The Beaker (Winter 2017) by The Beaker

eht

beaker

Del Norte Student Science Publication

WINTER 2017

contributors

Editors-in-Chief

Writers

Flora Park

Andrew Wang

Ivana Mai

Angela Baek Angela Chen

Teacher Advisor

Arushi Dogra

Frank Liao

Ayesha Aslam-Mir Chan Park

Copy/Content Editors

Hazelle Gunawan

Isaac Lee

Janelle Uy

Jessica Ho

Shaan Trika

Jessica Liu Keerthana Sundar

Design Editors

Lucy Gao

Brian Huo

Michelle Prasouvo

Tiffany Do

Samantha Wong Saniya Revankar

Principle Artist

Shubham Gupta

Danielle Chang

Sukruth Kadaba

letter from the editors

Dear Readers,

Happy

2017

everyone! We’re extremely thrilled to start off the new calendar year with this issue of The Beaker.

A new year always brings new hopes, and there are endless possibilities in the world of science. What of the human body that we do not understand can be probed. What outer space is still a blank in our knowledge can be telescoped. There is a vast universe beyond our narrow world of Del Norte for science to explore, and we are sure the new year will not fail our expectations!

Some of the exciting science developments to expect are: Space •

Further studies of the moon and Saturn’s inner rings

•

Possible photography of a black hole

•

Planet

The Human Microbiome •

Its effects on brain development

•

Complex cancer immunotherapy

The Environment •

Thinner and more efficient solar cells

•

World’s largest marine reserve

In this issue, however, you can already explore the beginnings of these developments through our articles. Is it possible to actually build a Death Star in space? What is the deal with animal experimentation? We have bacteria in our gut that can affect our nervous system?!

Our writers have compiled studies of all the first curiosities of

2017

as we enter the new year with a fresh mind –

a blank slate for all the possible scientific discoveries that we may encounter throughout the year.

We hope you enjoy the first Beaker of the new year, and have a great and science-filled

Sincerely, Flora Park and Ivana Mai Editors-in-Chief

2017

TABLE OF CONTENTS

01 03 04 05 07 09 11 13 14 15 17 18 21 22 23 25 26 27 29 31

BEAKER

STEM Careers & Internship

Student Highlight: Rose Hong

Letters Really Do Have Colors

A Psychobiotic Future

A Solar Future: Real or Not Real?

Is the Five-Second Rule Actually True?

The Apocalypse: How Solar Flares Could Damage Our Planet

Ouch!

Thinner Than Paper, Stronger Than Steel

The Chemistry of Winter Skincare

A "Sweet" Surprise

Hack Me

Craving Shut-Eye

How to Build a Death Star

Humans, Here I Come

CRISPR Explained

A Star-Destroying Force of Wonder

The Debate: Ban Animal Use in Testing

Insert Title Here

Citations

Careers BY IVANA MAI

As students get closer to graduating, interest in STEM careers seem to drop. But a career in STEM can be much more than a mundane computer-staring, numbercrunching ritual! There are so many personal and societal benefits to working for such an expansive and interesting field. In fact, California is one of five states to

provide the most STEM jobs in the next few years [

]! Here are some you may

have never heard of:

UNDERWATER ARCHAEOLOGIST Put on your scuba gear and dive into the deep seas to discover ancient shipwrecks! Underwater Archaeologists “specialize in the study of nautical archaeology” and get a chance to see the beauty and mystery of “the

construction and operation of all types of prehistoric and historic watercraft” [

MUSIC THERAPIST Is music your go-to in times of stress, sadness, excitement, and all the emotions in between? Music therapists participate in rehabilitation programs to help people through the wonderful medicine of music. Be prepared to encourage

patients to play, listen, and dance [

ROLLER COASTER DESIGNER You may not be thinking about physics and design as you wait in line at an amusement park, but a lot goes into your favorite roller coasters! Roller coaster designers apply physics and mathematics to one of the most exhilarating, topsyturvy forms of entertainment out there.

WILDLIFE REHABILITATOR Humans aren’t the only ones who need love; wildlife rehabilitators are the nurses of nature! They assist “sick, abandoned, and injured animals” by nursing them

back to health and preparing for their “release back into the wild” [

ACTUARY Do you have a knack for statistics or want to put your self-pronounced psychic skills to the test? This job actually does involve crunching numbers and many hours with computers, but hey, maybe that’s your thing! Actuaries make their career by studying risks, and basically predict the hopes that insurance

companies are built on [

FOOD SCIENTIST Food is an extremely important part of our culture and society; the fact that we spend about

3 66 .

years of our lives eating is no surprise [

]. Food scientists are

in charge of the nutrition levels we read (whether we’re checking the calorie count or trying to pronounce ingredients) and are the mighty heroes who

investigate E. coli outbreaks and kill bacteria in our steaks [

]. We are on the

horizon of newer and safer foods that don’t mislead our health and don’t hurt the environment, so this is not a job to overlook!

