STEMATIX
DESIGN YOUR FUTURE
ISSUE 8: MAY 2020
WHEN THE WORLD STOPS SPINNING
Dear Reader,
It is an honor to introduce this issue of STEMATIX magazine. As one of the teachers/mentors in the 49-ers STEM Leadership Institute, I am excited for you to read through this issue. The topic could not be more relevant to our lives currently COVID-19. As the students’ Biology teacher, working on this magazine with them was fascinating. I learned so much about the virus, its transmission, and its effects on our lives in so many ways. The best thing about this magazine is that its content is entirely student-driven. They really did it all; they chose the topics for coverage, designed the artwork, developed the stories, organized the graphics, and edited the articles. This publication is a testament to the students’ collective curiosity, initiative, determination, collaboration, and innovation. As you read, I hope you not only learn more about this novel coronavirus than you did before, but that you are awe-struck at the passion these students have shown as they strive to make sense of their world.
Sincerely, Suzanne Miller-Moody Biology Teacher 49ers STEM Leadership Institute @ Santa Clara High School
Suzanne Miller-Moody Biology Teacher
1
● Note from Suzanne Mrs. Miller-Moody
STEMATIX Magazine
Dear Reader,
My name is Tony Sebastian, and I'm an Emergency Medicine Consultant working at Whipps Cross University Hospital in London.
I experienced this pandemic from both sides: as the doctor and
the patient. In the Emergency department, we see patients coming in with various conditions. Within four hours, we have to see them, make a diagnosis, and start treatment as in the UK, our performance is based on time. Due to this law, we have to go through a significant number of patients during our shift. Our department did provide personal protective equipment, but even then, a few of us got COVID-19.
Contrary to general belief,
I actually enjoyed being a doctor during the pandemic. I used this as
a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn about a new disease, introduce new working patterns, and adapt to them. I enjoyed reading new materials about COVID and changing our management plans regularly. I had to educate the staff who had rigid working patterns to be flexible and was successful in doing that. This opened avenues to meet a lot of people who I would not typically meet under normal circumstances, such as the estates team, security team, and senior management team. I had to design a new emergency department within one week! Where else would a doctor be able to do that other than in a pandemic?
Once I had COVID, I had only mild symptoms. I was still able to attend meetings via Zoom and be part of the team making decisions for the hospital. Therefore, I was never really not working. I was unwell for a total of three weeks. The first week was okay with minimal symptoms. Then the coughing started and lasted for two weeks. I self quarantined for three weeks in the loft room, so my wife and kids were safe. So far, they are fine. Self-quarantine was the most challenging part I would say, even though I had Netflix and Amazon Prime. I watched the entire Tiger King during self-quarantine.
My advice to high schoolers is that
you can only prepare for the future. Be ready for changes. In
the future, everything changes. I am not practicing the medicine that I learned. Travel and get to know other cultures. Live with them and learn their values. You can pick up a few good things.
Have
an open mind. Do some lateral thinking, and don’t believe everything you hear. All you hear is someone’s interpretation of the event.
Sincerely, Dr. Tony Sebastian Emergency Medicine Consultant Whipps Cross University Hospital
Dr. Tony Sebastian Emergency Medicine Consultant
www.stematix.org
2
STEMATIX TEAM The noted
people
behind
contributors
EDITOR
LITERATURE
Saurav Gandhi
Ryan Liu Aminah Hedges Sindhu Saggeri
LAYOUT Ein Hong Akshita Ponnuru Vivek Atmuri Rhea Jain Tyler Louie Frank Hui Saurav Gandhi Jessica Wang Sindhu Saggeri Sanjna Jain Sahana Moogi Javeria Ahmed Nabiha Jawad
Cover Design Tyler Louie
around
Omar Montoya
Risha Koparde Kaushik Salem Alondra Rodriguez Dana Choi James Pham
Neha Agrawal
Othón González
Rohan Malyala
Regina Hernández
Curtis Leung
David Medina
Luke Huang
Juan Alejandro Pulido
Arnav Dayal
John Rodríguez
Aayush Sugali
José Juan Rodríguez
Will Zhou
Avishai D'Souza
Alberto Camacho
Kavi Rajesh
Israel Rangel
Raiyaan Mulla
Andrés Martínez
Avaneesh Aruva
Jose Dominguez
Mokshi Dhamotharan
Ignacio Genovese
Sohan Nannra
Fillipi Vianna
Frederico Salas
Rhea Jain
Vaneza Caycho Ñuflo
Serena Gandhi
W.J.A Kernkampweg
Austin Wu Anwar Mujeeb
Angel Rala
Stella Uzochukw Denis
Tjeerd Zijlstra
Mindi Lam
Naomi Jung Gina Choi
Amanda Kay
Jeevan Navudu
Kaitlyn Nguyen
Maisha Thomas
Ethan Buriel
Saurav Gandhi
Joshua Antony Adreema Ahsan
Carlos Junio
Achouak Abdelkrim
Aleena Bosky
Tyler Louie
Kenzo Abiko
Sofia Porras
Grace Muresan
Daniel Janusz
Joana Mineiro
Thomas Mathew
Suparn Posina
Sydney Chou
Aristarco Cortés Carlos Araya
Isha Puri
Tiffany Lam Jasmine Kelly-Tanti
Johana Contreras
Nirathi Cherukuri
Hemanth Dinesh Stephanie Samame
Samuel Salas
Neha Mandava
Xavier Cairel
Shreya Handa
Joaquín Salas
Shim Valui
Alexis Houle
Josh Bayog
Maria Ivone Paniagua
Raúl Rodea
Rhea Nair
Rhea Nair
Daniel Martinez
Dagoberto Pulido
Jackson Moody
Naomi Jung Darshna Kulkarni
Israel Cruz
Regan Schmidt
Sherif Abdou
Aleena Bosky Tyler Louie
Mayra Candido
Nikhil Somanchi
Aryo Nabyzadeh
world
ART
Jessica Wang Sahana Moogi
Kaitlyn Butcher Tanisha Grover
the
PHOTOS & DIY Daniela Basurto
James Thornton
B
issue
Alyssa Boutouchent
Quoc Bui
Department Director
from
this
Curtis Leung Kavi Rajesh Kaitlyn Liu Brian Sawaya
Kerensa Strijker
Anh Quoc Nguyen
Dahon Helios Bert Heijenga MS Raynsford Robert Lou Ma Angela Flores Sofia Fabrega Martín Escalona Cristian Ríos Vicente Paredes
3
● STEMATIX Team
STEMATIX Magazine
TURNING THE TIDE DEAR READER,
Although
Dear Reader,
eradicating
we
have
been
diseases
like
quite
successful
smallpox
and
in
polio
with mass vaccination programs, scientists now When
I
was
in
me
to
pointed
India a
last
small,
summer,
local
my
father
commuter
bus
worry that if there is a vaccine developed for COVID,
anti-vaxxers
packed with around a hundred people - many
implement
hanging out of the bus, gripping onto the sides
change?
it
will
sabotage
successfully.
When
efforts
will
we
to
ever
of the door. At that moment, all I could worry about was the possibility of a commuter falling
In
off
methodically
the
bus.
Times
have
perspective has shifted.
changed;
my
I think back to that
the
next
pandemic
two
issues
cover in
of
the
five
STEMATIX,
lifecycle
sections:
of
we this
outbreak,
have
transmission, response, protection, and culture.
provided a perfect environment for a COVID
This "double issue" offers an encyclopedic array
outbreak.
of
moment
on
the
We,
bus
as
station
-
humans,
it
would
need
a
lot
of
articles, our
interviews,
network
of
art,
and
infographics
over
200
youth
STEM
Despite
these
convincing to change. I see things differently
from
now - but only because I'm forced to by this
journalists
global pandemic.
uncertain times, our network of contributors has
around
the
world.
come together to produce a thought-provoking Unlike are
humans,
always
in
characteristics
microbes the
that
process
allow
cause
of
diseases
change.
microbes
to
These
adapt
to
and insightful double issue. No matter what the future brings, we hope that STEMATIX continues to
evolve
into
changing environments rapidly and make them
voices
the
community.
perfect
diseases.
candidate
Contact
for
between
perpetuating
mosquitos
and
a
platform
inspires
that
change
uplifts
in
the
youth global
and Fever
The STEMATIX team would like to dedicate this
outbreak in the 1600s. SARS was the result of
issue to all the doctors, nurses, and frontline
cross-species contamination in unsanitary wet
workers who work day and night to fight the
markets. Coronavirus seems to have a similar
battle
story. We have to change how we interact with
sacrifice,
animals
humanity
nonhuman
primates
to
caused
prevent
more
the
Yellow
pandemics
from
happening in the future. Clearly, we have not
battling
changed enough.
that
against
life
and
they
can
move
COVID is
continuously In recent years, humankind has understood that if we work together with science, we can make progress by embracing change. Edward Jenner created Smallpox
a
smallpox
was
vaccination
declared
in
eradicated
in
1796. 1980.
Jonas Salk created the vaccine that helped end the over
polio the
epidemic. decades,
Despite science
these has
successes,
struggled
defeat superstition and irrational fears.
www.stematix.org
to
COVID-19. keep
They
on
working
forward.
relies
change evolving.
upon
and
Our our
that
Stay
risk, so
that
success
in
acceptance
we
safe
they
must
and
be
happy
reading!
SINCERELY,
Saurav Gandhi
Founder, Editor-in-Chief STEMATIX Magazine www.stematix.org
4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. OUTBREAK How do Viruses Start?
7
Pandemics Throughout History
9
Prehuman Hosts of the Deadliest Pandemics
11
The Life Cycle of a SARS-COV-2 Virus
12
The Corona Controversy
15
Zootonic Viruses
16
II. TRANSMISSION The Spread of COVID-19
18
How Long does COVID-19 Last on Surfaces?
20
COVID 101
21
How a Tiger Caught COVID-19
23
COVID-19 and the Human Body
25
The Impact of COVID-19 on Childern
27
Countries Most Affected by COVID-19
28
Psychological Effects of COVID-19
29 31
Bioterrorism
33
Respiratory Droplets: COVID-19 Carriers
III. COVID + CULTURE Coronavirus Outbreak: Not an Excuse to be a Bully
35
Math Happens: The Adventures of Princess Bobo
37
Philanthropy & COVID-19
42
Four Walls: Animal Captivity & COVID-19
45
The Challenges of Mars Exploration (Spanish)
48
China Bans the Dog Meat Trade
52
Interview with Andrea Gung, Duo Duo Project Founder
53
Pets At Home Comic
55
Stanford Science Penpals: A Scientist Like Me
56
Role of AI, Data Science, and Technology to Track and
60
Fight the COVID-19 Pandemic
5
● Table of Contents
STEMATIX Magazine
Outbreak Where and how did the virus originate?
www.stematix.org
6
?
