The Beaker (Fall 2016)

eht

beaker

Del Norte Student Science Publication

THE REACTION:

ALIENS

do they exist?

FALL 2016

LETTER FROM

the editors

Hello Nighthawks!

We are extremely pleased to present to you the very first Beaker issue of the 2016/17 school year!

Science consists of a beautiful, bewildering world of curiosities, and we are very proud of our writers and fellow Nighthawks for their willingness to embrace it in all its complexity and glory. It’s only October, and they have already made us thrilled with their outstanding and creative articles and mesmerizing designs.

This issue dwells on the most fascinating topics to the most entertaining stories. For the space lovers who long for something just out-of-this-world, we offer you Proxima b, a newly discovered exoplanet that scientists are just beginning to learn more about. For the Nighthawks out there suffering from copious amounts of homework and tests (all of us), we bring you an open letter explaining the psychology and physiology of stress.

As we fall into autumn, and thereby a season of thankfulness, we hope the knowledge (both exciting and troubling) in this magazine encourages you to dwell on how lucky we are to learn and live.

We would like to thank everyone who made this issue possible, including Mr. Liao (our wonderful teacher advisor), Hamilton College Consulting, and of course, our amazing student writers and designers.

This is the beginning of a new school year, the beginning of a new and improved Beaker, and the beginning of our very first issue. We hope you enjoy what’s to come!

Sincerely, Flora Park and Ivana Mai

Editors-in-Chief

CONTRIBUTORS

fall 2016

Editors-in-Chief

Writers

Flora Park

Angela Baek

Ivana Mai

Angela Chen Aruna Sudarshan

Teacher Advisor

Arushi Dogra

Frank Liao

Ayesha Aslam-Mir Chan Park

Copy/Content Editors

Divya Sood

Isaac Lee

Hazelle Gunawan

Janelle Uy

Isaac Lee

Shaan Trika

Jessica Liu Josephine Shia

Design Editors

Lucy Gao

Brian Huo

Priyanka Babu

Tiffany Do

Varsha Bodepudi

Principal Artist

Danielle Chang

STNETNOCeht

01 03 05 06 07 08 09 11 13 15 17 19 21 23

Science & Tech Events Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria The Tallest Mammals of the Earth My Experience with the Genomic Revolution Over the Edge and Back A New Possibility A Letter to the Stressed High School Student Antibacterial Soaps: Off the Shelves?

Aliens / Do Aliens Exist?

Beating the Blackbird How the Dead Sea is Slowly Deteriorating It’s Cute! It’s Fluffy! It’s… Terrifying?

The Energy Debate Citations

SCIENCE & TECH EVENTS

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM Introduction to 3D Printing and CAD Drawing Workshop @ Reuben H. Fleet Science Center (1875 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101) $85 for Fleet members, $95 for nonmembers; tickets online on the Fleet site Otto Lai, founder of Platt College’s Visual Effects and Compositing Program and current teacher at SDSU, presents a three­session workshop on computer­aided design and 3D printing. You will get to design and print your very own 3D object!

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM Machine Learning Forum ­ Panel Discussion on How Machine Learning and A.I. Systems Are Impacting Science, Technology, and Business @ NEST Cowork (1855 1st Avenue #201 San Diego, CA 92101) FREE; register online at EventBrite.com A panel of 3­4 industry experts will discuss Machine Learning and its impacts on the present and future in industries.

Search up for more information.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Hour of Code by New Horizons Learning Group @ New Horizons (7480 Miramar Road Building B, Suite 202 San Diego, CA 92126) FREE; register online at EventBrite.com Students ages 8­18 are invited to learn unique computer science skills like programming languages, critical thinking and more! The event will be presented by Technical Training Manager Bill Berger.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Ethics of Climate Change and Climate Engineering by The Center for Ethics in Science and Technology @ Reuben H. Fleet Science Center (1875 El Prado San Diego, CA 92101) FREE; register online at EventBrite.com Hear Margaret Leinen, an oceanographer and director of Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UCSD, speak about the ethical issues over the threat of climate change and how they relate to climate engineering.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Robotics for Assisted Living by The Center for Ethics in Science and Technology @ Reuben H. Fleet Science Center (1875 El Prado San Diego, CA 92101) FREE; register online at EventBrite.com Hear Dean Albert Pisano, a professor of UCSD’s Jacob’s School of Engineering speak about the effects of robotics for those who need assisted living and the questions that are raised due to the technology’s ability to capture information about us.

FALL 2016

02

ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANT

bacteria

BY PRIYANKA BABU

Bacteria is an important part of our lives.

of the low resistant bacteria that invaded

It is found all over our skin, in the

your body begin to die off. The issue is that

environment we thrive in, in the food we

there are several types of bacteria with

consume, and even inside our body. Many

different resistant levels ranging from

species of bacteria are required to keep our

extremely vulnerable to a level of resistance

bodies healthy and maintain homeostasis.

1,000 times stronger than any other

Bacteria are microscopic, single-celled living

bacteria[2]. The antibiotics may work on the

organisms that are able to thrive in divergent

majority of the low to high resistant bacteria,

environments and rapidly multiply. They are

but the highly indestructible ones will still

often the first line of defense against foreign

remain because they are not susceptible to

pathogens that invade our bodies and

antibiotics. These extremely durable

promote the repair of damaged tissues,

bacteria will continue to thrive in their

among many other things. These types of

environments. Natural selection will take

bacteria, such as lactobacillus and

place and the high-resistant bacteria will be

bifidobacterium, are considered “good”

selected. They will then begin to quickly

bacteria. [1] There is, unfortunately, a “bad”

reproduce, creating several new generations

type of bacteria. The cancer-causing, food-

of high-resistant bacteria. Some of these

poisoning, disease-stimulating bacteria are

bacteria, called multi-resistant organisms,

likely the ones that you are more familiar

are so resistant that they are able to

with. These infectious bacteria, such as

withstand multiple types of antibiotics[2].

botulinum and Escherichia coli, cause

Eventually, the antibiotics will not be strong

serious illnesses and can be life-threatening, unless they are treated with antibiotics. [1] Antibiotics are powerful medicines that kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria. An issue that scientists have been focused on for many years is that some types of bacteria eventually become antibiotic resistant and continue to thrive in their environments. How do these microscopic prokaryotes go from treatable to resistant in a matter of weeks?

It all starts when a bacteria enters your body

"An issue that scientists have been focused on for many years is that some types of bacteria eventually become antibiotic resistant and continue to thrive in their environments."

enough to terminate the large population of highly resistant bacteria and will no longer be effective.

Antibiotic resistant bacteria has cast a shadow over the medical miracles that we take for granted. They cause concerns since certain antibiotic medicines are no longer effective. The bacteria become resistant to the common, easily available antibiotics that are typically prescribed by doctors. This makes it difficult to treat infections and can

through the food you consume, your nose, or

increase the risk of more serious conditions

any body opening, really. The bacteria begin

or death. As high multi-resistant organisms

to multiply rapidly and cause damage to

continue to thrive and spread, several

some of your tissues or attack your immune

antibiotic drugs are in danger of losing their

system. When it begins to take its toll on your

potency. If high antibiotic-resistant bacteria

body, you begin noticing the signs of a

continue to become accustomed to today’s

disease or infection. Then, once you begin

miracle drugs, the world might just find itself

administering the copious amounts of

back in the early ages of medicine with few

antibiotics your doctor has prescribed, many

cures to deadly bacterial infections.

03

THE BEAKER

THE TALLEST MAMMALS OF THE EARTH MAY GO EXTINCT RIGHT BENEATH OUR NOSES

BY ANGELA BAEK

A New Discovery

Tall and long-necked, yellow with brown patches, purple tongues, and Africa — as children, that may have been the only thing we needed to know about giraffes. However, this has changed and scientists have found that there may be more to giraffes than we had originally thought.

Originally, scientists had thought that all giraffes belong to one species, Giraffa camelopardalis, with up to 11 subspecies, 7 of those recognized [3]. On September 8th, 2016, an article was released on Current Biology describing the new change. After studying the DNA of natural giraffe populations in Africa, researchers have found not one, but four distinct species: the Northern giraffe, the Southern giraffe, the reticulated

World’s Tallest Mammals -- Overlooked?

When it comes to Africa, scientists have focused mainly on researching large, endangered mammals, including elephants, rhinoceroses, and lions. Although the giraffes’ numbers have dropped drastically from more than 150,000 to fewer than 100,000 over the last three decades, scientists remained oblivious to their decline without thorough study.

“The giraffe is a neglected species. Only 400 scientific papers have been written about giraffes, versus 20,000 papers on white rhinos,” says Axel Janke, a biologist studying in a research center in Germany [2].

giraffe, and the Masai giraffe.