Internship! Heithoff-Brody Scholars Program

What: This is an eight-week program where students will be involved in a full-time research project in a Salk lab with other students and Salk faculty members and scientists. The first link contains more information and the second contains the application. Where: Salk Institute in La Jolla, California When: June

19 2017 16 ,

Requirements:

- August

11 2017 ,

+, completed high school level chemistry and biology, GPA

transportation Deadline: March

29 2017 5 ,

;

PM PST

www.salk.edu/about/education-outreach/programs/high-school-scholars workforce.org/life-sciences-summer-institute

30 .

+, commitment to

hrs/week, own

student

highlight ROSE HONG INTERVIEW BY FLORA PARK

Del Norte is the birthplace of lifelong passions and amazing student achievements. Recently, I interviewed Rose Hong, a junior, about her inspirations and aspirations in science. Hongâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s scientific research landed her a spot in the semifinals of the prestigious Siemens Competition in Math, Science, and Technology; she had the chance to present her project to esteemed professors and researchers at Washington D.C. last December.

What exactly is the Siemens Competition?

the vast amount of wisdom Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve gained from working with them in such

The Siemens Competition in Math, Science, and Technology is a

a brief period of time. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m also appreciative that they never directly

national science research competition for high schoolers. Students

gave me solutions to problems I faced, but instead they guided me

may submit either team or individual projects, and scholarships range

and offered me insight that allowed me to approach problems from a

from $1000 to $100000.

fresh perspective. They also gave me almost complete independence in choosing my research topic, and I think this played a key role in

What was your project about?

helping us find a topic that was personal to me and that I thought

Since dental injuries are so prevalent around the world, my project

needed a better solution in our world today.

targeted procedures like root canal therapy to help eliminate complications involved in removing dental pulp. So, my partner and I

I also look up to Linus Pauling, the only winner of 2 unshared Nobel

grew stem cells taken from wisdom teeth on fibrin, which is a polymer

prizes (chemistry and peace). His work in chemical bonds and activism

that forms our body's blood clots, and found that they were able to

following his involvement in the manhattan project inspired me to

differentiate into teeth and bone cells. Because of these results, my

pursue ethical research for the betterment of humankind.

project has large implications for future studies and the ultimate restoration of biological function in teeth.

What are your future goals or career plans in science?

I'm hoping to continue conducting research this summer and possibly What led to your passion for science?

even become a researcher in the future. Although I haven't decided on

Participating in competitions like MathCounts and science Olympiad in

a particular major yet, I know that I will definitely pursue a career in

middle school definitely motivated me to continue pursuing stem in

STEM.

high school. Now, in addition to being the Vice President of Math Club, Science Olympiad, and Academic League and the chemistry branch

What advice would you give to younger scientists?

coordinator for science alliance at Del Norte, I am also heavily involved

If I had to give advice to younger scientists, I would tell them to

in spreading a passion for science to the community through

continue pursuing science despite all of the challenges it may pose.

volunteering. I currently coach Science Olympiad at Del Norte and my

This is especially true for research, because although researchers may

previous middle school and volunteer for Del Sur Elementary math club

be closer to discovering something novel everyday, they may also have

sessions. All of these experiences have motivated my passion for

to restart an experiment or look at a problem from a different direction

science.

if things aren't working out. I've also observed many peers mention that they "just don't get science" or "aren't made for STEM careers," and I

Are there any scientific role models you look up to? If so, who?

think that adopting an early mindset of perseverance will help reverse

I greatly admire the mentors I worked with in this project because of

this attitude.

THE BEAKER

colors

letters really do have BY ANGELA BAEK

When he smells chocolate, Tony sees a red triangle, in mid air, two feet from his face. When he hears screeching chalk, he sees red jagged lines. To him, the higher the sound, the sharper

“I know synesthesia is commonly colors with numbers, and it’s sort of like that for me, but the colors not so much as the other traits. January, for example, is a kind of crisp, minty scent, while February is floral, like lavender, but warm and yellow. March is green, definitely green, and

the color. Different sounds have different colors and shapes (or a hazy patch of color). But that’s not all — his A’s are a

smells like freshly cut grass, and December is something fluffy and buttery, like really soft bread.

sunshiny yellow, while his Z’s are a musty brown. To him, his name is lime green with grey stripes.