HOW DO VIRUSES START?
BY AMINAH HEDGES Viruses are a type of microscopic parasites. While viruses share features, their structure and replication strategies are diverse. Some viruses have single-stranded genomes, like the influenza virus. Others, like smallpox, have doublestranded genomes. Most viruses are quite small, with a diameter of less than 200 nanometers. No known virus contains ribosomes, macromolecular machines, found in all living cells, that perform protein synthesis for the organism. Due to limitations in their structure, viruses can only replicate inside of a living host cell. Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites and, according to a strict definition of life, are nonliving. The virus's primary goal is to place its DNA or RNA genome inside a host cell. The genome can then be expressed (transcribed and translated) by the host cell. This is necessary because viruses do not carry out metabolic processes, cannot generate ATP, and do not possess the essential machinery for translation. Without ribosomes, they cannot independently form proteins from molecules of messenger RNA.
7
VIRUS HUNTERS DISEASE DETECTIVES
VIRUS HUNTERS IDENTIFY, CATALOG AND TRACK EVOLVING STRAINS OF VIRUSES
Tracing the origins of viruses is a difficult task. Because of the way they copy themselves, viruses do not leave behind fossils. Some viruses even have the ability to stitch their genes into those of the cells they infect. Studying their ancestry requires untangling it from the ancestry of their hosts. One way of tracing the origin of a virus is by comparing its structure. Some viruses that infect humans share features with viruses that infect bacteria. This points towards a
â—? How do Viruses Start?
STEMATIX MagazineÂ
common origin, dating back several billion years. Most modern viruses are a patchwork of information from different sources, a kind of "mix and match" approach to building an organism. Some viruses are only found in a limited number of species, suggesting that those viruses are relatively new. Ebola and Marburg viruses, as well as the distantly related viruses that cause measles and rabies, are "new" viruses that likely originated in insects many million years ago that at some point in evolution developed the ability to infect other species.
VIROLOGISTS Virologists are both medical doctors and scientists. As medical doctors, they oversee the diagnosis, management, and prevention of infection. As scientists, they drive research on various aspects of viruses.
www.stematix.org
There are a few viruses with genomes so large that scientists can not tell what part of the cell they would have come from. The largestever virus discovered is the mimivirus. It has a genome 50 times larger than that of HIV and even larger than that of some bacteria. The largest known viruses infect simple organisms, such as Amoebas and simple marine algae. These viruses may have an ancient origin, possibly as parasitic life-forms that adapted to life as a virus. Some scientists believe that viruses might have triggered the evolutionary change in more complex types of organisms. Humans can become infected with just a small number of virus particles; by inhaling particles expelled when another person coughs. We become sick several days later as the viruses replicate inside our bodies. Viruses evolve over time. A new flu vaccine needs to be developed every year as the influenza virus changes or evolves. As per Ed Rybicki, a virologist at the University of Cape Town in South Africa, "At the end of the day, however, despite all of their common features and unique abilities to copy and spread their genomes, the origins of most viruses may remain forever obscure."
8
Pandemics Throughout History By Kaitlyn Butcher Throughout history, as more people founded civilizations, built cities, forged trade routes, and waged wars, the more frequent pandemics occurred. Below is a timeline of some of the worst pandemics faced by humanity that changed the course of human history.
541 A.D. Bubonic Plague In 541 A.D. the Plague of Justinian began spreading across the Byzantine Empire and Mediterranean port cities. Despite the name, the proper identification was the bubonic plague, a cause of future pandemics, such as the Black Death. The pandemic got its name from Justinian, the ruler of the Byzantine Empire at the time, whose handling of the crisis was perceived as its own form of infection. Scientists believe the Plague of Justinian spread through fleas. Studies indicate the plague may have originated in China or India and was transported to Egypt along trade routes. It is estimated that the number of people affected increased by 5,000 per day, totaling over 30 million as the plague dialed down in 542 A.D.
A Bubonic Plague Virus
1600 A.D. Smallpox One of the first destructive pandemics in the United States was smallpox, brought over by European settlers. Smallpox came to North America in the 1600s. People experienced symptoms of high fever, chills, severe back pain, and rashes. Starting in the Northeast, smallpox wiped out Native American tribes whose immune systems had never been exposed to such diseases prior to the European settlement. Over half of the Native American population was killed, not just due to smallpox but other diseases Europeans carried as well.
9
1347 A.D. Black Death Unfortunately, the bubonic plague became prevalent once again, this time during the outbreak of the Black Death. The plague arrived in Europe in October 1347, after 12 ships from the Black Sea docked in Messina. As families gathered at the docks to greet the passengers, they didn’t just receive their loved ones, but were exposed to the disease the sailors suffered from. Most sailors aboard the ships were dead, and the few still alive were severely ill and covered in black boils that oozed blood and pus. This disease is spread by a bacillus called Yersinia pestis. Bacillus travels from person to person through the air, as well as through bites of infected fleas and rats. These pests were found throughout medieval Europe, particularly on ships—which traveled from port to port across Europe, spreading the disease. Fortunately, by the early 1350s, the Black Death was over as a result of quarantining. The estimated number of people killed by the Black Death was over 75 million people.
A Smallpox Virus
● Pandemics Throughout History
STEMATIX Magazine
1918 A.D. Influenza An Influenza Virus
Those were some of the life-altering pandemics of the past. The pandemic that is haunting all of us today is the Coronavirus pandemic. Coronavirus began late in 2019, in Wuhan, China. Scientific research demonstrates that the virus originated in a seafood market in Wuhan, where some of the animals contracted the disease and spread it to humans. Several scientists believe it originated in bats, who passed it to other animals. However, as of now, the CDC has yet to confirm the exact source of Coronavirus. There are several reasons why the virus spread so severely. We live in a global economy where frequent domestic and international travel is every day, which facilitates the easy transmission of the virus. Another component that aided the spread was how symptoms appear; symptoms may appear two to fourteen days after exposure to the virus, but one becomes contagious 48 to 72 hours before experiencing symptoms. Besides, the virus not only transmits through uncovered sneeze or cough but also transmits through surfaces. Covid-19 can be detected for 24 hours on cardboard, three to seven days on plastic and stainless steel, and up to four days on paper, copper, or glass. The CDC reports as of the first of May, 1.06 million cases of COVID-19 in the U.S.; worldwide, there are over 3.28 million cases and 234 thousand deaths. Although these numbers seem large, gradually, as time progresses, the number of those still
www.stematix.org
The next pandemic was the flu of 1918. The flu of 1918 was first observed in Europe, the United States, and parts of Asia before it spread across the globe. This flu was known as the Spanish flu, as Spain was hit the hardest by the disease. Spain's king, Alfonso XIII, reportedly contracted the flu. Thousands of soldiers fighting in WWI died from the flu, which was more than the number of soldiers killed at war. Forty percent of the U.S. Navy was hit with the flu, while thirty-six percent of the army became infected. The largest cause of the virus spread was troop movement. The estimated death toll was 20 to 50 million victims worldwide, while other estimates run as high as 100 million victims— the equivalent to 3 percent of the world’s population.
affected is continuing to drop immensely, compared to the rate in March and April. This drop is primarily due to the shelter-in-place order issued by cities and countries around the world. The projected end date is continually changing; however, the "end' will be once the daily death rate drops below 0.3 per million. Regrettably, in addition to the pandemics described in this article, numerous others have wiped out large populations. Although many will hope to never go through another pandemic, they will likely happen again, and the best we can do is learn from them. Countries and states can act faster to stop future virus spreads, as well as always be prepared for the worst-case scenario, because as the saying goes, "it is better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it." With this pandemic, we learned that it is always advisable for countries to stock up on personal protective equipment (PPE), as it is not easy to get them when the whole world is in crisis mode. People have also learned that generosity is alive and well in the darkest of times because citizens and small business owners have switched to helping those in the frontlines by offering free food, transportation, PPE, and in many instances, free lodging. The lessons we have learned from this pandemic should help us build a great future and create a better world.
10
BY EIN HONG AND ROHAN MALYALA
PREHUMAN HOSTS OF THE DEADLIEST PANDEMICS 1347: BLACK DEATH Type: Bacterium Yersinia pestisleas Prehuman Host: fleas on infected rodents
1520: SMALLPOX Type: Variola major virus Prehuman Host: N/A
2012: SPANISH FLU Type: H1N1 virus Prehuman Host: Pigs
1981-PRESENT: HIV/AIDS Type: Virus Prehuman Host: Chimpanzees
2019-PRESENT: COVID-19 Type: Coronavirus Prehuman Host: Unknown (possibly pangolins) Source: CDC, WHO, BBC, Wikipedia, Encyclopedia Britannica, John Hopkins University
11
● Deadliest Pandemic Throughout History
STEMATIX Magazine
THE LIFE CYCLE OF A SARS-COV-2 VIRUS BY RISHA KOPARDE
The 2 Cycles of Virus Reproduction
COVID-19 is a pandemic that has
the people who contract this virus
caused
recover, but they tend to end with
thousands
of
deaths.
COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-
reduced
2,
Wuhan,
understanding the cycle of the
China, and is speculated to have
corona, a possible solution could
come from bats. SARS stands for
come to light amidst these dark
severe acute respiratory syndrome.
times. The life cycle of the virus is
It spreads quickly, has no current
a
cure, and is extremely dangerous
stages.
which
originated
in
complex
lung
capacity.
system
with
By
many
to older people. The majority of
www.stematix.org
12
Attachment COVID-19 is circular, with crowns, proteins (S, E, and M), a single-strand RNA, and a lipid bilayer. The virus interacts with the body by entering and heading into the lungs. Lungs contain multiple alveoli that exchange gas, taking in oxygen, and expelling carbon dioxide. They are made up of cells called alveolar cells, and they produce surfactant. Surfactant is a substance that reduces surface tension. This coats the inside of the alveoli to keep it open and allow the oxygen and carbon dioxide gases to flow through. The virus invades these cells, which leads to severe acute respiratory syndrome or SARS.