The genetic research has revealed that these four species do not mate with each other in the wild, posing a bigger threat to giraffes than we have seen before. When together, their numbers are strong; however, when separated into categories, we can see that they are definitely close to endangered.

Specifically, the northern giraffe and the reticulated giraffe are significantly threatened. The northern giraffe, with three subspecies of the Nubian, Kordofan, and West Africa, have a combined population of less than 4,750, while the reticulated giraffe has had the fastest

Scientists have focused on researching large endangered mammals when it comes to Africa. They raise questions about elephants being

population declines, almost 80%, with less than 8,700 [4]. Many declines are due to habitat loss, while others are from poaching [2].

poached for tusks and the decline of white rhino population. Compared to these other animals, giraffes seem untouched as a large group, causing them to be overlooked by researchers.

Giraffes becoming endangered may not have a large impact on our lives. But what if they go extinct? More importantly, what animal is next?

my experience with the

GENOMIC REVOLUTION

BY ISAAC LEE

Spiderman. The Flash. The Hulk. What do

Personal Genome Revolution International

gathering, I was able to express my idea of

these superheroes have in common? Most

Symposium 2016. During this momentous

applying genetic applications into the real

people will point out, “They’re Marvel and DC

flight to South Korea, home to the world’s

world by creating business models and

characters, duh.” But what if there was a

fastest Internet and the largest electronics

concepts. In addition, renowned scientists

broader, more fundamental parallel

company. For about a month, I had a once-

such as Graeme Bethel from Illumina and Dr.

between these characters? There is, in fact:

in-a-lifetime internship experience at the

Brandon Colby from Sequencing dot com

they are all genetically mutated.

Eone Diagnomics Genome Center (EDGC),

delivered presentations on consumer and

one of the fastest growing bioinformatics and

precision genomics at the symposium. With

genomics business in the country.

this unique opportunity, I am officially

Ever since I was young, I grew up watching quite a bit of DC and Marvel films, being

recognized as one of the very few high

fascinated and enthralled by the amazing

EDGC was established in 2013 in conjunction

schoolers in the world to have had their

abilities some of these superheroes can

with the Eone Life Science Institute, merging

entire genome mapped and analyzed.

perform. But I knew in the back of my head,

two distinct expertises and experiences to

these superheroes weren't real. So I falsely

create new types of healthcare. When EDGC

But enough about what I did. What does this

assumed that superheroes were just pure

announced an internship program for aspiring

mean to the rest of the people? What insight

science fiction and that humanity will never

high school students, the opportunity was too

can we gain from getting our genomes

have the capability to modify humans. Never

good to give up. The program primarily

mapped? Again, to put it simply, it is the first

have I been so wrong.

consisted of hands on lab experience,

major step in the future of cancer care. Just

content editing for the company’s

like how a blueprint is needed if a building is

publications, and research based on the

found to have faults, scientists can

results of different genetic experiments—all

determine and even cure deformities in our

It’s likely that we will never have a

under the guidance of Dr. Min Seob Lee. He

genes from our genetic “blueprints”.

Spiderman or a Hulk in our societies (due to

ensured that me and my other team members

ethical justification). So although it is unlikely

were actively engaging in and learning about

By getting our genomes mapped and truly

to see a future filled with genetically

the different medical applications related to

knowing who we are on the genetic level, it

mutated super beings, it is certain that in the

genetics. But what’s more unique about this

empowers people to control the fate of their

near future, modified humans will be free of

internship is the fact that it is the world’s first

future wellbeing. Once scientists in the

harmful diseases and predisposed

program to offer more unique about this

future are able to fully harness the powers of

conditions. This future is often regarded as

internship is the fact hat it is the world’s first

the human genome, a bright future is ahead

the “Genetic Revolution” by the science

program to offer students to conduct and

of us. A future in which the average person

community.

analyze their own entire genome, a feat that

is able to live significantly longer. A future in

was once only possible by highly trained

which people can do whatever they want to

To explore how I can take part in this so

scientists in state-of-the-art laboratories.

do without health issues hindering them. A

called “Genetic Revolution”, I decided

After analyzing my genome, I had the

future in which loved ones can reunite with

to finally go out into the world and express

amazing opportunity to be one of the junior

their friends and families. A future in which

my affinity towards genetics. On a warm

presenters at the 1st Personal Genome

cancer is eradicated from the face of the

Sunday in June, I headed to LAX to take a

Revolution International

Earth.

But ok, let’s to be a little realistic.

FALL 2016

06

OVER THE EDGE AND BACK

BY LUCY GAO

Death. It’s something that fascinates us,

coincidentally, had rather similar

something that scares us. It’s one of the

recollections. Whether it’s flying off without

recurring themes in our history, something

being tied down to Earth with their bodies or

As we get ever closer to the brink of death

worshipped and feared with theories

seeing strange lights, all these fall into the

and manage to pull ourselves back, NDEs

spinning wildly off of its back. It’s perceived

study of near-death experiences, or NDEs

have become “perhaps the only spiritual

as a stopping point, a finishing act, a certain

[2]. And as Dr. Sam Parnia’s work around

experience that we have a chance of

and ultimately unavoidable end. Our

cardiac arrest patients explains, “almost 40

investigating in a truly thorough, scientific

common medical dictionary defines death as

percent [of the patients] described having

way” [4]. Diane Corcoran, the president of

“the cessation of all vital functions of the

some form of ‘awareness’ at a time when

the International Association for Near-Death

body including the heartbeat, brain activity

they were clinically dead.”

Studies (IANDS), explains that NDEs have

(including the brain stem), and breathing”

times including the Middle Ages.

often been linked to a large range of

[1]. In simpler words, death is when the body

One case belongs to a singer and

different circumstances, including heart

essentially stops working. It’s a process, sort

songwriter, Pam Reynolds. She had an

attacks and electrocution [4].

of like life.

aneurysm in her brain and her surgeon decided to use “hypothermic cardiac arrest”,

Bruce Greyson, “one of the first doctors to

Clinical death is the first step in this process

which is a method to lower the temperature

study NDEs seriously” [4], has created a

[2]. Clinical death is very short, and it only

of her body enough to stop her heart and

scale that determines what classifies an

lasts from when the person stops breathing

drain the blood from her head. It’s not a

NDE. He rates the experience on 16 different

until their pulse ceases. Throughout this

traditional approach but it’s not as fatal as it

topics, with a minimum score of 0 and a

stage, some organs may remain alive, such

may sound; her cells don’t die when the

maximum score of 2 for each category. Any

as the eyes, kidneys, and perhaps even the

oxygen is removed. After her body is heated

experience that rates 7 or higher than a 7 on

brain.

and her heart begins to pump, she is alive

this scale is considered an NDE.

once again. She’s basically ‘shut down’ and Biological death is the second step. This is

then ‘restarted’, somewhat like a computer.

when the body’s organs actually begin to

NDEs can have long-term effects, whether they’re good or bad. Some are more

stop, and the cells start to die off. But what

Her surgeons confirmed that Pam Reynolds

positive, such as a pure love for everyone

we don’t know is at what point a person is

was dead after a couple of minutes and

and becoming more generous to others, but

declared “dead” by definition.

then was effectively “restarted.” She recalls

others can be more on the negative or on

experiencing a rather strong NDE, and

the strange side, such as developing

It’s not really what happens to the body

correctly listed details about what happened

difficulty with money and exerting a weird

during death that truly fascinates us —

around her when she was “dead,” “such

influence on electrical devices or equipment.

rather, it’s what we think during death of

as the shape of the bone saw used on her

what happens to us after we die. It’s a given

skull, snatches of conversations between the

As the studies of NDEs progress, we’re able

that we will never know what happens the

medical staff, and the staff listening” [4].

to acquire huge amounts of information

moment ‘death’ actually occurs, and this is

She is a prime exhibit for the studies on

about the science of death. We’re able to

due to the fact that people who have died

NDEs.

get small glimpses into where death resides,

cannot simply wake up and tell us what it

and we’ve peeked into the chasm quite a NDEs themselves and their links are pretty

few times now. We haven’t been able to fully

difficult to explain; there are many gray

fall over the cliff and come back yet, but

Even so, we can get pretty close to this

areas, and it’s hard to connect the biological

we’re close. And with the fast-paced,

mysterious reality.

processes that come together to give us

modernized way of science, practically

these vivid experiences when we die. Some

anything is possible. Maybe, within a few

Some individuals have actually been brought

scientists agree that there’s a good amount

decades or centuries, we’ll have mastered

back after their breath and their pulse had

of biological information and research to

the art.

stopped [2]. They returned from their daze

back up NDEs, but others simply dismiss it as

with memories of what they had

unrealistic. Accounts that seem similar to

And maybe, by then, you’ll be the one going

experienced, and weirdly, perhaps,

NDEs, however, have dated back to ancient

over the edge and back.

feels like.