“For sounds for numbers, they’re all very musical. 1 is tinkly, like a marimba, while 2 is darker and richer, like a piano. 3 is also tinkly, but resonant. Whenever I read or see the number 4, I hear 2 sounds: a good, but short, solid note, and a note a third above the first.”

Tony has a condition called synesthesia. Yes, it is a real thing, and is

When asked about her biological roots, Sarah says, “I think it was one

different from a metaphor, an illusion, or a hallucination. Its name is

of my grandparents who first told me about blending senses together.

Greek, meaning “to perceive together,” and refers to the senses

My parents seemed confused when I first mentioned things like, ‘Oh,

coming together. While its origin is unclear, it has been referred to as

“Chloe” tastes like a strawberry.’”

“crossed wires” in the brain [1]. Some synesthetes, or people with synesthesia, have colored letters and numbers, like Tony, while others

It is hard to know how many people have synesthesia, because many

have colored hearing, taste-hearing, or sound-touch, among others.

people have more than one type and, sometimes, it comes and goes.

Many synesthetes have more than one type of sense-crossing.

Often, synesthetes do not recognize their conditions as extraordinary, but rather normal [2]. Nonetheless, the prevalence is thought to be

There are many similar characteristics between synesthetes. Most

anywhere between one in 20,000 to one in 200. A lot more people

synesthetes, for example, are female, and have more than one type.

have synesthesia than you’d think: for example, musicians such as

Their condition is almost always biological, automatic, and unlearned

Itzhak Perlman and Lady Gaga, and artists such as Vincent Van Gogh,

[1]. More often, they are artistic or lean towards more creative careers

have various types of synesthesia [4].

and hobbies. They also often test higher on IQ and memory tests, but lower on spatial reasoning tests [2].

In fact, we all have a little bit of synesthesia. For example, if the taste of a lemon had a pitch, would it be high, middle, or low? Most people

In order to understand synesthesia on a more personal level, I asked

would say ‘high,’ because what else would a citrus taste be? [5].

Sarah Xu, a freshman at Del Norte High School, a few questions. She

Here’s another study done that has been shown to be linked with

has two types of synesthesia: visual-hearing and visual-taste.

linguistics. Imagine this: If I had in my hands two objects and told you that one was named Kiki and the other Bouba, which would be the

“I don’t really know what it wouldn’t be like to have it, to be honest. For

spiky object, and which would be the round one? Turns out-- “an

me, it’s the numbers and months that have personalities, with other

astonishing 95% of people labeled the spiky object as ‘Kiki’ and the

senses mixed together. I know for a lot of people, a month or holiday

curvy one as ‘Bouba,’” [6]. Did you think our brains were normal? Well,

will you think of sights or smells, but for me, it’s like they ARE.

they may not be so ordinary after all.

THE BEAKER

a psychobiotic future BY ARUSHI DOGRA

THE "GOOD" BACTERIA

GUT-BRAIN RELATIONSHIP

There are thought to be ten times more bacteria than total cells in your

There’s an old saying that goes, “You are what you eat,” and many

body [1]. You might be thinking, “Wow, I must be really sick,” but don’t

times, people have jokingly stated that their stomach controls their

worry – this is completely normal. Believe it or not, these bacteria

brain, but not many of them know that it’s true. Over time, scientists

actually belong there. People often associate bacteria with disease or

have found that the microscopic organisms in our gut, the bacteria, do

infection without realizing that bacteria can be beneficial, too. Many

actually communicate with our brain in ways that affect our mood, our

of the bacteria in the human body have formed a symbiotic

appetite, and our daily cycle. These microbes have recently been

relationship with people – we give them a suitable living-space in

coined with the term “psychobacteria.” [4]

exchange for whatever they have to offer us [2]. And although these bacteria can be situated in a variety of places on the body, the

Although the influence of these gut bacteria on our health has only

majority are centered around one location – our gut [3].

recently started entering public awareness, the connection between our gut and our brain has been known for over 100 years. Originally,

For years now, these gut bacteria have been known to be beneficial

this relationship seemed very one-way – scientists were observing the

for us. While we provide them with a warm and nutritious environment,

brain’s effect on the bacteria. However, some more modern research

they break down dietary fiber that we are not able to and play a large

has revealed that the information can flow in both directions [3]. In

role in the synthesis of Vitamins B and K [2]. However, scientists have

fact, ninety percent of the fibers in the vagus nerve, the nerve that

discovered that these seemingly small bacteria actually play a much,

stretches between the brain and the gut, transmit messages from the

much larger role in our bodies.

gut to the brain, and not the other way around [1].