Mutarotation & Lysis The virus has an incubation period ranging from two to fourteen days. Between the time they contract the virus and the appearance of symptoms, the virus is growing. It spreads rapidly from one cell to another, then from one alveolus to another. The virus typically develops in your lower respiratory tract, but it can also develop in the upper. This includes the nose, throat, and windpipe. Some examples of upper respiratory viruses are the common cold, sinusitis, and laryngitis. Some symptoms are similar and some are different from lower respiratory corona. The COVID-19 reproduction rate is one of the reasons it is such a big situation. It is able to be transferred quickly and through simple person to person contact. The life cycle of the virus is complex which makes it understandable that scientists have been unable to come up with a solution. The best thing to do during this epidemic is to stay inside, prevent contact with others, and stay safe.
13
â—? The Life Cycle of a SARS-COV-2 Virus
STEMATIX MagazineÂ
Penetration Once in the lungs, the virus targets cells and binds onto Ace2. Ace2 is a receptor and an enzyme. The proteins in the virus bind with the receptor, allowing the virus to enter the cell by endocytosis. The virus’ genome is able to enter the cytoplasm and release the single RNA strand. The strand is able to reproduce by attaching themselves to ribosomes. These ribosomes undo the pseudoknot structure in the RNA. They then begin translation to produce proteins for RNA polymerase. The polymerase finds the previous strand of RNA, reads it, then creates a negative RNA strand. This negative strand is used multiple times in transcription to create new positive strands. These strands are moved to the endoplasmic reticulum where they are read again by ribosomes. The reticulum then moves the instructions for the proteins into the Golgi apparatus. Here, the proteins are put together with the positive RNA strand. This forms a new virus. The new virus is then released back out through the cell by exocytosis.
Biosynthesis Now that the virus is incorporated in the cells, it can replicate faster in the alveoli. While replicating, the virus damages the walls of the alveoli. When the cells realize this, they begin an inflammatory response to attack the virus. They release interferons, cytokines, and DAMPs. This prepares cells to protect themselves from infection. The microfibers on the alveoli can seek out cell injury. They do this by either responding to released cytokines or the DAMPs (damaged associated molecular pathogens). Then the fibers release some cytokines. The cytokines are known as TNF alpha, interleukin1, 6, and 8, etc. The release of the cytokines causes nerve endings to react and trigger a cough reflex in the host body. Some of these cytokines also cause a fever which is a primary symptom of the coronavirus. There is also a decrease in oxygen intake from hypoxemia. This causes chemoreceptors to go off in the heart and brain. The brain tells the host’s body to breathe harder and the heart begins to pump faster. That is another symptom that appears. One symptom is acute respiratory distress syndrome. This tends to be fatal in patients and causes all the mortality rates we have been seeing. Sometimes none of these symptoms show up in patients because of their immune system. It all depends on the host body and how it reacts to the virus.
www.stematix.org
14
THE CORONA CONTROVERSY By Alyssa Boutouchent
In the midst of the current COVID-19 pandemic and the panic brought along with it, there were bound to be many speculations and controversies about what exactly started the disease. Some speculate it was brought by someone in China, who decided to eat a bat, and many others believe it had to do with contaminated meat. But is there a known source linked to this virus?
According to the article “Scientists ‘strongly condemn’ rumors and conspiracy theories about the origin of coronavirus outbreak” by John Cohen for Science Magazine, twenty-seven scientists have pushed back claims that a laboratory located in Wuhan, China originated the virus. This claim has even brought streams of conspiracies, along with scientific papers. However, many, including Senator Tom Cotton, stated on Fox News that there is currently no evidence to conclude that the disease originated in China. He also added, however, that because of China’s “dishonesty,” there is reason to question if COVID-19 did originate there.
Others, such as authors from The Lancet, have other claims. “Scientists from several countries who have studied SARS-CoV-2 overwhelmingly conclude that this coronavirus originated in wildlife’’. They go on to say, “Conspiracy theories do nothing but create fear, rumors, and prejudice that jeopardize our global collaboration in the fight against this virus."
No matter where the virus originated from, it is essential that everyone sticks together in times like these. Racism is not an option! It will only divide the global population and might create dangerous dynamics between the world superpowers.
15
● The Corona Controversy
STEMATIX Magazine
top 4
ZOONOTIC DISEASES By Rhea Jain
salmonellosis
A common bacterial disease that affects the intestinal tract. It sheds through feces and people become infected mostly through contaminated water or food
An infectious disease spread through mosquitoes. People who get WNV usually have no symptoms or mild symptoms including feverÂ
Plague
West nile virus
The bubonic plague is caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis. It can spread through contact with infected fleas. Symptoms include swollen nodes.
A type of common virus that infects humans, typically leading to an respiratory infection. Symptoms can include cough and fever.
www.stematix.org
Coronaviruses 16
Transmission How did the virus spread throughout the globe?
17
● Transmission
STEMATIX Magazine
BY ALONDRA RODRIGUEZ FLORES
THE SPREAD OF COVID-19
The outbreak of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) has had a drastic impact on the way we live our everyday life. As the number of cases rises, containing the spread of Covid-19 is the number one priority to make sure everyone is safe. COVID-19 is an RNA virus that originated in China. It is classified as a virus due to the protein spikes that cover the capsid. The coronavirus disease is caused by a virus known as SARS-CoV-2. MERS, SARS, and COVID-19 are all respiratory illnesses that are caused by the family of viruses called coronavirus. Social distancing is the most secure way of making sure one is Covid-19 clear. Anyone can become infected by being in close contact with someone who has this virus. Humans should always make sure to be at least six feet away from each other, as the virus can be spread through respiratory droplets. These droplets are produced when an infected person either coughs, sneezes, or talks. Respiratory droplets can land in the noses or mouths of anyone in close contact, as well as surfaces. COVID-19 can stay for hours and days, depending on the type of surface it landed on. Maintaining good hygiene during these tough times can also help prevent acquiring the coronavirus disease. If a person touched an infected surface and then proceeded to touch the face area, they now potentially have the virus. The
www.stematix.org
18
20-second rule is very crucial when washing the hands. Everyone should wash their hands with soap and water, making sure to cover all parts of the hands. Using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer can also help fight the virus if soap and water are not available. Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces is also crucial, especially if one is going in the public often. These surfaces can include doorknobs, light switches, countertops, phones, handles, keyboards, and other household objects. Weather can affect how quickly the virus may spread. According to researchers at Harvard University, it was found that higher temperatures are associated with lower disease incidence. However, Covid-19 hasn’t lasted long enough for there to be enough data and information to understand the coronavirus. Even though seasonality has potential in flattening the curve of the spread, we shouldn’t rely on it because it won’t be close in resolving the outbreak. To stop the spread, everyone should remain indoors unless it’s an emergency. When coming in contact with others, everyone should wear either a face mask or cloth to protect the nose and mouth area. The fabric is meant to protect the people around you in case you are affected by the virus or when you may come in contact with someone infected. Symptoms of the virus may include; cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, headache, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, and muscle pain. Some people show symptoms of having the virus while others don’t. If you believe you have been in contact with someone who may have had the virus, make sure to stay home and stay away from others to avoid spreading the virus. It is recommended to stay home for fourteen days and self-monitor yourself by checking your temperature twice a day and watching out for any more symptoms. COVID-19 has spread throughout the world, and anyone can obtain it. For most people, the risk of becoming seriously ill from the virus is low. However, those with a severe underlying medical condition or are older, are at higher risk for more serious complications from COVID-19. To lower the cases of people infected with the coronavirus and to stop the spread of this disease, everyone should practice social distancing and have careful hygiene.
"To stop the spread, everyone should practice social distancing and have careful hygiene."
19
● The Spread of COVID-19
STEMATIX Magazine
By Ein Hong and Curtis Leung
How Long Does COVID19 Last On Surfaces?
paper: up to 7 days plastic: 3-7 days
stainless steel: 3-7 days glass: up to 4 days
wood: up to 2 days
www.stematix.org
20
COVID 101 OVERVIEW, SYMPTOMS, EFFECTS, RISKS, AND TREATMENT BY JAMES PHAM
During these months of world-wide
Coronavirus is a respiratory disease
citizens around the globe still lack
Sneezes and coughs form droplets
panic spurred by COVID-19, many knowledge about the effects and
signs of Coronavirus. This absence
of knowledge can be critical, as what one may think to be a simple cold or flu may be more complicated.
People may overlook the severity of their sickness and infect others due to not self-isolating. To prevent
further viral contamination, here are some observed causes and indications of COVID-19.
21
spread mainly through the air.
with this virus. These droplets are
exposed to others through human
contact, especially within six-feet of distance. Even if one may not be directly exposed to someone
infected with Coronavirus, droplets with the disease may last from
several hours to days on certain
surfaces, thus becoming the source
of infection. Symptoms of COVID-19 may take up to two to fourteen days
â—? COVID 101
STEMATIX MagazineÂ
to appear, as well. These are the reasons why it is essential to
sanitize one’s hands at frequent intervals. Once the virus has
entered the body through places
like the eyes, nose, and mouth, the virus creates copies of itself, by
placing proteins on healthy cell receptors.
The effects of COVID-19 are
different for each individual: they can range from minor respiratory symptoms to severe permanent lung damage. Usually, signs of
Coronavirus are similar to that of the flu, including fevers, cough,
body aches, or a temporary loss of a sense of smell or taste. COVID-19 can also create complications
leading to cases of pneumonia.
Since this virus is mainly respiratory and targets the lungs, infected air sacs within the lungs may fill up with pus or liquid and cause difficulty breathing.
Different types of people may be more at risk of Coronavirus
infection. Since this disease mainly targets the respiratory system and the lungs, older people, as well as those with asthma, have a higher
chance of fatality. Other groups that are also at risk include those with diabetes or underlying diseases, HIV, or pregnancy.
Currently, medical treatment for
Coronavirus is limited to supportive
care to help relieve symptoms. There are no drugs or vaccines available to
prevent or treat COVID-19. However, there are a few things one can do to prevent the contraction of COVID19. Regularly washing hands and keeping up good hygiene is the
primary method to protect against Coronavirus. Staying home and
limiting social contact is another
critical way to guard oneself against
this disease. And if leaving the house is necessary, be sure to wear a mask to reduce the spread of germs through the mouth.
www.stematix.org
22
HOW A TIGER AT THE BRONX ZOO CAUGHT COVID-19 By Dana Choi On March 27, a four-year-old Malayan tiger named Nadia, living at the Bronx Zoo, showed symptoms of COVID-19, the first of what experts describe as “human-to-cat transmission.” Her sister Azul, as well as two Amur tigers, are also sick. While the tigers are not in critical condition and are expected to recover, the threat of Coronavirus passing onto animals poses a high risk for the Bronx Zoo, one of the largest zoos in the United States that is home to about 6,000 animals. Public health officials believe that the cats caught the disease from an employee. While all zookeepers keep a barrier between themselves and the tigers, they do get close to the animals when feeding and doing enrichment.