07

THE BEAKER

AN E WP O S S I B I L I T Y

BY HAZELLE GUNAWAN

For years, scientists have been combing

Proxima Centauri being a red dwarf

actually habitable or not. Some questions

through the universe, in search of the

doesn't help matters, as such stars are

begging to be answered are whether water

needles in haystacks that are habitable

known to have unstable growths that could

exists on the planet or if it has a magnetic

planets. As rare as painite, planets able to

negatively impact Proxima b. Rory Barnes, an

field like Earth’s to help protect against its

sustain life are few and far in between. The

astrobiologist at the University of

star’s radiation. Astronomers also want to

most important requirement, liquid water,

Washington, suggests that a blanket of

learn about the planet’s history, in hopes

demands that planets reside in their solar

hydrogen could combat this problem, only

that it might help them learn more about

system’s “Goldilocks Zone,” a term used to

dissipating once the star has finished

Proxima b’s capability to contain water and

define the optimal distance from a planet to

growing. Another thing that could cause

in turn, life [2].

its star for life to exist. The general opinion

troubles is the tides that Proxima Centauri

was that a planet like this would take

could hypothetically produce on its planet,

Astronomers also hope for a transit, when

decades to find, especially one within a

locking one side of the planet into light and

the planet casts a shadow as it passes

reasonable distance to Earth.

the other into permanent darkness. Even

across the face of its star. Although the

worse, if Proxima b’s orbit was ever

shadow would be small, it would be

At least until August 24, 2016, when

stretched out, “tidal heating” could boil off

measureable, and scientists would be able

astronomers discovered a planet orbiting the

any water and erase any chances of life

to use it to calculate Proxima b’s size, mass,

red dwarf star Proxima Centauri, only 4.22

existing [1].

and maybe even density and composition.

light years away [1]. The planet, dubbed

Even if the planet doesn’t transit, ground-

“Proxima b”, resides in its star’s Goldilocks

An interesting question posed is why it took

based telescopes would still be able to

zone, and has the potential to contain liquid

so long to find this planet, if Proxima

gather a wealth of information about red

water. Many people think this planet could

Centauri is the closest star to our solar

dwarf stars [1].

be the one we’ve been looking for.

system. The answer is in the star itself. As a low-mass red dwarf, or M-class dwarf,

In the meantime, programs like Mission

Proxima b bears many similarities to Earth. It

Proxima Centauri is hidden by the light

Centaur plan to use imaging and other

has been estimated to be a little more than

coming from Alpha Centauri AB.

techniques to look for even more planets

one third heavier than Earth, and could have

Observations on Proxima Centauri have

around Proxima Centauri and the

a solid surface to contain much-needed

noted that the star tends to act like a planet,

surrounding stars [2]. Astronomers are now

water. However, it has a significantly longer

and so astronomers have been on the

debating on whether to pool all their

orbit at 11.2 Earth days, and orbits Proxima

lookout for a wobble that would be caused

resources into a giant observatory or send

Centauri at a mere 5% of the distance

by a planetary body pulling on the star.

out smaller, cheaper telescopes, and are

between the Earth and the Sun. Fortunately,

Finally, after using data collected from

asking to send out robotic probes or

Proxima Centauri has a much weaker

2000, they found definite signs of a planet

radio/laser-based messages in hopes of

intensity than our star, making Proxima b still

orbiting around Proxima Centauri, leading to

contacting other forms of life [1]. Proxima b’s

a possibility. This proximity means it

the discovery that has generated so much

discovery has garnered more excitement

experiences more radiation than Earth,

excitement [2].

than ever, and I can’t wait to see what we

which would likely affect anything living

find next.

there [2]. It is also unknown if Proxima b has

Scientists plan on continuing to research

an atmosphere, so making plans to move

Proxima b, trying to find out all they can

might not be a wise decision at this point.

about this planet and whether or not it is

FALL 2016

08

A LETTER TO THE STRESSED HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT

BY VARSHA BODEPUDI AND ANGELA CHEN

Dear high school student,

this, the most immediate effect of chronic stress, and perhaps the most important one, is the impact on mental health. Before we get

I’m sorry you have that math test tomorrow. I’m sorry you have to take

there, however, here’s a mini-lesson on the human brain.

those 30 pages of APEC notes. I’m sorry you have to juggle all that’s expected of you during one of the most difficult times of your life. I’m

As you probably already know, the brain is an organ that, as part of

especially sorry you have to deal with copious amounts of stress on a

the central nervous system, controls your body. Our brain is made of

daily basis.

two components- gray matter and white matter. Gray matter is consists of neurons and glia, which work together to store and process

Stress. Now that’s a word we hear quite often, whether it’s coming

information [4]. Meanwhile, white matter is a network of fibers that

from the mouth of a fellow student or the larynx of an older family

connect neurons together [4]. Think about it like this: in the urban

member. But what exactly is stress? Evolutionarily speaking, stress is a

jungle that is your brain, all the apartments and businesses and public

response that evolved to save you from danger through the “fight or

areas are the gray matter, while all the roads and intersections are the

flight response.” While that response is still useful in moments of

white matter. Now imagine a giant, rabid, screeching monkey swinging

danger, the average high schooler doesn’t face such life-threatening

in on invisible vines, kicking everything in sight and messing up the

events on a daily basis. But between juggling school, extracurriculars,

entire city.

and relationships while trying to figure out life in general, we have quite a lot on our plate. According to the American Psychological

This beloved monkey, my friend, is stress.

Association, “Teens report that their stress level during the school year far exceeds what they believe to be healthy (5.8 versus 3.9 on a 10-

When this stress monkey is allowed to rampage through the city for too

point scale) and tops adults’ average reported stress levels (5.8 for

long, it can ruin the entire place. Mind you, this isn’t the typical giant,

teens versus 5.1 for adults)” [1]. It might sound cliche, but the best thing

rabid, screeching monkey you’re probably imagining right now- it’s a

to do for both your mental and physical health is to not stress. Easier

systematic, giant, rabid, screeching monkey. Instead of obliterating

said than done, right? But the road to recovery has to start

important buildings and smashing crucial roads like the mindless

somewhere. Chronic stress has virtually no positive effects, and

Godzilla would do, this stress monkey obliterates parts of important

reducing the amount of stress you have to deal with is the best thing

buildings and turns the road system completely upside-down.

to do. Stress can take a toll on a both an individual's physical health and mental health, so for the sake of your well-being, don’t stress too

Now, this is a bit of a tangent, but still an important detail. There are

much, and make sure you have ways of coping when it is inevitable.

three buildings we’ll be focusing on today. First off, there is the building called the hippocampus, the part of the brain that helps with

Stress can do as much damage to the body and mind as any other

memory and plays a role in various emotional disorders. Another

disease can. Now, I’m sure many people have already heard of some

building, the amygdala, is the hub for the production of emotions,

of the negative effects of stress. It can weaken your immune system,

motivation, and the fight-or-flight response. Meanwhile, the prefrontal

wreak havoc on memory, and significantly alter your behavior, just to

cortex acts as the headquarters by taking in all the information,

name a few. High levels of cortisol, the major stress hormone, can also

thinking logically, and moderating responses.

lead to an increased vulnerability towards various diseases, including diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease [2]. High levels of cortisol

Anyways, back to the monkey. One thing that this stress monkey can

can also kill brain cells in the hippocampus, a region of your brain that

do is destroy several roads connecting the hippocampus and the

is crucial for long-term memory [3]. Frankly, those APUSH notes won’t

prefrontal cortex while adding roads connecting the hippocampus and

do much if you’re too sick to actually learn from them.

the amygdala. In this case, the impact on the urban jungle is enormous: it can cause post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD.

As relatively healthy and young individuals, we often overlook the

Daniela Kaufer, UC Berkeley associate professor of integrative biology,

effects of stress on our long-term well-being. But in order to live a

explains, “..if your connections are not so good to the prefrontal

healthy life, you should always prioritize your well-being, even if it

cortex, your ability to shut down responses is impaired. So, when you

means not doing as well as you would like to in school. In addition to

are in a stressful situation, the inhibitory pathways from the prefrontal

09

THE BEAKER

cortex telling you not to get stressed don’t work as well as the amygdala shouting to the hippocampus, ‘This is terrible!’ You have a much bigger response than you should” [4]. And according to research, this stress monkey can cause even more damage than just PTSD—people suffering from chronic stress are more likely to develop anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and other neuroses [5]. Chronic

"Now imagine a giant, rabid, screeching monkey swinging

stress, therefore, plays a large role in mental health.

