

I was pushed to become a better self -learner, something that I know is a great quality to have as an aspiring physician.

While abroad, I was fortunate to meet a wide variety of scientists. I took courses taught by professors who were highly regarded in their respective fields in Ireland, particularly in biochemistry, abnormal psychology, and Irish music and dance. In my science courses, I learned how research is conducted at the University of Limerick compared to at Simmons. I also discovered that it is much more difficult to do research as an international student; the competition is fierce, especially at a large university, and as a young scientist I am glad I had a place like Simmons to come back to where programs like SURPASs exist. As great as a big university is, I am confident that I made the right choice to attend a small school for college.

I was also fortunate to have the opportunity to travel extensively while I was in Europe.

I set foot in ten different countries and ventured around much of Ireland. I am happy to say that I have no regrets about how I spent my time abroad. The memories I have in each of those places were worth everything. The most important thing that I learned from going away for college, and even farther away for studying abroad, is that the people you meet along the way, not the actual education itself, is what you remember and cherish the most.

I have many stories to tell, and it is impossible for me to truly sum up my study abroad experience in Ireland; though for those who ask, I really do try, because it was definitely more than just amazing. •

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