23
Neha Mandava
● How a Tiger at the Bronx Zoo Caught COVID-19
STEMATIX Magazine
Paul Calle, the zoo’s chief vet, said on a clip of the Bronx Zoo channel, “This wasn’t supposed to happen to lions and tigers and other big cats, so now we’re writing the book about what happens when a lion or tiger gets infected by
"THE ANIMALS WE CARE FOR RELY ON US FOR EVERYTHING"
coronavirus.” that not enough is known to prove that The more significant issue is the shutting
neither cats nor dogs can pass the virus
down of all businesses deemed
onto people. The World Organization for
“unessential” as part of the New York
Animal Health supports this claim but
state lockdown. Unlike museums or
states that those sick should remain
theaters, zoos cannot be completely shut
cautious around their animals.
down. Also, the Agriculture Department Animals must still be fed and taken care
recommended that people who have
of. Chicks require help after hatching,
COVID-19 should avoid contact with
and captive wild animals such as grizzly
animals.
bears should not be left on their own. As for now, the Bronx zoo has been The director of the Bronx Zoo, Jim
prompted to take on new social distancing
Breheny, stated, “The animals that we
procedures to protect the animals from
care for rely on us for everything.”
contracting the virus from humans
While the zoo has been closed to the
Governor Cuomo recently revealed that he
public since March 16, 300 workers of the
would be extending the New York
700+ staff of the Bronx Zoo were titled
lockdown for many parts of the state, as a
“essential workers” and work at the zoo
new study of 7,500 people shows that
to care for the animals. The tigers have
almost 25% of people in New York City
been the only animals tested at the zoo
have tested positive. As a result, the Bronx
because the procedure of testing
Zoo will continue to stay closed until mid-
required general anesthesia.
May or further.
Another potential problem arises when
In New York City, where more than
considering the number of pet-owners in
200,000 people are infected, and over
the world. Can the disease jump from a
16,000 died, these precautions seem
pet to a human? In Belgium, a pet cat
necessary and appropriate.
tested positive for Covid-19. Still, the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical
Until more is proven through research,
Association) said
officials continue to encourage humans to limit contact with all animals.
www.stematix.org
24
How has the COVID19 outbreak affected our susceptibility to other diseases? BY NIRATHI CHERUKURI
COVID-19, also known as SARS-COV-2, is a
fittest." Only organisms that can withstand and
widespread pandemic that has resulted in
survive the virus will remain on the planet. While
turmoil for a majority of the world. Scientists
this does not directly affect an individual's health,
studying this virus are mostly in agreement
we will evolve to become much healthier as a
that the originating source of COVID-19 is a
population. Evolving into a more robust community
bat. Just like a ripple effect, the disease
will allow us to prevent more global pandemics.
continuously spread from one organism to
However, when a pandemic does hit, we will show
the next. It infected millions of people and
a reduction in the number of affected people. This
has shown few signs of slowing down. It
increase in herd immunity will also lead to fewer
spreads when an affected person coughs or sneezes, releasing infected water droplets, which can be inhaled by other people. COVID-19 has had certain positive, as well as negative effects on humans' susceptibility to fight
cases of endemics, which are seasonal diseases like the flu. Those who are unable to fight the virus will most likely be wiped out during the first or second outbreak, which will gradually lower the number of cases over time.
diseases in general. So, what does COVID-19 mean for a person To begin with, according to experts in evolutionary biology, the COVID-19 outbreak is a "battle of the
25
individually, especially when it comes to future diseases?
â—? COVID-19 and our Susceptibility to Other Diseases
STEMATIX MagazineÂ
infection, their body creates "neutralizing antibodies,"
What does COVID-19 do to your body?
which are present in their blood. Their purpose is to
BY KAITLYN LIU
When someone is recovering from a COVID-19
block the virus from breaking into cells. Recently, doctors have been finding high levels of these antibodies in COVID-19 patients. According to Mike Sinner, a virologist from Imperial College, London, "The antibodies created by that response will protect against future infections." This protection will allow
Brain
COVID-19 patients suffer from strokes and seizures. Many report loosing their sense of smell
humans to be more resistant to future outbreaks and seasonal endemics.
Another part of human health improvement has to do with lifestyle changes. The shelter-in-place and lockdown orders given by most governments have forced millions of people to stay at home. With limited
Lungs
COVID-19 can cause pneumonia which can cause potentially fatal lung damage
access to drug-like substances, fast food, and unhealthy environmental conditions (such as smoke/pollution), general hygiene is improving.
Additionally, with the lockdown orders in place, communication, and socialization with other humans are reducing, limiting the spread of other diseases along with COVID-19. This limited social interaction prevents humans from catching a majority of diseases that typically spreads through contact.
However, recovering from COVID-19 can also have adverse effects on people's health. The disease itself weakens the respiratory system, and in extreme cases, can lead to breathing problems. Besides, stay at home orders can lead to other health complications such as weight gain, mental health issues, depression,
Kidneys
COVID-19 can cause serious kidney damage and require dialysis
Intestines
20% of patients reported diarrhea as an early symptom. The virus has been found in the lower intestinal tract of some pateints.
and risk of future illnesses.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle
www.stematix.org
26
B Y :
E I N
H O N G
A N D
D A N I E L
J A N U S Z
COVID-RELATED INFLAMMATORY DISEASE AFFECTING CHILDREN COVID-19
SYMPTOMS
IS...
It has been reported that children with PMIS experience widespread inflammation throughout the body that is caused by the virus triggering the immune system to overreact. A high fever that lasts four or more days, a rash, very red eyes, abdominal pain, and skin peeling off of hands or feet are some of the symptoms. Experts have drawn resemblance to a rare childhood illness called Kawasaki disease, which can lead to enlargement of blood vessels that may cause heart damage in severe situations.
a virus that attacks healthy cells. The virus attacks mainly the respiratory system and compromises the patient's immune system. While COVID-19 is not very prevalent in children, cases of what's being called pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome (PMIS) have been reported with some children experiencing organ failure.
PEDIATRIC
PATIENTS...
with chronic conditions, children with congenital heart disease, children with an immunodeficiency - like those who have undergone chemotherapy are generally at a higher risk. As per the CDC, while only 2% of confirmed cases of COVID-19 have impacted children under 18, we must remain vigilant and address our children's health concerns promptly.
SOURCE: UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN HEALTH LAB
27
â—? COVID-Related Pediatric Impacts
STEMATIX MagazineÂ
The world is currently struggling with a global pandemic due to coronavirus. Many countries are handling this pandemic differently, but most are now in lockdown and are implementing social distancing. Many stores are running out of essential food, and many workers are struggling to work from home. All countries are struggling, but some are struggling more than others.
USA 1.7 M
BRASIL 353 K
RUSSIA
COUNTRIES MOST AFFECTED BY COVID-19
345 K
UK 260 K
SPAIN 234 K
ITALY By Kaushik Salem
230 K
SOURCE: NCOV2019.LIVE
www.stematix.org
28
PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF COVID-19
BY JOSHUA ANTONY
These
are
undoubtedly
quarantine, I have come to realize
unprecedented times. A couple of
the carelessness of some citizens.
months ago, if you told me that I
Many states and businesses want
wouldn't be able to go outside
to
without wearing some form of
problems, which seemed logical
facial
a
until I saw the actual companies
long shower after I come home, I
that were being reopened. Gyms,
most definitely would have called
bowling alleys, and even beaches
you crazy. If you told me that
are being reopened. But, then
schools
again,
protection
would
and
taking
be
closed
reopen
it's
due
easy
to
for
financial
me
to
be
indefinitely, I would have called
judgemental as my parents are
you crazy. If you said to me that I
one of the few people who were
would get an extremely sloppy
in a situation in which they could
buzz
most
keep their jobs. This realization
barbershops closed down, I would
brings me to my next topic of
have called you crazy. You get the
discussion: unemployment.
cut
because
point. COVID-19 was something no one saw coming. When 2.6
I can only imagine what is going
billion people around the world
through
are trapped in their homes, only
heads right now as they struggle
being
to
able
to
go
out
for
live
millions after
of
their
people's source
of
essentials and only being able to
income has suddenly been taken
talk to anyone outside their home
away.
via video call, it can leave an
paycheck you got will be your last
emotional toll on someone. For
one
me,
thought for many people to take
at
affected
least, my
it
has
definitely
productivity,
Knowing for
a
while
that is
the a
last
difficult
my
in, and rightly so. These people
motivation, and my work ethic.
need to figure out ways to make
It's not just the fact that I can't
ends
go outside and talk to my friends
seems impossible right now.
meet
somehow,
and
it
and have fun. During this
29
â—? Psychological Effects of COVID-19
STEMATIX MagazineÂ
Many
people
have
lost
friends,
family, and loved ones, and coping
MENTAL HEALTH TIPS
with the loss of a person is a tough thing
even
under
normal
circumstances. Now, you can't even comfort yourself by talking or having a good time with your family or friends. There is barely any good news
around
the
world,
and
LIMIT YOUR INTERACTION WITH THE NEWS
the
situation continues getting grimmer EXERCISE
and grimmer by the day. In times like these, it seems like it will never
EAT HEALTHY
get better. It hurts not to be able to go out and have fun and not being able
to
have
physically
the
satisfaction
meeting
with
of
other
human beings.