Stress is not only bad for health, but incredibly counterproductive and inefficient as well. According to Psychology Today, “...high stress levels leading to cortisol, or for some reason excreting too much cortisol

in on invisible vines, kicking everything in sight and messing up the entire city.

leading to feeling stress, it impedes perhaps not the capacity to learn, but even the choice to do so” [6]. If you’re too stressed, your brain will just just refuse to learn. As in, you’re just wasting your energy and not gaining anything in return. It’s like trying to compete in a race when your race car is missing two tires and the steering wheel; it’s almost physically impossible to move forward. There’s no point in stressing out when all it does is hurt you.

In addition, stress often takes the joy out of life. When you’re too stressed out, it might feel as though the life you’re living in meaningless. Stress can turn you into a robot of your former self. Life isn’t entirely about getting that A in an AP class, being the perfect candidate for your dream job, or getting into a top-tier college. Life is about doing what makes you happy. And while hard work is necessary for reaching your goals, you might end up overworking yourself and sacrificing your well-being in the process. Is it the end result really going to be worth it? I know many of you are thinking it’s not realistic to not be stressed. That in order achieve what you want you have to work as hard as physically and mentally possible. But if you ruin your health in the process, a perfect SAT score, a high GPA, or an A in an AP-whatever means nothing.

While you shouldn’t stress yourself to the extreme, life is crazy, and sometimes stress is inevitable. Therefore, it is important to have ways to cope with stress to minimize the damage it can have. One way to deal with stress is to simply take some time to focus on yourself. Use this time to cleanse your soul, relax, and take a mental time-out. And don’t think that wanting to relax makes you a lazy person. It’s quite the opposite, actually. According to Scientific American, “downtime is in fact essential to mental processes that affirm our identities, develop our understanding of human behavior and instill an internal code of ethics...Downtime is an opportunity for the brain to make sense of what it has recently learned, to surface fundamental unresolved tensions in our lives and to swivel its powers of reflection away from the external world toward itself” [7]. In other words, relaxation is essential to a healthy and happy mental state. Do things that you

This beloved monkey, my friend, is stress."

enjoy, and actually live your life.

Stress is a state of mind we let ourselves get too wrapped up in. The effects of stress can be extremely detrimental and will hurt us in both the sprint and the marathon of life. If we take steps to protect our mental and physical health, we can all live happier and healthier lives.

Sincerely, Varsha and Angela

FALL 2016

10

Antibacterial Soaps: Off the Shelves?

BY ARUSHI DOGRA

As of Friday, September 2nd, 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug

The ban will affect around 40% of all soap products. [4] The FDA’s

Administration (FDA) issued a ban on antibacterial soaps, stating that

statement on the data that was submitted by the companies is as

“over-the-counter (OTC) consumer antiseptic wash products

follows: "For these ingredients, either no additional data were

containing certain active ingredients can no longer be marketed.” [1]

submitted or the data and information that were submitted were not sufficient for the agency to find that these ingredients are Generally

“Consumers may think antibacterial washes are more effective at

Recognized as Safe and Effective." [3] Companies will have one year

preventing the spread of germs, but we have no scientific evidence

to either reformulate or remove their product from circulation. [3]

that they are any better than plain soap and water,” said Janet Woodcock, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and

Other than not having much of a benefit, the soaps may even be

Research (CDER). “In fact, some data suggests that antibacterial

harmful to humans. The most common of these banned chemicals is

ingredients may do more harm than good over the long-term.” [1]

Triclosan, mostly used in liquid soaps, and Triclocarban, in bar soaps.

[4] According to Mae Wu, an attorney at the Natural Resources

DETAILS OF THE BAN

Defense Council, these have been found to possibly disrupt hormonal cycles and weaken muscles. [3]

The FDA first issued a proposed rule in 2013, requiring manufacturers to prove the effectiveness of antibacterial soap, when compared to

Although many companies had started discontinuing the use of these

regular soap and water. [2] A week before the ban was announced,

chemicals, not all of them had. For example, Dial's "All Day Freshness"

soap manufacturers had failed to prove that 19 chemicals that were

antibacterial soap has Triclocarban listed as one of its active

used in majority of these soaps did more good than harm. [3]

ingredients on its website. [3] Other companies have tried replacing

11

THE BEAKER

Triclosan with Benzalkonium Chloride, Benzethonium Chloride, or

agency to regulate antimicrobial chemicals, warning that they risk

Chloroxylenol (PCMX). The FDA has given them until February, 2017 to

scrambling hormones in children and promoting drug-resistant

prove the safety of these new chemicals. [3]

infections, and now applaud the ban. [4] Rolf Halden, a scientist at the Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University that has been

MIXED REACTIONS

tracking the issue for years, says “It has boggled my mind why we were clinging to these compounds, and now that they are gone I feel

This ban was faced with a variety of different reactions.

liberated. They had absolutely no benefit but we kept them buzzing around us everywhere. They are in breast milk, in urine, in blood, in

On one hand, supporters of the soap industry disagree with the FDA.

babies just born, in dust, in water.” [4] Also, research director of

Brian Sansoni, spokesperson for the American Cleaning Institute,

Healthy Babies Bright Futures, Jane Houlihan, called the ban "terrific"

stated in an email that, "Washing the hands with an antiseptic soap

and "a long time coming." [3]

can help reduce the risk of infection beyond that provided by washing with non-antibacterial soap and water." [3] They strongly oppose the

This ban does not apply to cleansers used in healthcare or food

new rule, saying that the agency “has in its hands data that shows the

service and it doesn’t affect hand sanitizers and wipes that are used

safety and effectiveness of antibacterial soaps.” [4] They also follow

without water and are made up of more than 50% alcohol. [3] There

by declaring that they will continue to work on their proof in order “to

are also many regular liquid and bar soaps available that do not

fill data gaps identified by the F.D.A.” [4]

contain harmful chemicals and may be used as a safer alternative.

Overall, it is not the end of the world and people still have clean

Others welcome the new rule with arms wide open. Ken Cook, co-

hands. For years, antibacterial soap companies have been trying to

founder and president of the Environmental Working Group, stated

impose their products on consumers through intimidating

that, "This decision by the FDA is a huge victory on behalf of human

advertisements and promises to eliminate all germs. Turns out, they

health and the environment." [3] Health experts have pushed the

forgot to check if their own products should be eliminated first.

FALL 2016

12

ALIENS Have we finally communicated with a new species? Or is our new hope a hoax?

BY AYESHA ASLAM-MIR

The SETI Institute received the good news of a strong signal to

They wouldn’t even be able to detect our existence in the first place,

one of its satellites. Could this mean there really is intelligent life out

let alone collect enough energy (billions of watts) in order to send a

there, or could the signal have come from elsewhere?

strong signal our way. Seth Shostak, a senior astronomer at the SETI Institute, says “it's hard to understand why anyone would want to

The SETI Institute, which works in the Search for Extraterrestrial

target our solar system with a strong signal… this star system is so far

Intelligence, received a strange signal on May 15, 2015. An

away they won't have yet picked up on any TV or radar that would tell

international team noticed an extreme spike in signals they had been

them that we're here.” [5]

receiving from a probe which they had sent out. The source? A star similar to our own sun, categorized as an HD164595, which happens to

Moving on, we have to realize that the signal can’t be directly tracked

be ninety-four light years away from our own system. The theory? The

to aliens. It could have come from other sources of radiation, or

signal was interpreted as a sign from an extraterrestrial source, which

perhaps even our own species. How, you may ask? First, one must

may have been trying to communicate with humankind on earth.

understand the actual signal received was only present in one of

Although there indeed may be life out there besides us in our vast

perhaps thirty-nine observations. Dennis Overbye of the New York

universe, is this signal truly from others like us? Or is the signal from a

Times, in his article “A Call From Outer Space, or A Cosmic Wrong

source of our own?

Number?” writes that the team of Russians who were on the project noticed a few problems with the theory that the signal may have come

HD164595 lies in the constellation Hercules; although it exists far from

from aliens [3]. They noted how the signal was only recorded once and

us, somehow a warm, Neptune-like planet has been discovered near it,

how terrestrial sources, such as military probes, could have thrown off

and scientists theorize the existence of others around it. The situation

the signal recording and caused the recordings to spike. Shostak of

which the planet is in is a bit similar to that of our own Earth, and we

the SET Institute speaks of his own experiences covering the signal

just happen to exist due to the state of our planet. However, even

observed by the Russians, as mentioned in Overbye’s article, and

within the same circumstances, we could not have produced such a

continues on to conclude that the signal was no longer present after

signal.

the first spike. In his own article written for the SETI Institute, Shostak writes “the Allen Telescope Array (ATA) was swung in the direction of

Making any sense yet?