TALK TO A FRIEND
MEDITATE
The
CDC
has
released
multiple the
regularly doing them will make a
adverse psychological effects of this
significant impact on your mental
pandemic. The first strategy would
health and help you to cope in dark
be to minimize the time you spend
times
hearing
someone
strategies
to
help
about
cope
the
with
pandemic,
as
like
these. who
If
you
know
could
use
these
repeatedly doing so would only do
strategies, please share it with them,
further harm to your mental health.
as it may help make the outbreak
Physical health is also vital in times
less stressful for them. If someone
like these, and to remain healthy,
comes to you with their concerns,
the CDC suggests that you should
share these strategies, and let them
exercise regularly (run, take walks,
know that they are not alone and
do yoga, etc.) to keep your body
that
healthy. You should also eat well-
Everyone should do their part in
balanced
using
stopping this pandemic, whether it
alcohol.
means being on the front lines or
Lastly, the CDC says to take time to
staying at home. This pandemic will
unwind. Do some activities that you
pass, and complying with health and
enjoy, talk to someone you trust, and
safety regulations will help end this
tell them about your concerns and
horrible crisis.
meals
substances
like
and
avoid
drugs
or
this
will
eventually
be
over.
problems. These strategies may not seem extremely helpful at first, but
www.stematix.org
30
BIOTERRORISM BY NEHA MANDAVA
COVID-19 is a rapidly transmissive coronavirus
The USA had started to develop biological
that has infected around 3.49 million people and
weapons in the 20th century, although they
killed
worldwide.
denied using them in the Korean War. They
According to the Center for Disease Control and
created a testing lab in Fort Detrick and New
Prevention (or CDC), the origin of the virus is not
York to test human vulnerability to pathogens
entirely
have
and released infectious particles into public
originated from a seafood/live animal market in
places like San Francisco and New York City in
Wuhan, China. However, several people still
undercover tests, leading to several infections.
think
about
246,000
confirmed.
that
this
It
people
is
believed
coronavirus
was
to
an
act
of
bioterrorism.
Later on, a Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, and Stockpiling of
Bioterrorism is defined as the intentional release
Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons
of germs, like viruses or bacteria, to cause
and on Their Destruction (or the BWC) was
sickness or death. The first uses of bioterrorism
created to prevent shipment and creation of
in warfare date back to 600 BC, where troops
toxins in large amounts that weren't used for
would use animal carcasses and other rotten
nonviolent purposes. These prohibitions didn't
items to poison enemy wells and make them
entirely prevent bioterrorism but did lower its
severely ill. This tactic of poisoning the enemy's
activity.
water supply has been used in the Middle Ages
President
and, surprisingly, in the American Civil War.
bioterrorism as an act of warfare and instead
Subsequently, Nixon,
in
decided
1970,
USA,
never
to
under use
made USAMRIID, a research facility to defend Also, when the Black Death struck in the 14th
against biological weapons.
century, troops would launch dead bodies that were
31
their
Bioterrorism has an extremely long history and
opponent's land and purposely put victims of
riddled
with
the
plague
into
is a serious issue that needs to be addressed
the plague onto ships, sailing them to the
continuously. Several aspects of the coronavirus
opposition. Even leaders like Napoleon helped
have led people to believe it is an act of
spread malaria by flooding the lands.
terrorism. Generally, bioterrorists use diseases .
â—? Bioterrorism
STEMATIX MagazineÂ
that are quickly and widely spread with a high mortality rate to achieve maximum damage among the populace. Genetically engineered pathogens would be the best
option
for
this
because
they
can
be
modified to be lethal and highly transmissive. Also, since the pathogen would be completely new and unheard of, it will take longer to make a vaccine and identify how it spreads and mutates, therefore infecting many more people in
the
meantime.
To
achieve
this,
many
bioterrorists would utilize a research facility to
Furthermore, this
create a genetically engineered pathogen.
bioterrorism theory has
There are several reasons why a bioterrorist
absolutely no evidence to
would go through all this work to make this happen. One reason could be to take down a rival nation. Still, another would be that a pandemic would be a great way to redistribute wealth, invest, and ultimately make a fortune during the recovery after the spread of the illness.
The
idea
of
bioterrorism
regarding
COVID-19 arose when after the coronavirus
back it up and has just been deemed a conspiracy theory by researchers and scientists. started spreading, a Harvard researcher was arrested for lying about funding he allegedly got from a university in Wuhan and his connections to a government program in China. This arrest led people to believe he was affiliated with a research laboratory in Wuhan that somehow released the virus as an act of bioterrorism. However, this arrest had nothing to do with the coronavirus whatsoever and was just about his funds and affiliations. Furthermore, this bioterrorism theory has no evidence to back it up and has only been deemed a conspiracy theory by researchers and scientists. Overall, bioterrorism has been occurring for centuries, and it will likely continue for the ones to come. It is an extremely dangerous and serious issue and shouldn't be taken
Jasmine Kelly-Tanti
www.stematix.org
lightly. Although we have several measures to counter it right now, we should always be prepared
against
a
potential
biological
warfare attack.
32
Respiratory Droplets COVID-19 Carriers How is COVID-19 spread? By Curtis Leung
Spread mainly from person-to-person through close contact Virus is spread through respiratory droplets Droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks Droplets can land in the mouths or noses of those who are close by Virus droplets are also spread through surfaces Droplets stay on surfaces from several hours to days
Stay safe, maintain distance, and wash your hands! SOURCE: CDC.GOV
33
● Respiratory Droplets
STEMATIX Magazine
COVID+Culture How has our society shifted in response to the virus? www.stematix.org
34
CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK: NOT AN EXCUSE TO BE A BULLY WRITTEN BY GRACE MURESAN
As a middle school student, over and over again I hear about bullying. Kids at school teasing their classmates or friends about their hair, clothes, height, weight, background, any and every little detail that can be exploited for their humiliating or humorous purposes. Some attempted strategies to contain bullying that work the best is teaching students to respect each other’s differences and teaching them to be upstanders, not bystanders.
35
So this brings us to bullying in the adult world. Racism. Before the coronavirus outbreak, microaggressions were generally the most common form of racism. Microaggressions are subtle, often unintentional movements that “discriminate” against marginalized groups. Some examples would be pulling your bag closer when you see a person of color or telling your children to quiet down when someone with religious clothing approaches.
● Coronavirus Outbreak: Not an Excuse to Be a Bully
STEMATIX Magazine
Now, coronavirus has become a pandemic. The panic is settling in and countries are going under travel bans and quarantines. As of 3/18/2020, there are 213,557 global cases and almost 9,000 deaths. And while this COVID-19 outbreak did originate in China, this DOES NOT GIVE YOU AN EXCUSE TO BE RACIST TO ASIANS. Back in late January, a girl at my school with Korean heritage caught a cold. She wore a mask to school one day, and she got called “Coronavirus freak” by some kids at school. That isn’t even close to the worst of the racist incidents. Hate crimes against Asians are on the rise, and people who even simply appear Chinese are
getting attacked by people who want someone to blame for the disease. Our President, Donald Trump, has referred to the pathogen as the “Chinese virus”, and when asked if he thought that it may spark violence against AsianAmericans, he declared: “It’s not racist at all. It comes from China, that’s why.” The WHO’s executive director said, “Viruses know no borders and they don’t care about your ethnicity or the color of your skin or how much money you have in the bank.” It makes perfect sense that the COVID-
19 pandemic causes global panic, and being afraid of getting sick is okay. We do, however, need to learn to control our reactions. Racism and targeting bullying in this adult world will not cure coronavirus or prevent you from getting it. Instead, I suggest, we educate ourselves about the disease. Even through desperate times as such, racism will not and will never be tolerated or excused. At this point, bullying should only be an issue at school, among children who genuinely don’t know better. What would your 5th grade teacher tell you now?
"... while the COVID-19 outbreak did originate in China, this does not give you an excuse to be racist to Asians."
www.stematix.org
36
The Adventures of Princess Bobo
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE MATHHAPPENS FOUNDATION BY MICHELLE TAT
Anh Quoc Nguyen 37
● The Adventures of Princess Bobo
STEMATIX Magazine
THE ADVENTURES OF PRINCESS BOBO
Once upon a time in a land far, far away, the Kingdom of Larkspur flourished in peace under the reign of the beloved King Smith and Queen Holly until the year of 3859 when a little misadventure struck. The greatest joy of the king and queen was their beloved daughter, Princess Bobo. However, the princess was a spoiled brat. The day before the princess's 13th birthday, she was in her chamber, sketching the layout for her grand masquerade ball with her cat in her lap when she suddenly heard a plop on the balcony outside. Startled, she reflexively poked a hole in her sketchpad as her head swiveled up, and her hazel eyes narrowed, trying to pinpoint the culprit who ruined her drawing. Much to her surprise, the culprit was a two-foot-tall miniature man dressed in green from head to toe. The princess noticed in amusement the pointy features of this man. He had pointy green shoes, pointy fingernails, a pointy beard that grew down to his chest, and a three-leaf clover stuck behind his pointy left ear. In his right hand, he held onto a small cauldron filled with gold coins. In his left hand, he tightly gripped a sparkly wand with a glowing star on the end. The princess gasped in shock at the sight of this strange creature before bursting out into hilarious laughter. The little man stomped his foot in indignation and bared his golden teeth in faux menace, which only made the princess laugh harder. "Stop being disrespectful, or I will not grant your special birthday wish," snapped the little man. The princess gasped in shock as the little man's wand started making crackling noises, and she reluctantly quieted her laughter. "I'm very sorry. Please forgive me," grumbled the princess while kneeling down to poke at the pointy shoes of the little man. "You don't sound very sincere. Prove your sincerity or else suffer the consequences," warned the little man.
www.stematix.org
38
THE ADVENTURES OF PRINCESS BOBO
Now it was the princess' turn to become agitated. As the sole heir to her kingdom's throne, her parents had spoiled her by giving her everything she asked for while growing up in the castle. The lack of discipline from her parents had led the princess to believe that it was her birthright as royalty to receive everything she demanded. Not many had dared defy the princess for fear of incurring her notorious tantrums. Thus, believing she deserved a magical wish for her upcoming birthday, she knocked the cauldron of gold out of the little man's hand and grabbed for his wand while pulling at his beard. Desperate to salvage his beard that took 14 years to grow, the little man pushed the princess a little too hard, causing her to trip over a birdbath, roll over the railing of the balcony, and plunge to her doom towards the lily pads floating on the castle moat below. Watching this scene unfold from the highest tower of the castle, the court magician chuckled mischievously and waved his left hand. Spectacularly, a burst of sparkles popped out of the water and caught the princess, enveloping her in a rainbow cocoon of light. The rainbow cocoon slowly solidified into a chrysalis and dropped into the moat, yet it remained afloat with the princess frozen inside. By this time, a sizable crowd of royal guards and servants have stopped their work and gathered around the moat to witness this commotion. The head of the royal guard dispatched a messenger to get the king and queen while several castle guards used sticks and nets to draw the chrysalis ashore, and everyone erupted into incredulous chatter. "I knew that one day the princess would get what she deserved!" cried the royal gardener. He had a personal distaste for the princess ever since she stomped on all his roses, his pride, and joy, in one of her temper tantrums.
39
â—? The Adventures of Princess Bobo
STEMATIX MagazineÂ
THE ADVENTURES OF PRINCESS BOBO
Upon the king and queen's arrival, the crowd immediately hushed, and all eyes turned gazes of pity upon the royal family. Although not many of the castle workers liked the princess, they were fond of their kingdom's rulers, who governed with a golden heart rather than an iron fist. This same golden heart allowed the princess to grow into an impertinent brat. The king asked for the royal guards to carefully break open the chrysalis, and each guard started chipping away at chrysalis shards using kitchen knives. After 86 hours, the guards had finally chipped a hole big enough for a maid to climb into the chrysalis and carry the unconscious princess out. There was a collective gasp among the guards and spectators as the maid emerged carrying the little princess. Once out of her rainbow prison, the princess yawned and slowly blinked open her eyes, but the looks of surprise and horror remained on everyone's faces. The princess had shrunk to the size of the little man, her teeth had turned the color of gold, and her prominent facial features had become pointy. She had a three-leaf clover in her hair, two pointy ears, and one pointy nose. Other than her physical transformation, the princess was completely healthy. The royal guards searched every inch of the castle, but the little man was nowhere to be found. After that incident, the princess' impetuous attitude mellowed, and she eventually became one of the luckiest queens to reign over the kingdom of Larkspur.
THE END www.stematix.org
40
CHALLENGE QUESTIONS
1. In the fictional story's world, the year is 3859. In the real world, what is the year? How far away is 3859, and what do you think the real world will look like by then? 2. When was the princess born? 3. The leprechaun is 2 feet tall. How much taller/shorter are you than the leprechaun? Where would the tip of the leprechaun's head reach on your body? 4. The leprechaun has a cauldron of gold coins. Aside from counting individually, what is another way you can measure the number of coins he has? 5. When did the leprechaun first start growing his beard? 6. It took 86 hours to chip a hole in the chrysalis to free the princess. How many days is 86 hours? 7. Since it took 86 hours to chip the hole, if the guards started chipping at 9:00 in the morning and continued nonstop, what time was it when they finally rescued the princess from the chrysalis? .M.P 11 .8 sruoh 41 dna syad 3 .7 5483 = 41-9583 .6 snioc fo rebmun = nioc eno fo thgiew / snioc lla fo thgiew :alumroF .5 .nioc eno fo thgiew eht yb snioc eht lla fo thgiew eht edivid ,evah uoy snioc ynam woh etamitse oT .denibmoc snioc eht lla fo thgiew eht erusaem dna nordluac eht ytpme neht ,nioc dlog eno fo thgiew eht erusaem nac uoy ,elpmaxe roF .noitanigami evitaerc ruoy esU .4 .cte ,kcen ,tsehc ,seenk :selpmaxE .era uoy llat woh no sdneped rewsna dnoceS .teef 2 dna thgieh ruoy neewteb ecnereffid eht si rewsnA .3 6483 = 31-9583 .2 .rewsna dnoces rof noitanigami evitaerc ruoy esU .1 rewsna = raey tnerruc-9583 .1
SREWSNA
41
â—? The Adventures of Princess Bobo
STEMATIX MagazineÂ
Philanthropy & COVID-19 By Xavier Cairel COVID-19 is a dangerous virus that has devastated many communities across the globe. However, amid this global disaster, there are positive leaders in the world who are investing lots of time and resources in combating the virus.
However, amid this global disaster, there are positive leaders in the world who are investing lots of time and resources in combating the virus.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation have pledged one hundred million dollars to help contain the outbreak. The foundation said that its funds would be used to help find a vaccine for the virus, limit its spread, and improve the detection and treatment of patients. They will also direct twenty million dollars to groups like the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as the World Health Organization. Another twenty million dollars will be sent to the regions of South Asia and Africa. These areas are of higher risk of contamination due to the lack of proper good health care. In 2010, Bill Gates and Melinda Gates committed ten billion dollars to vaccine research. They also started an initiative with Warren Buffet, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, called "Giving Pledge," which tried to motivate other billionaires to donate to charity.
Philanthropists across the world have been donating enormous sums of money to help support people who have been affected by the coronavirus. Business leaders, Hollywood celebrities, and famous sports stars have donated over one billion dollars combined to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Several billionaires, including Microsoft founder Bill Gates and Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, have donated large sums of money to help unfold this crisis.
www.stematix.org
42
Jeff Bezos announced that he had given one hundred million dollars to Feeding America for the COVID-19 Response Fund, which supports work carried out by 200 food banks. Bezos wrote in an Instagram post, "Even in ordinary times, food insecurity in American households is an important problem, and unfortunately COVID-19 is amplifying that stress significantly. Nonprofit food banks and food pantries rely in large part on surplus food from a range of food businesses, but during this time of social distancing, restaurants are closed, and many other normal channels of excess food have also shut down. To make matters worse, as supply is dwindling, demand for foodbank services is going up." The CEO of Feeding America, Claire BabineauxFontenot, in a statement, said that the gift would allow the organization to serve millions of people in need. Former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg declared a forty million dollar commitment for "instant action" to fight the spread of COVID-19 in low and middle-income countries around the world, like Africa. Bloomberg partnered with the World Health Organization and Vital Strategies, a significant public health
43
organization that often partners with the city and local governments. He is also working with the former commissioner of the NYC Health Department and former CDC director Dr. Thomas Frieden, who served during Bloomberg's term of mayor. Bloomberg said in a statement, "Millions of lives depend on getting the coronavirus response right – and so does the economic and social health of communities around the world. We need to slow transmission of the virus and minimize the impact of the outbreak in all countries." In early April, ten million dollars of Oprah Winfrey's funds were given to coronavirus relief efforts. One million dollars of that money would go toward America's Food Fund. Though donations from the rich have been substantial, experts in philanthropy say it's too early to make any definitive statements about the size of the response and its ultimate impact. However, many organizations are in need of funds to support communities during COVID. You don't need a million dollars to contribute to a good cause. Even a small amount can go a long way.
Philanthropy & COVID-19
BILL & MELINDA GATES
JEFF BEZOS
$250 MILLION TOWARDS CONTAINING THE OUTBREAK
$100 MILLION TOWARDS FEEDING AMERICA
BY: HEMANTH DINESH AND AKSHITA PONNURU
INVESTING IN COVID-19 RELIEF
OPRAH WINFREY
MIKE BLOOMBERG
$40 MILLION TOWARDS CONTAINING THE OUTBREAK
www.stematix.org
$10 MILLION TOWARDS CONTAINING THE OUTBREAK
44
FOUR WALLS
WHAT THE CORONAVIRUS HAS TAUGHT US ABOUT ANIMAL CAPTIVITY FOR PROFIT BY AMANDA KAY If humans cannot deal with the impacts of being confined to a house or an apartment, how do we think it is fair to confine animals to the same fate? The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly provided the internet with cute videos of penguins walking around zoos in lieu of human contact. Still, it has also proven that for-profit zoos or amusement parks that exploit animals are not only cruel—they’re inhabitable. On April 1st, 2020, Gov. Greg Abbott issued a stayat-home order to the entire state of Texas; however, this did not come without criticism. In addition to not explicitly stating the order—Abbott had to later clarify his statement in different interviews—he also received pressure to reopen the state. By the end of the month, the state went through stages of reopening—despite the growing number of deaths. Forbes reported on May 1st, 2020, that Texas had recorded its highest three-day death toll right before reopening the state. This situation isn’t just a 45
Texan phenomenon—the New York Times reported that there were rallies scheduled in 10 other states as well. With the growing outrage towards the stayat-home order, it is clear that humans aren’t equipped to stay at home, even for those who have enough money to support themselves through this crisis. In fact, overwhelming support against the stay-at-home order center around the fact that there are certain services that are no longer being provided to them, not the expense of their livelihoods. These people confront the nurses and doctors who risk their lives every day in a hospital room and don’t listen to their advice, despite those on the front-lines witnessing the number of deaths skyrocketing daily. If humans cannot deal with the impacts of being confined to a house or an apartment, how do we
● Four Walls
STEMATIX Magazine
think it is fair to confine animals to the same fate? Animals who are kept in for-profit zoos often deal with lack of food, inadequate care, and most of all— lack of space to roam. Take Netflix’s Tiger King, for example, a show whose popularity reached new heights during the coronavirus pandemic. Although it appears more like a reality TV show, the show highlights disturbing information about the care of tigers, although it often takes a backseat to the drama between its main characters, Joe Exotic and Carol Baskin. Inside a shoddily-run roadside zoo, the tigers and other animals often live in confined, fenced plots without much room to roam. Besides, the financial downturn also leads to underfeeding, resulting in fights and aggressive behavior. Tigers are solitary animals— they depend on their instincts to survive and protect territory. It’s no wonder why they are agitated when in the wild, they are so used to having room to roam. On Baskin’s end, it’s not much better: several of the smaller cats are given insufficient space to roam. The effects of long-term stimulation deprivation have not been studied but have already shown to be linked to changes in temperament, activity, and, ultimately, health.
JOE EXOTIC
Netflix’s Tiger King
www.stematix.org
TILIKUM CNN's Blackfish
However, one of the most notorious cases of animal abuse in the entertainment industry is not from Tiger King but from another documentary, Blackfish. Displaying the treatment of orcas taken from the wild, it deals with the abuse of these animals in SeaWorld and other parks similar. Orcas are taken from the wild where they are used to swimming 100 miles or more a day in the open ocean and then lifted to a concrete cage 350 feet long. The more significant issue is the orca’s ability to dive: in the open sea, orcas can dive up to 1,000 feet, impossible in a 35 feet deep tank. Like humans, orcas are social animals; they live in pods, speak their own languages. Lifting orcas from a variety of pods is equivalent to sticking random people from over the country, taken from their loved ones, and sticking them into one bedroom. It’s no wonder why they often turn on each other, orca on orca violence being especially prevalent in these types of situations. The documentary focuses on one whale in particular —Tilikum, a male orca captured from the wild waters of Iceland as a child. Brought to the Sealand of the Pacific in unlivable conditions, Tilikum endured constant fighting and had to spend most of his daily life in small tanks without light. It is no wonder why his behavior shifted, killing Keltie Byrne, a part-time trainer who slipped and fell into the tank. 46
SeaWorld Corporate already knew Tilikum was dangerous, confining him for most of his life, only letting him out to do the final splash in a show. His role was more of a sperm donor than anything; he was a valuable asset for the reproduction of captive orcas, many of which were taken from their mothers to be sold. Living life in a tank, being scraped and gouged by the females, wounded and alone, his life as an apex predator was over before it started. This would take an emotional toll on him, and it’s no wonder that he would come to kill again, this time an experienced trainer who had done everything right— Dawn Brancheau. Scalping her and biting off her arm and swallowing it, SeaWorld still insisted that it was Dawn’s fault, despite Tilikum’s already marred track record. The thing about orcas is that they are no less smart than humans, even more so in some cases. Humans pride themselves on emotional sensibility; that is why we don’t respond well to being held in one place. Compared to the common dolphin, another animal regarded as intelligent, postmortem MRI’s on orcas show their brains are almost 3.5-6.5 the size of these animals. Like human brains, orcas have extensive cortical folding in their brains, indicating a high level of cortical processing.