HD 164595 beginning on the evening of August 28. According to our scientists Jon Richards and Gerry Harp, it has so far not found any

Well, humankind is a Kardashev Type 1 civilization—we can only harness

signal anywhere in the very large patch of sky covered by the ATA.” [5]

the power of earthquakes, wind, sunlight, and other basic powers. The

This shows that even as that area of the galaxy was monitored, no

strength of the signal that the SETI satellite received, if it did in fact

further signal was received.

come from an alien civilization, would have to have come from a Type 2 civilization, meaning that a highly intelligent species, beyond the

Although there are other galaxies with conditions that make life

capabilities of our own, would have harnessed the energy of its entire

possible, humankind has not found any strong evidence to prove the

star (in our case, our star is the sun). This means billions of watts would

existence of extraterrestrials. The SETI Institute’s news of the presence

have been collected to emit a signal toward our direction.

of extraterrestrials seems to indeed be another false alarm in the many

This is where the speculation and theory of the extraterrestrial begins

recorded throughout history. Evidence points to the falsification of this

to shrivel down. Why in the world would a Type 2 species harness

signal. Perhaps we may find another civilization one day and perhaps

energy to send a signal our way?

they may send a signal out in order to communicate with us, but the SETI signal is not likely to be proof of alien presence.

13

THE BEAKER

DO ALIENS EXIST? A Recent Signal Proves Yes

BY CHAN PARK

From the first cavemen to the modern citizens of nations around

HD164595 is intriguing, because it comes from the vicinity of a sun-like

the world, people have been interested in lives that are not theirs

star, and if it’s artificial, its strength is great enough that it was clearly

—especially ones that are as intellectual as they are. The search

made by a civilization with capabilities beyond those of humankind.”

for such beings has not gone well on planet Earth, so they are naturally

[1] Italian astronomer also described the star HD164595 as “a strong

turning to the unknowns of the universe. The universe is the logical

candidate for SETI.” [1] A civilization that produced such a signal that

place to search, as it is an infinite expansion that humans cannot even

can travel 94 light-years and hit Earth must be much more advanced

dream to finish exploring. However, the search has been in vain, until

than humans because the power needed to transmit a signal that goes

now.

so far is at least a trillion watts, near the total energy consumption of all humankind. Can humans produce this kind of energy with any of

A group called SETI, which stands for Search for Extraterrestrial

their modern devices or generators? No, they cannot, as they are a

Intelligence, is currently investigating a mysterious signals from a star

Kardeshev Type 1 civilization. This means that they can only use only the

94 light-years, or about 552 trillion miles, in the middle of the

energy of their own planet. However, can aliens? If they are a Type II

constellation Hercules. Although many claim that the signal is not

civilization with a much more advanced technology that can harness

enough to show the existence of alien life because it can come from a

the powers of stars, sending signals to planets 94 light-years away is

stray satellite or so, it is enough to show that there are life forms much

possible.

more intelligent than us in the universe, based on the direction it came from.

Many people argue that the signal cannot be from aliens in their fear for the unknown and unrest at the thought of beings more intelligent

Coming from a sun-like star called HD164595, which has a near

than humans. They claim that there was a “technological interference

identical metallic composition with our own star, the signal appears to

or amplification through gravitational lensing, where a signal behind a

a Russian telescope among 39 observations. This may not seem that

planet or other large object appears to be far stronger than it actually

important, but the signal came from the direction of a star like ours.

is.” [1] That doesn’t explain where the signal came from; it still means

The sun provides life for all living things on Earth, and is the most

an unknown sign came from a vague place, even if it is a lot closer.

important necessity for life. Without the sun, life would not have sprung up and advanced. The first known living organisms, cyanobacteria,

The signal combined with the direction it came from—a solar system

used sunlight to produce energy for themselves and thus evolve into

with a star much like our sun—provide significant evidence that

the variety of animals and plants that exist on Earth. The sun is thus

extraterrestrial beings more intelligent than us can and are sending

very important for life.

evidence that they exist. Still seem skeptical about aliens? There is a constantly expanding universe that has barely even been seen, so the

According to astronomer Douglas Vakoch, the president of METI

chances that Earth is the only one with life, is highly unlikely.

International, which searches for life beyond Earth, “The signal from

FALL 2016

14

BEATING THE BLACKBIRD

BY JOSEPHINE SHIA

In 2018, Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works

But how fast exactly is Mach 6? Mach 1 is the

whopping 3800 km/h faster than its

division plans to begin construction on a

speed of sound (343 m/s at sea level), and

predecessor, the SR-71 Blackbird.

scaled-down prototype of what would

each consecutive number is going at that

become the fastest airplane ever built,

number times the speed of sound. That

The SR-71 Blackbird was legendary for its

the SR-72 [1]. Though the prototype will only

makes Mach 6 six times the speed of sound,

insane speed. Developed during the

be the size of an F-22 (about sixty feet,

or about 7409 kilometers per hour (or 4603

beginning of the Cold War, the Blackbird

while the full-size SR-72 is planned to be 100

mph) . To put that into perspective, the SR-

flew multiple reconnaissance trips, spying on

feet), it will sport a single full-size engine,

72 could fly from San Diego to New York in

and taking images of strategic targets such

which should be enough to allow the

only 32 minutes. Such speed would place

as Vietnam [3], Japan, the USSR [4] and

prototype of the SR-72 to fly at speeds up to

the SR-72 not only in the supersonic

Israel [5], without ever being shot down or

Mach 6 for several minutes [2]. While the

category (faster than the speed of sound),

damaged by enemy fire [6]. In fact, the

prototype of the SR-72 is only expected to

but also in the exclusive club of hypersonic

Blackbird was so fast that its response to

be able to fly at Mach 6 for a few minutes,

aircraft (speeds higher than Mach 5). This

enemy fighters and surface-to-air missiles

the actual aircraft with both engines is

makes the prospective SR-72 just 200 km/h

was simply to outfly them. The SR-72 is

designed to be able to sustain Mach 6 for

faster than the fastest manned rocket, the

planned to be able to fly more than twice

the majority of its flight.

X-15 (built for research reasons), and a

the speed of the Blackbird.

15

THE BEAKER

TOP AIRCRAFT SPEEDS Average commercial airline Boeing 747 F-22 Raptor SR-71 Blackbird X-15 SR-72

900 km/h 988 km/h 2410 km/h 3541 km/h 7274 km/h 7409 km/h*

Approximately Commercial airline/cargo jet Considered top U.S. fighter jet Fastest manned airplane Fastest manned rocket Faster than a rocket!

*The speed for the SR-72 is calculated at sea level pressure (Mach speeds change with pressure) and differing altitudes may also affect the actual performance.

How does the SR-72 intend to surpass the

of a turbine to compress air. With almost no

legendary Blackbird? The secret lies in its

moving parts, the simplistic ramjet can

engines. The simplest sort of jet engine is the

operate from speeds of Mach 3 to Mach 6.

turbojet, which consists of multiple rotating

However, since a ramjet needs large

fans (a turbine) that compresses and the

amounts forward speed to compress air,

heat in air while mixing it with fuel. The

ramjets cannot propel an aircraft from a

resulting mixture is then ignited, which

standstill- they need to already be going at

produces forward thrust. Most airplanes,

about Mach 3 in order to function. To bridge

from commercial airlines to fighter jets, use

this gap of 0 to Mach 3, the SR-72 is

turbofans, which are turbojets with a large

designed to use both a turbojet and a

fan attached to the front that acts both as a

ramjet. The turbojet will take care of

compressor and a propeller, resulting in

accelerating the SR-72 up to Mach 3, where

higher efficiency in subsonic speeds (under

the aircraft will be moving fast enough for

Mach 1). The Blackbird used a specially

the ramjet to take over and accelerate the

modified turbojet, the J58, in order to reach

SR-72 up to the ultra-fast Mach 6.

its cruise speed of Mach 3.2. The J58 engine

Additionally, the SR-72’s ramjet will be

acts like a normal turbojet at lower speeds,

modified to allow it to compress air at

but when the Blackbird breaks Mach 2.2, six bypass tubes pass the air being taken in by the engine directly from the turbine to the afterburners [7]. In the afterburners, fuel is injected into the post-combusted air flow, which re-combusts and uses up any remaining oxygen. This produces a large amount of thrust, though with significantly less efficiency. At this stage, the engine is already moving so fast that air is compressed when it is funneled into the

Mach (n.)

supersonic speeds, making it a supersonic

a number indicating the ratio of the speed of an object to the speed of sound in the medium through which the object is moving.