ORCA
HUMAN
47
INSULAR CORTEX Compared to humans, there are some places that are enlarged in an orca’s brain, stated by the Grey Matters Journal as the “insular cortex, its surrounding operculum, and the limbic lobe.” The first two are thought to be the reason for the orca’s complex communication system, but the limbic lobe is often associated with memories, behavior, and emotions. In fact, the cells in this part of the brain, the spindle cells, are associated with complex emotional behavior and greater empathy. Despite being thought of as unique to the great apes, orcas are proven to have a larger relative number of these cells compared to the amount humans have. These creatures with such high emotional intelligence are forced to spend their lives in small tanks, having their children wrenched from them, and being forced to exhibit behaviors that are not natural to them in the wild. These are creatures who feel grief so strongly, restlessly searching for their children, calling out to them in fruitless cries. It is no wonder why these orcas live so short in captivity— although SeaWorld once claimed they lived longer under their care—but the fact is that orcas have similar life spans to humans, female orcas living up to 80-100 years old. This is unlike SeaWorld, where many orcas have died after just 15 years. Staying at home may make a difference in the lives of humans, but keeping animals for entertainment does not do anything but perpetuate lies. The difficulty we face staying at home should be a warning message of whether it is right to degrade animals into a shadow of their former selves, locked in an endless cycle of abuse and neglect, four walls growing ever higher.
● Four Walls
STEMATIX Magazine
JÓVENES VIVEN LOS DESAFÍOS DE LA EXPLORACIÓN DE MARTE BY ANGELA FLORES, SOFIA FABREGA, MARTÍN ESCALONA, CRISTIAN RÍOS, AND VICENTE PAREDES
La empresa Technolab Spa que se define como una MAKER SCHOOL, es un conjunto de emprendedores regionales, que llevan más de 5 años creando experiencias educativas únicas, a través del uso de tecnologías disruptivas, para el desarrollo temprano de talentos en el Norte de Chile.
Challenge, para jóvenes de 1ero Medio de las comunas de Taltal, Calama y Antofagasta y que se realizan los días sábados con jornadas que muchas veces se extendían por más de 7 horas de aprendizajes complejos, pero muy divertidos, gracias a la metodología utilizada por Technolab con alto
Con el apoyo de CORFO, han realizado con mucho éxito, los Campamentos Tecnológicos con misiones Nasa App
www.stematix.org
componentes de gamificación y desarrollo de una lúdica de una misión en el espacio.
48
Los jóvenes conformaron más de 10 equipos, en donde debieron aprender a trabajar y colaborar con sus compañeros, que eran de otras ciudades, asumiendo en cada misión roles distintos como son Diseñadores, Ingenieros, Gestores y Maker para el desarrollo de sus prototipos, que debían cumplir con las misiones, para así poder avanzar al campamento siguiente, con el objetivo de aprender de las tecnologías utilizadas para la exploración de Marte. Luego de 6 campamentos en donde 6 quipos quedaron eliminados, los 3 equipos finalistas comenzaron la fase final de 4 campamentos con la misión de replicar el sistema de comunicación y transmisión de datos para manipular un rover a distancia. Para ello, debieron en el primer campamento construir un sistema de antenas que simulaban la transmisión desde la tierra, luego en un segundo campamento diseñar un sistema de recepción y repetición para un globo meteorológico que se elevó a 30 metros simulando que era un satélite, para finalmente en los últimos 2 campamentos, construir una replica del Mar Rover que recibiera las instrucciones desde la Tierra y cumpliera el circuito de exploración con las restricciones de velocidad y con una ruta a escala.
"Barbarita Lara valoró la iniciativa e incentivo a los jóvenes a asumir su rol de cambio en nuestra sociedad y destaco la innovación que se realiza en regiones y el impacto global que esta alcanzando." 49
Según el equipo Ganador de la competencia, nada se compara con la emoción y tensión de probar que el sistemas de comunicación (comandos) que tenían un delay de 5 segundos, que hacía más difícil la misión del rover, envió la información y siguiera la ruta en el desierto de Atacama….. fue lo máximo…. Este equipo esta integrado por Angela Flores, Sofía Fabrega, Martín Escalona, Cristian Ríos y Vicente Paredes, recibió las felicitaciones en una ceremonia virtual que contó con la presencia de CORFO, los Mentores y Monitores de Technolab y la destacada ingeniería chilena Barbarita Lara como speaker invitada, quien valoró la iniciativa e incentivo a los jóvenes a asumir su rol de cambio en nuestra sociedad y destaco la innovación que se realiza en regiones y el impacto global que esta alcanzando.
● Chile Mars Exploration
STEMATIX Magazine
YOUNG PEOPLE EXPERIENCE THE CHALLENGES OF MARS EXPLORATION BY ANGELA FLORES, SOFIA FABREGA, MARTÍN ESCALONA, CRISTIAN RÍOS, AND VICENTE PAREDES
The company Technolab Spa, which is defined as a MAKER SCHOOL, is a group of regional entrepreneurs who have been creating unique educational experiences for more than 5 years through the use of disruptive technologies for the early development of talents in northern Chile. With the support of CORFO (Chilean Development Agency), the Technology
www.stematix.org
Camps with Nasa App Challenge Missions have been carried out with great success for young people from High School of the communes of Taltal, Calama, and Antofagasta. They often include more than 7 hours of complex learning, but it is very fun thanks to the methodology used by Technolab, with activities such as learning about gamification and developing a mission play in space.
50
The students formed more than 10 teams and had to learn to work and collaborate with their colleagues from other cities. In each mission, they assumed different roles such as Designers, Engineers, Managers and Makers and had to develop a prototype that could complete the missions, in order to advance to the next camp. The aim was to learn about the technologies used for the exploration of Mars. After 6 camps where 6 teams were eliminated, the 3 finalist teams began the last phase of 4 camps with the mission of replicating the communication and data transmission system to manipulate a rover at a distance. To do this, they had to build a system of antennas that simulated transmission from the ground in the first camp. Then, in a second camp, they had to design a reception and repetition system for a meteorological balloon that rose to 30 meters, simulating that it was a satellite. Finally, in the last 2 camps, they had to build a replica of the Sea Rover that received instructions from Earth and complied with the exploration circuit with speed restrictions and a route to scale. According to the winning team, nothing compared to the excitement and tension of proving that the communication systems (commands) that
"She valued the initiative of young people assuming their role of change in society and highlighted the innovation being realized in regions as well as the global impact it has been achieving." 51
had a 5-second delay, which made the rover's mission more difficult, sent the information and followed the route in the Atacama desert. This team is made up of Angela Flores, Sofia Fabrega, Martín Escalona, Cristian Ríos and Vicente Paredes. They received congratulations in a virtual ceremony that was attended by CORFO, the Mentors and Monitors of Technolab, and the outstanding Chilean engineering Barbarita Lara as a guest speaker. She valued the initiative of young people assuming their role of change in society and highlighted the innovation being realized in regions as well as the global impact that it has been achieving.
● Chile Mars Exploration
STEMATIX Magazine
CHINA MOVES TO END THE DOG MEAT TRADE By James Thornton China has allowed the consumption of dog meat for years now; however, this practice may finally be coming to an end. Due to the global pandemic caused by COVID19, a few cities in China are passing laws to ban the consumption of dog and cat meat permanently. Instead, these cities will now look to these animals entirely as pets and end any breeding, trading, or consumption of wildlife. So far, only a few cities, such as Shenzhen, have passed the law; it is likely others are to follow. Now, what exactly are the positives of passing said law? First, this leaves less opportunity for another virus to sprout from one of China's wet markets. For many people, it is simply more ethical to end their consumption. As most Chinese don't eat dogs, almost everyone can agree, this was a step in the right direction. This turn of events isn't the first time that China has banned its more exotic food items. Back in 2003, China placed a temporary ban on civets and snakes for being suspected of transferring SARS to humans. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these bans may resurface and become permanent as well. What does this mean for China's food industry? We will likely see a transformation in China's wet markets where a lot of viruses have the chance to mutate and become transferable to humans. Wet markets can vary from the more westerner notion of farmer markets to a place where animals generally kept in cages within proximity are killed on the spot during the point of sale. These places have all the right set up for viruses to breakout, and some speculate this to be how the Coronavirus came into fruition. Hopefully, within the future, we will see better regulations surrounding these markets to reduce the risk of zoonotic transmission.
www.stematix.org
CHINAS'S PET MEAT TRADE BY THE NUMBERS By: AvI D. & Akshita P.
4 MILLION CATS DIE EACH YEAR
10 MILLION DOGS DIE EACH YEAR 1039 REPORTED PET MEAT RESTAURANTS
TAKE ACTION! VISIT DUODUOPROJECT.ORG
52
Meet
ANDREA GUNG Founder & Executive Director of the Duo Duo Project
HUMANITY
AGAINST THE DOG MEAT TRADE
Please introduce yourself to our readers. My name is Andrea Gung. I am the founder and executive director of Duo Duo Project, a nonprofit dedicated to ending the dog meat trade worldwide. Why did you decide to start the Duo Duo Project? Ever since I was a child, I have always loved dogs. In 2013, when I learned about the cruelty of the illegal dog meat trade, that dogs are shipped in a jam-packed truck for three days with no water and no food, and that they were beaten to death in a filthy slaughterhouse, I knew I had to do something to end the dog meat trade and close the slaughterhouses. That "something" was the Duo Duo Project. I have always been an activist, and I try to live my life using this quote from Dr. King: "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." How does the Duo Duo Project combat the dog meat trade? We have three major campaigns: education, shelter support, and spay and neuter. We believe that changing the young generation's perception of dogs is the key to end this cruel trade. We put on a lot of resources into education and community outreach programs in the dog eating regions in China to help people to see dogs as family and not food.
53
â—? Duo Duo Project Interview
STEMATIX MagazineÂ
How has COVID-19 shaped the Chinese government's perspective on the dog meat trade? The Chinese government always wanted to take new measures to end the dog meat trade embarrassment as it taints China's international image. However, the government was worried about the pushback they might face from the trade if they were to crack down on the trade. However, in light of COVID-19, the wet markets needed to be banned. As a result, China's Department of Agriculture moved to classify dogs and cats as "companion animals" rather than livestock. Because of COVID-19, there was limited pushback from the trade. Will this new classification end the trade? No, it will not. While the Chinese government did classify dogs and cats as companion animals, they did not create any legislation to support this change. However, this is a significant victory for animal activists as it now gives them legal backing to call the government if restaurants are selling dog meat. However, just because the government has a law, it doesn't mean people will follow them. Like a drug, an underground market will emerge, and the dog meat trade will find a way to continue. What does this mean for the future of the Duo Duo Project? We genuinely feel that the only way to eradicate the dog meat trade would be to educate the new generation. We will continue to invest in compassion education in places where dog meat is exceptionally prevalent. We will also now invest more resources into building shelters for rescued dogs in China. What can young people do to get involved with Duo Duo Project? My advice is to use your skills to drive change in the community and the world. Create videos, PSAs, social media posts, help organize community events, organize fundraising parties, and more. This will help spread awareness about the cruelty of the dog meat trade. If you would like more information on how to get involved, visit www.duoduoproject.org! Meet
DUO DUO
The
$10 Â dog
who sparked a
global movement
Get involved! www.duoduoproject.org Duo Duo with her Mom, Martha www.stematix.org
54
"PETS AT HOME" written and drawn by Brian Sawaya
55
● Pets At Home
STEMATIX Magazine
A SCIENTIST LIKE ME Featuring Dr. Jessica N. Stanford University
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH STANFORD SCIENCE PENPALS www.stematix.org
56
When you think of a scientist, what is the first image that comes to mind? When you think of a scientist, what is the first image that comes to mind? Let me guess: Bill Nye the Science Guy, gazing into a beaker of some chemical substance gassingoff white smoke? Or Albert Einstein working out some crazy looking mathematical equation?
scientists are diverse in gender identity (e.g., woman, man, genderqueer), in sexual orientation (e.g., a-, bi-, hetero-, homosexual), in racial or ethnic identity (e.g., Black, White, Asian, Hispanic, Middle Eastern, etc.). Some are living with physical or learning disabilities. Others do not speak English as their first language. Some are the first in their family to graduate college. Others are from low socioeconomic backgrounds. We exhibit a wide range of religions, physical appearances, and personality types. Likewise, the range of topics that STEM scientists study is so vast that
While there are many scientists that resemble Bill Nye and Albert Einstein in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields overall; the truth is that STEM scientists are in fact wonderfully diverse, and so too is their research! For example, STEM
57
â—? Stanford Science Penpals: A Scientist Like Me
STEMATIX MagazineÂ
is hard to imagine: from effects of climate change, to biodiversity and sustainability, to pathology development/treatment, to chemical/genetic engineering, to cellular biology, to computer sciences, to ecology and evolution, to synthetic materials design...the list seems endless. And the best news is that it keeps growing!
Why is it important for youth to understand the increasingly diverse nature of STEM?
between two households. One household was stable and situated in a small middleclass village; while the other was transient and mostly in low-socioeconomic innercity communities. I was somewhat introverted, and enjoyed being alone in nature, especially a pond on my father’s property. In the summers, day after day, I’d get home from school, walk straight to the pond, drop my back-pack next to the water, grab my net, and collect goldfish and leopard frogs, whirling beetles. I remember being fascinated by their behavior in their natural environment. In college, I realized that I desired to be a scientist (marine biologist); however, I struggled with believing that I was capable. This was because up to that point I had never excelled in school, and in fact underperformed in reading and math. (I still do.) Secondly, I had never met another marine biologist…much less one that was like me. In other words, I had no role
Why is it important for youth to understand the increasingly diverse nature of STEM? The answer is: because youth themselves are diverse; and for many of them, representation of that diversity among role models matters. For some many students, seeing someone who represents your unique identity and research interests successfully leading a STEM career implies that you can do it too. As proof-of-principle, I’d like to share my own “unlikely” journey into STEM. For starters, I, like many others, bear little resemblance to Bill Nye. For starters, I’m a female. Growing up, I had never known anyone who had a PhD or career in STEM. As a child of divorced parents, I grew up
www.stematix.org
58
model. I came to realize, however, that if I wanted it bad enough (and I did), I would find a way to make it happen one way or another. So, I committed to studying like never before…I had to learn how to learn. Once I did this, my grades considerably improved. I also sought out a mentor that I felt I could relate to, and who were well progressed into the STEM career that I was interested in. She has been remarkably supportive and invested in helping me identify my career goals, and helping me strategize a plan for how to achieve them. Today, I am loving my career as a postdoctoral research scientist at Stanford University, who studies how the brain governs social behavior in tropical fishes and beyond. So, for those of you out there who are interested in a STEM career but believe it is unattainable, here are a few lessons I’ve learned along my journey that might resonate with you: Start by changing your belief. Believe it is possible (because it is), and it is only a matter of how you’ll make it happen. For me, it was hard work, persistence, and surrounding myself with peers and mentors who respected and believed in me. If you do not yet know them, seek them out. You can seek out mentors through formal mentorship programs, or even personally email someone. Potential mentors include undergrads, graduate students, post-docs, independent research scientists, and professors at universities, for example, and you can find our profiles on departmental websites of universities and research institutes all over the world. Seek out experiences like internships (many are paid) within organizations, high school, universities, or research institutes; that give you an opportunity to better experience what you’re interested in. Don’t let failure deter you…in the pursuit of and
59
Start by changing your belief. Believe it is possible (because it is), and it is only a matter of how you’ll make it happen. during a STEM career there is LOTS of “failure”. You don’t get the grade, the internship, the college acceptance, the grant, or the project failed—this is all a part of everyday life, and it doesn’t mean that you don’t belong; it means you have to learn from your mistakes and keep trying. Finally, be kind and respectful—both to yourself and others. Like many aspirations, pursuing a STEM career is challenging, and we rely on each other for support and scientific progress. STEM is beautifully diverse, and there is a place for all of us.
Happy Sciencing, Dr. Jessica N. Ph.D., Stanford University
● Stanford Science Penpals: A Scientist Like Me
STEMATIX Magazine
DO YOUR PART!
NOTES FOR SUPPORT By Gina & Dana Choi
Notes for Support was created so that anyone can contribute to the Covid-19 crisis. We believe that for frontline healthcare workers and patients who are facing depression and isolation, receiving an encouraging, personal message can mean the world.
3.7k+ Notes Sent 34 Hospitals 12 States visit www.notesforsupport.org to send a note! www.stematix.org
60
Role of AI, Data Science, and Technology to Track and Fight the COVID-19 Pandemic By Team 13217 AstroBruins
Diagnosis 1
Interfvision (Beijing, China) AI-based software, trained on CT scans from first coronavirus patients in China, identifies typical signs or partial signs of COVID 19 infection.
2
Paginemadiche Chatbot (Italy) The digital health-based startup has joined with medical experts to create a chatbot that diagnoses the disease.
Spread Prediction 3
Blue Dot (Canada) Blue Dot uses natural language processing and machine learning to cull data from hundreds of thousands of sources, including statements from official public health organizations, digital media, global airline ticketing data, livestock health reports, and population demographics.
4
SenseTime (China) While certainly a controversial use of technology and AI, China's sophisticated surveillance system used facial recognition technology and temperature detection software from SenseTime to identify people who might have a fever and be more likely to have the virus.
Drug Development 5
Google's DeepMind (USA) Using it's latest AI algorithms has arrived at a guess as to the structure of a handful of proteins associated with COVID-19.
Contact Tracing 6
Apple & Google (USA) Apple & Google enabled the use of Bluetooth technology for contact tracing. Notable features include exposure notification API and face ID enhancements, including a simplified unlock process if wearing a mask.
61
â—? AstroBruins Robotics Education
STEMATIX MagazineÂ
ASTROBRUINS
ROBOTICS EDUCATION
WHO ARE THE ASTROBRUINS? ABOUT The AstroBruins Robotics Team (13217) is based at the Santa Clara High School, California. Our mission is to create an inclusive, diverse, worldclass team that is able to cooperate efficiently and productively to make an innovative, top of the line robot. We are a small but highly efficient team of ten members. Last season, we won first place Inspire at NorCal Regionals and qualified for the World Championship. HOW WE CAN HELP We offer online mentoring for rookie/junior FTC teams WHY We hope to use the opportunities presented to us by FIRST to the fullest extent and inspire fellow students with similar interests. FTC was initially a chance to try something new and different and we hope to inspire others to do the same.
10
highschoolers
3000+
hours of enrichment
1
robot @schsastrobruins @SCHSAstroBruins astrobruins.com
It’s way more than building robots. FIRST Tech Challenge teams (up to 15 team members, grades 7-12) are challenged to design, build, program, and operate robots to compete in a head-to-head challenge in an alliance format.Guided by adult coaches and mentors, students develop STEM skills and practice engineering principles, while realizing the value of hard work, innovation, and working as a team. Each season concludes with regional championship events and an exciting FIRST Championship. More information at: www.firstinspires.org
www.stematix.org
62
STEMATIX CITATIONS A quick recap of the main ideas in this issue...
63
● AstroBruins Robotics Education
STEMATIX Magazine
SPONSORS & COMMUNITY PARTNERS
CONTRIBUTORS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE 30 Countries | 43 Regions | 200+ Students | 9 Issues
www.stematix.org
64
THANK YOU! healthcare and essential professionals
Aleena Bosky
DEDICATED TO Health care providers and caregivers
COVID-19 Researchers
Law Enforcement, Public Safety and First Responders
Pharmacy Employees
Hospital and laboratory personnel
Mortuary Professionals
Manufacturers & Technicians
Essential Workers in Food & Agriculture
Distributors of Medicals Equipment
Electricity & Energy Professionals
Behavioral health workers
Water & Wastewater Professionals
Blood and plasma donors
Transportation & Logistics Professionals
Cybersecurity professionals
and many more...
STEMATIX
Bibliography