Both the SR-72’s turbojet and scramjet

combusting ramjet, or scramjet for short.

would be packed together with a shared intake and nozzle (tail end of the engine).

The SR-72 is intended to use its extreme speed for spying and reconnaissance missions similar to that of the SR-71 Blackbird. The SR-72 would perform highspeed flybys while high-tech digital sensors

turbojet’s intake. This direct turbine-to-

would pick up information. Additionally, the

afterburner airflow supercharges the J58’s

advantage of both speed and altitude would

afterburners, resulting in greater efficiency

allow the SR-72 to better avoid threats in

and higher speeds [8]. By using the engine’s

airspace [2]. The final SR-72 is planned to

forward motion to compress air, the

be a UAV, or unmanned aerial vehicle, used

Blackbird’s engine acts similar to a different

for intelligence, surveillance and

sort of jet engine: a ramjet.

reconnaissance missions similar to those of the U-2 Dragon Lady, Global Hawk and

And it is this sort of engine that the SR-72

Predator. The SR-72’s prototype is planned

will rely on to accelerate it to double the

to be finished in 2023, with the full-size SR-

speed of the SR-71. A ramjet, or a “flying

72 possibly entering service in 2030 [2]. But

stovepipe” as it has been called, is a jet

until then, we have a new fastest airplane to

engine that uses its forward speed instead

look forward to.

theBEAKER

16

BY JESSICA LIU

HOW THE DEAD SEA IS SLOWLY DETERIORATING

Everyone remembers the iconic Dead Sea for its regal desert

survived, no chances should be taken. Workers and tourists alike must

cliffs, picturesque blue skies, and its vast, salt-saturated waters.

be evacuated from the area of sinkhole damage. Because of potential

For over three million years, this enormous salt lake has stood its

deaths, insurance companies do not allow workers to remove

ground and existed as the lowest point on the planet. With a salinity of

equipment from the site which remain today, wasting a ton of money.

33.7%, the Dead Sea is incapable of supporting life other than tiny microbes. The Dead Sea also has a large historical significance, and

Also, sinkholes forming around the Dead Sea have greatly damaged

has made its way into the histories of numerous cultures. For example,

and disrupted agriculture in neighboring areas. Orchards of date trees

notable figures such as Aristotle wrote about the Dead Sea, while

remain abandoned and left to die without water under the scorching

Ancient Egyptians used its mud in the mummification process.

heat of the middle-eastern sun. With each sinkhole, farmers are at risk

Cleopatra herself enjoyed staying at the Dead Sea so much that she

of losing their jobs and money, as they can no longer work in their

ordered resorts to be built upon its shores. However, this scenic

sinkhole-ridden farms and orchards.

location could soon be gone by the year 2050. The Dead Sea’s water levels fall at “a rate of more than one meter per year“ [1], and

The Dead Sea’s death would also destroy the natural habitats of the

scientists say that humans are to blame.

surrounding area. Not far from the near-dead salt lake, several oases bloom with life. Fish swim peacefully in springs, and numerous species

Every year, tens of thousands of tourists flock to the Dead Sea to float

of animals reside nearby. Without the Dead Sea, these life-filled oases

in the salt-filled water, splash in freshwater pools, and roll in the

would surely shrivel up and perish.

mineral-rich mud. Others are attracted by the biblical significance of the Dead Sea and visit for religious reasons. Almost all of these

How can we prevent the Dead Sea’s Death?

tourists stay in neighboring cities, raising the need for housing. The population of the nearby cities has grown immensely, nearly

Although the Dead Sea is dying, there is still much that can be done to

quadrupling over the last fifty or so years. The necessity of water to

prevent it. For starters, neighboring communities could depend on

accommodate this large amount of people has forced the government

other sources for water, instead of simply siphoning off of the River

to divert it from the Dead Sea. The Jordan River, once the main water

Jordan. Additionally, governments of nearby cities could also

supply for the lake, is now used as the water source for the

encourage people to save water, instead of wasting it needlessly.

surrounding areas. In fact, the reason for the lowering water levels of

But how about healing the lake itself? Recently, “the World Bank

the Dead Sea “has been attributed to the increased consumption of

presented a bold plan to replenish the Dead Sea with water from the

water within the Jordan River and irrigation drainage basin” [2].

Red Sea, south of Israel” [4]. Through a set of pipes, water could be

Additionally, governments from around the area use water from the

pumped from the Red to the Dead sea. Although this does present

salt lake to extract minerals including potash and magnesium. Where

multiple risks, such as potential algae growth and pipe leakage, many

once hundreds of billions of gallons of water flowed in, now a

believe the plan is worth a try and support it. Through the years, the

relatively small amount of merely 26 billion gallons makes its way into

plan has disappeared and resurfaced many times, and has lost and

the Dead Sea.

gained many supporters. While some support the plan, others disagree, and believe that the Dead Sea should be revived through the

The lower water levels of the Dead Sea is not an issue that can be

rehabilitation of the Jordan River through desalination in order to

ignored. Because of the reduced water levels, sinkholes have begun to

supply water for a larger amount of people. However, this also poses

open up at an alarming rate of one every day. However, the amount of

many problems, as cooperation “is about as scarce as water in this

sinkholes can fluctuate, as the past year, “about 700 sinkholes formed”

part of the world”[4].

[3]. Although no one has died because of the opening of these sinkholes they still remain a danger for visitors and residents of the

Although the Dead Sea is disappearing, there are still many ways in

area. For example, sinkholes have already swallowed up caravans,

which the it can be revived and saved from death.

power lines, roads, and even some people. Though the victims have

17

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The Dead Sea is a salt lake bordering Israel and Jordan.

It's cute!

It's fluffy!

It's... terrifying?

BY DIVYA SOOD

Mary was just a normal lady walking to

presentation. An anxiety disorder is a mental

Starbucks on a normal day. Halfway there,

health condition in which the patient worries

though, she came face to face with her

excessively, to the point where carrying out

worst fear: a fluffy, grisly, adorable,

normal activities is difficult or impossible.

menacing, puppy. It wagged its tail. Mary

Basically, to a person with an anxiety

screamed and ran back home. You’re

disorder, pre-presentation fears would be

probably wondering what the big deal is. I

far more severe and could start months

mean, it’s just a puppy. Well, it wasn’t just a

before the actual event.

puppy to Mary, who had cynophobia. What’s that, you ask? Excellent question.

A phobia, also called a specific phobia, is a type of anxiety disorder in which a patient

To understand Mary’s fear, we first must start

has a lasting irrational fear of an object or

at the beginning. Anxiety disorders,

situation that is not actually dangerous.

characterized by excessive or overpowering

Examples include arachnophobia and

worry that interferes with daily living, affect

acrophobia. Perhaps some of you have

affected than men, but there isn’t too much

over 3 million people in the United States.

glossophobia, or fear of public speaking.

of a difference. Thirteen to fourteen year

Specific phobias, one of the more common

Mary definately has cynophobia, or the fear

olds seem to be the most affected group,

types of anxiety disorders, are caused by

of dogs. Mary’s phobia explains why she

but again, only slightly more than others.

both genetics and chemical imbalances.

reacted so poorly to seeing a puppy. But are

Various scientific reports have affirmed that

these phobias common? You don’t really see

Now that we know the basics, let’s look at

a combination of drugs, exposure therapy,

too many people scream and run from a

what a phobia is. People with phobias often

and soon to be virtual reality can effectively

puppy. Let’s take a look at the statistics.

experience panic attacks, which share many

treat specific phobias. With these innovative

of the symptoms attributed to other anxiety

methods, patients can live without the

According to the National Institute for

disorders. A person experiencing a panic

worries brought on by their condition.

Mental Health, 9% of people, children and

attack may feel as if she is dying, even when

adults, have some sort of phobia. The graph

she is perfectly safe.

So now we know that Mary has a type of

on the left shows the prevalence in children

anxiety disorder. But what is an anxiety

ages 13-18 [1]. As you can see, while many

We know what phobias are, but we don’t

disorder? I’m sure all of you have

have lifelong phobias (15%), only 0.6%

know why they occur. It is estimated that

experienced anxiety many times in your life,

actually have a “severe” phobia that greatly

between 25 and 65% are genetic, but the

like when you’re about to give a

impacts their lives. Women are slightly more

specific genes involved are unknown. What

19

THE BEAKER

Before Exposure Therapy

After Exposure Therapy

Question

Answer

Question

Answer

Goal

Pet my friend’s

Did what you were

No

dog for 30 min

most worried about occur?

What are you most

He will bite me.

worried will happen?

How do you know?

He never bit me and seemed to

On a scale of 1-

85%

enjoy my company

100, how likely

(licked my hand,

does this seem?

stayed in my lap)

What did you

Some dogs do not

learn?

bite when they are petted.

we do know, though, is that phobias can be

production in the adrenal gland. Cortisol is a

activity of a social anxiety patient’s brain as

caused by a traumatic experience. Our

hormone that stimulates the sympathetic

they are shown images of angry and sad

example, Mary, had an unfortunate

nervous system, or the part of the nervous

faces.

encounter with her neighbor’s dog when she

system that controls fight-or-flight response.

was 6. After the experience, Mary can’t be

Now you’re ready to run from those zombies.

Now, think back to Mary. Instead of a brain

around dogs because she is afraid they will

As you’re fleeing, glucocorticoid receptors in

scan, the doctor concludes that exposure

attack her.

the hippocampus monitor cortisol levels.

therapy is the best course of action.

When you reach safety, cortisol production is

Exposure therapy is just like what it sounds: a

Mary’s fear of all dogs is clearly not rational.

halted and your brain no longer senses

phobic patient is gradually introduced to the

The little puppy on the sidewalk would never

danger.

object of their phobia. The first few sessions

have bitten Mary, but she still felt like the

are meant to ease the patient into therapy,

puppy was dangerous. These parts of the

In someone like Mary, however, the same

like watching videos of a dog play. The

brain are all involved in fear response: the

powerful response triggered by zombie

patient is gradually eased into facing their

amygdala, the hypothalamus, the pituitary

apocalypses is also triggered by dogs. Her

fear as time goes on. This type of therapy is

gland, the adrenal gland, the hippocampus,

brain sees the same mortal peril in an

highly effective, just take a look at the tables

the thalamus, and two hormones

undead cannibal as it does in a Golden

below; the left table shows patient

abbreviated CRH and ACTH. In case you

Retriever. Phobic people can also have

responses before exposure and the right

didn’t catch all of that, here’s a look at some

excessive cortisol production, lack of

table shows responses after.

zombies. Yes, zombies.

glucocorticoid receptors, and even a lack of

The zombie apocalypse has arrived! What

serotonin, a hormone associated with

Exposure therapy is pretty incredible, but like

happiness.

all fields of science, technology allows for

does your brain do? Your eyes send images

new innovative advances. Patients all over

of the oncoming undead mob to your brain,

Traditionally, doctors have always prescribed

the world can use software [3] to guide

where the thalamus alerts the amygdala, the

treatments for phobias at random, whether

them through their treatment, which is

center in the brain for processing fear. The

medication or therapy. Now, with better

especially useful if the object of the phobia

amygdala activates the hypothalamus, part

technology, a patient can receive an MRI to

is not immediately available in a person’s

of the HPA axis. The hypothalamus releases

predict how effective treatment options are.

environment (water in a desert). That way,

a hormone, CRS, to the anterior lobe of the

Questionnaires and evaluations are about to

when people like Mary all over the world

pituitary gland, which in turn secretes ACTH.

be exchanged for brain scans, which are far

leave their homes, they can stop, smile, and

This chain of events leads to cortisol

more accurate. The brain scan shows the

pet that puppy.

FALL 2016

20

the energy

debate

WHAT DOES ENERGY MEAN TO US? People often see energy as simply a means of having electricity, water, and gas, but most of us rarely ever think about where the energy actually comes from or how it is obtained. If we take a closer look at common sources of energy such as nuclear power, coal, oil, and natural gas, we can see disturbing harms to miners’ health and the environment, but these sources of energy can also be seen as economically beneficial. They are the “cheap and easy” forms of energy that don’t require much action on our part, or even on the

BY ARUNA SUDARSHAN

government’s part. If all these things are true what is the reality of modern forms of energy?

THE POLITICAL POINT OF VIEW The U.S. Energy Information Agency states, “Employment in oil and natural gas production reached a high of 538,000 jobs in October 2014...Not all production jobs are directly related to drilling—the majority of the jobs are actually for extraction or support activities, which include the operations of drilled wells, exploration, excavation, well surveying, casing work, and well construction. This also includes the maintenance of already producing wells.” [1] Many of the words in these facts and statistics sound rather appealing to us, including the very large amount of jobs that are created because of oil and natural gas. Economic crises are a major concern for most people in a time when only 62.7% of American people are working and nearly 2.1 million Americans face long-term unemployment [2]. The many jobs created by oil and natural gas would help many people from various economic backgrounds improve their economic status, and mitigate the job crisis in America. Another common argument proponents of fossil fuels make is that alternative energy is not truly reliable and is far too difficult to transition to.The only way to avoid a large energy crisis would be to continue using easily available choices like oil and natural gas. Steven Cohen, executive director of Columbia University Earth Institute quotes a statistic from The United States Energy Information Agency, who estimates that 11 percent of the world’s total energy comes from renewable sources, a number they project will grow modestly to 15 percent by 2040. He admits that the only way to transition to alternative energy is for humans to overcome “institutional, financial, and even psychological barriers.” [3] The statistic depicts a 4% increase in alternative energy use in nearly 23 years, which reflects a very small scope for alternative energy evolving into a truly reliable source. Reliance on human ability to overcome “financial and even psychological barriers”, does not provide any sense of security that if we were to attempt to restrict energy usage to alternative energy, people would actually comply with such restrictions.

21

THE BEAKER

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF ENERGY Let’s start with the most commonly known and also most controversial impact of fossil fuels and nuclear power.

Nuclear power emits 73 million tons of CO2 while lignite emits 2654 tons, coal emits 2236, and oil emits 1846. CO2 is harmful to the environment and contributes to the growing problem of global warming. CO2 is a greenhouse gas, usually associated with the burning of fossil fuels, which is gradually causing the temperature of the Earth to increase. Ice is melting and the sea level is rapidly rising, which will affect a

WHAT SHOULD I DO NOW? The real question to ask yourself is, how important are the jobs and money created by fossil fuels? The decision to make in regards to energy purely comes down to whether you see temporary economic benefit, or permanent environmental impact as more important. It comes down to whether you are willing to take an extra step towards alternative energy, if necessary, because you want to preserve water, preserve the environment, and preserve the health of the people.

large portion of plants and wildlife. If it continues, worse effects such as spread of diseases like malaria, defects in plant growth, and increased floods, droughts, and other water storms will also occur [4]. From this explanation of the impacts of CO2 on the environment and the enormous quantities of CO2 released to the environment through fossil fuels, it is evident that the impacts of using fossil fuels is dire.

Many states have already been going through droughts for years, so the impact of large quantities of CO2 would further instigate an ongoing water crisis. Additionally, according to the IPPNW, the rock left over from mining uranium is radioactive and highly toxic. It can contaminate groundwater beyond drinking water standards, therefore stripping away the right to use that water [5]. The process of mining also uses a large quantity of water. Based on the research of the CRIIRAD French laboratory, in Niger, the mines had used 270 billion liters of water over 40 years of operation, all of which was dumped back into rivers and lakes. This is an unjust abuse of water resources for little economic benefit, and we have a moral obligation to preserve the environment.

Besides environmental impacts, the health of miners is put at risk when they are exposed to harmful substances and radiation in their job. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention found strong evidence for an increased risk for lung cancer in white uranium miners. They expected about 64 deaths, but found 371 [6].There was an exposure-response relationship with exposure to radon daughters in the mines.

When radon daughters are breathed in, they decay radioactively in the lung and can ultimately cause lung cancer. Miners also run the risk of respiratory damage through the high levels of dust and other chemical particulates present in deep coal mining facilities. Some of the disorders caused by these particulates include COPD, coal worker's pneumoconiosis (CWP, also known as black lung), and progressive massive fibrosis (PMF). The dust from the minerals miners are exposed to while mining, can be deposited deep in the lungs, in the alveoli and the lungs can become inflamed as the immune cells attempt to fight the particles in the lungs [7]. As shown by the profound impact of the particulates in coal mining in addition to radiation, the health risks of fossil fuels are not to be taken lightly. Just by working in the mines, miners can face lifelong health problems and even death due to these harmful conditions.

FALL 2016

22

CITATIONS Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria

[1] Yttri, PhD By Jennifer. “Bacteria: The Good, The Bad, the Ugly.” Stop Cancer Fund. N.p., 2016. Web. 27 Sept. 2016.

[2] “Antibiotic Resistance - What Is It and Why Is It a Problem?” NPS MedicineWise. N.p., 2014.

Web. 27 Sept. 2016.

Over the Edge and Back

[1] "Death | Definition of Death by Medical Dictionary." The Free Dictionary. Farlex, n.d. Web. 27 Sept. 2016.

[2] Palermo, Elizabeth. "What Happens When You Die?" LiveScience. N.p., 29 Jan. 2014. Web. 26 Sept. 2016.

[3] Choi, Charles Q. "Near-Death Experiences Explained by Science." Live Science. N.p., 12

The Tallest Mammals in the World

[1] By GCF September 8, 2016 22 Comments. “Genetic Analysis Uncovers Four Species of Giraffe, Not Just One - GiraffeConservation.org.”GiraffeConservationorg, 8 Sept. 2016.

[2] “Africa May Have New Giraffe Species-And This Could Help Protect Them.” National Geographic, National Geographic Society.

Sept. 2011. Web. 26 Sept. 2016.

[4] Lichfield, Gideon. "The Science of Near-Death Experiences." The Atlantic. Atlantic Media Company, Apr. 2015. Web. 27 Sept. 2016.

[5] Henig, Robin Marantz. "What It's Like to Escape From the Brink of Death."What It's Like to Escape From the Brink of Death. N.p., 11 Aug. 2016. Web. 27 Sept. 2016.

[3] Janke, Axel. “Multi-Locus Analyses Reveal Four Giraffe Species Instead of One.” Current Beating the Blackbird: The New Fastest Airplane

Biology.

[4] “Giraffes Aren’t Just Giraffes. Turns out There Are Four Species.”Washington Post, The

[1] Chow, Denise. "Supersonic! The 11 Fastest Military Airplanes." Supersonic! The 11 Fastest Military Airplanes. Live Science, 22 Mar. 2016. Web. 26 Sept. 2016.

Washington Post.

[2] Norris, Guy. "Skunk Works Reveals SR-71 Successor Plan." Skunk Works Reveals SR-72, SR-71 Successor. Aviation Week Network, 4 Nov. 2013. Web. 24 Sept. 2016.

A New Possibility

[1] Billings, Lee. "The Earth Next Door." Scientific American. N.p., 2016. Web. 26 Sept. 2016.

[2] Strickland, Ashley. "Closest Rocky Planet to Our Solar System Found." CNN. Cable News Network, 24 Aug. 2016. Web. 27 Sept. 2016.

[3] Whittle, Richard. "Bye Bye U-2: CIA Legend Allen Predicts End Of Manned Reconnaissance." Bye Bye U-2: CIA Legend Allen Predicts End Of Manned Reconnaissance.

Breaking Defense, 22 Sept. 2015. Web. 24 Sept. 2016.

[4] "Blackbird Diaries." Air & Space Magazine. Air & Space Smithsonian, Dec. 2014. Web. 27

How the Dead Sea Is Slowly Deteriorating

[1] Nicoll, Tyler. "Disappearing Dead Sea." Great Ecology. N.p., 2013. Web. 26 Sept. 2016.

[2] Griffiths, Sarah. "Slow Death of the Dead Sea: Levels of Salt Water Are Dropping by One Metre Every Year." Mail Online. Associated Newspapers, 2015. Web. 27 Sept. 2016.

[3] Connolly, Kevin. "Dead Sea Drying: A New Low-point for Earth." BBC News. N.p., n.d. Web.

Sept. 2016.

[5] Cenciotti, David. "Declassified Top Secret: SR-71 Blackbird Mission Over the Middle East."

The Aviationist Declassified Top Secret: SR-71 Blackbird Mission Over the Middle East. The Aviationist, 1 Sept. 2013. Web. 24 Sept. 2016.

[6] Leone, Dario. "SR-71 Blackbird Was so Fast It Outran Every Missile, Mig Fighter Jet Encountered over Enemy Territory." The Aviationist. The Aviationist, 09 Dec. 2013. Web. 25

26 Sept. 2016.

[4] Prince-Gibson, Eetta. "Are We Killing the Dead Sea?" Slate Magazine. N.p., 2013. Web. 26

Sept. 2016.

[7] "SR-71 and SR-72 Engine Cycle Comparison." SR-71 and SR-72 Engine Cycle Comparison.

Sept. 2016.

Aviation Week Network, n.d. Web. 25 Sept. 2016.

Antibacterial Soap: Off the Shelves?

[1] "FDA Issues Final Rule on Safety and Effectiveness of Antibacterial Soaps." FDA Issues Final

[8] Adams, Tech. "The Mighty J58 - The SR-71's Secret Powerhouse." The Mighty J58 - The SR71's Secret Powerhouse. YouTube, 12 Apr. 2014. Web. 25 Sept. 2016.

Rule on Safety and Effectiveness of Antibacterial Soaps. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2 Sept. 2016. Web. 18 Sept. 2016.

[2] Howard, Jacquelin. "FDA Bans Some Antibacterial Chemicals in Soaps." CNN. Cable News Network, 5 Sept. 2016. Web. 18 Sept. 2016.

[3] "FDA Cracks down on Antibacterial Hand Soaps." Advisory Board. Advisory Board, 6 Sept.

2016. Web. 18 Sept. 2016.

[4] Tavernise, Sabrina. "F.D.A. Bans Sale of Many Antibacterial Soaps, Saying Risks Outweigh Benefits." The New York Times. The New York Times, 02 Sept. 2016. Web. 18 Sept. 2016.

[5] Kodjak, Alison. "FDA Bans 19 Chemicals Used In Antibacterial Soaps." NPR. NPR, 2 Sept.

It’s Cute! It’s Fluffy! It’s… Terrifying?

[1] Doehrmann, Oliver et al. “Predicting Treatment Response in Social Anxiety Disorder From Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging.” JAMA psychiatry (Chicago, Ill.) 70.1 (2013): 10.1001/2013.jamapsychiatry.5. PMC. Web. 25 September 2016.

[2] Craske, Michelle G. et al. “Maximizing Exposure Therapy: An Inhibitory Learning Approach.” Behaviour research and therapy 58 (2014): 10–23. PMC. Web. 25 September 2016.

[3] Heaton, L.J. et al. “Computerized Dental Injection Fear Treatment: A Randomized Clinical Trial.” Journal of Dental Research 92.7 Suppl (2013): S37–S42. PMC. Web. 25 September 2016.

2016. Web. 18 Sept. 2016.

The Energy Debate A Letter to the Stressed High School Student

[1] "American Psychological Association Survey Shows Teen Stress Rivals That of Adults."

American Psychological Association. American Psychological Association, 11 Feb. 2014. Web.

Unemployment Rate Feel Great?" CNNMoney. Cable News Network, n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 2016.

[2] Cohen, Steven. "The Transition to Renewable Energy Is Difficult But Feasible." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 2016.

26 Sept. 2016.

[2] Lewis, Sheldon, and Sheila Lewis Kay. Stress-proofing Your Child: Mind-body Exercises to Enhance Your Child's Health. New York: Bantam, 1996. Print.

[3] Allen, Jeffrey S, and Roger J Klien. Ready Set R.E.L.A.X., A Research Based Program of Relaxation, Learning and Self-Esteem for Children. 1996.

[4] Sanders, Robert. “New Evidence That Chronic Stress Predisposes Brain to Mental Illness.”

Berkeley News, 9 July 2015.

[5] Salleh, Mohd. Razali. “Life Event, Stress and Illness.” The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences : MJMS, Penerbit Universiti Sains Malaysia, Oct. 2008.

[6] Shrand, Joseph A. “Why Is This Stress Thing so Important?” Psychology Today, 30 May 2012.

[7] Jabr, Ferris. "Why Your Brain Needs More Downtime." Scientific American. Scientific American, 15 Oct. 2013. Web. 26 Sept. 2016.

23

[1] The Economy Is Better than It Was in the Great Recession. "Why Doesn't America's 4.9%

THE BEAKER

[3] Greenhouse Gas Emissions Avoided through Use of Nuclear Generation. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 2016.

[4] Society, National Geographic. "Global Warming Effects Information, Global Warming Effects Facts, Climate Change Effects - National Geographic." National Geographic. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 2016.

[5] "Fact Sheet: Uranium Mining 4." "Health Effects of Uranium Mining" (n.d.): n. pag. IPPNW, 26 Aug. 2010. Web. 26 Sept. 2016.

[6]"Worker Health Study Summaries." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 13 July 2012. Web. 26 Sept. 2016.

[7] "Coal Mining Health Risks." Kentucky Environmental Foundation. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Sept.

2016.

Equipped with his five senses, man explores the universe around him and calls the adventure Science.

Edwin Powell Hubble

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