THE BEAKER

Now the question is: How do they do it? How do these microbial organisms in your gut control something as large and as important as your brain? In search of an answer, researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) conducted a study with mice. They started by looking for a connection to brain inflammation, something that is commonly linked to brain disease. By analyzing the cells in the brain and spinal cord and monitoring what the mice ate, they discovered that certain substances in the food caused the bacteria to interact with the pathway in such a way that inflammation was reduced. Corresponding author Francisco Quintana explained, “What we eat influences the ability of bacteria in our gut to produce small molecules, some of which are capable of traveling all the way to the brain. This opens up an area that’s largely been unknown until now: how the gut controls brain inflammation.” [5] So, although the exact method in which these bacteria talk to your brain is unknown, other studies such as this one are providing scientists with many different leads.

IMPORTANCE OF PSYCHO-BIOTICS

Although it’s been known of for a while, the full weight of this gut-tobrain connection has only completely hit scientists in the last few years. Through numerous other studies on mice, scientists have observed that these bacteria influence the risk of many neurological disorders like autism, anxiety, depression, and stress. They may even play a role in incurable neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s Disease [1]. This could result in revolutionary findings that may help cure or treat these serious diseases. Let’s look at some examples in the inforgraphic to the right::

The psychobacteria in our gut have been shown to require GABA, a chemical in our brain, for survival. GABA regularly acts by inhibiting signals from nerve cells, and therefore calming down the activity of the brain. Abnormally low levels of GABA have been linked to depression and mood disorders. Surprisingly, the bacteria in our gut need it to grow and reproduce. This shows that altering the level of these gut bacteria may be a treatment for clinical depression.

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by damage to myelin, the insulating sheath around the axons of nerve cells that allows for faster electrical impulse conduction. This myelin is critical for everyday brain function. A current study led by Patrizia Casaccia, MD, PhD, Professor of Neuroscience, Genetics and Genomics, and Neurology, and Chief of the Center of Excellence for Myelin Repair,

symptoms only showed if they had psychobacteria in the first place.

and post-doctoral fellow Mar Gacias, PhD, is identifying bacteria-

Although these tests don’t directly show that the bacteria cause the

derived metabolites in the gut that are shown to affect myelin content

disease, they definitely show that the bacteria could be used to lessen

in the brains of mice [7]. They may have a similar effect on humans.

the symptoms [8].

Parkinson’s Disease is a disorder of the brain that affects movement

As time goes on, more and more studies are being conducted on how

and often includes symptoms such as tremors and rigid muscles. In

different diseases may relate to these amazing microbial organisms in

order to discover a connection between the disease and the

our gut, and while some do not succeed, others do. Step by step –

psychobacteria, tests were done, once again, on mice. The results

slowly, but steadily – we are building ourselves up in this exciting and

were remarkable. The symptoms of the mice worsened when they were

promising new field of science. Slowly, but steadily, we are

dosed with microbes from human Parkinson’s patients and the

approaching what may be a new psychobiotic future.

THE BEAKER

a s lar future: real or not real? BY KEERTHANA SUNDAR

Fossil fuels have become a huge problem in

these solar panels. Therefore, Singapore is

today’s society. According to the EPA, our

capable of becoming entirely solar-

carbon dioxide emissions have increased by 90% since 1970 [1]. As more fossil fuels are being released into the atmosphere, our quest to find environment-friendly energy sources has become more important. In fact, there’s one energy source that we all turn towards when we think of saving the environment. Solar energy.

why singapore?

powered. That is, if the sun provided us with

Singapore may be small, but it

Depending on the time of day, location, and

consumes a large amount of electricity due to its highly concentrated population. It is also very sunny and warm because of its

As we strive to reduce our carbon dioxide

proximity to the equator.

a constant amount of energy at all times.

similar factors, the amount of energy absorbed by a panel varies. The demand for energy is also changing, depending on time of day and the season. Often, the times we need energy the most are the times when the least solar energy is produced, and vice

emissions, our dependence on solar energy

versa. In order to solve this problem, there

will increase. As stated by MITEI (Mass.

would need to be a storage mechanism of

Institute of Technology Energy Initiative),

some sort - a battery. Technology is not

“The International Energy Agency (IEA)

advanced enough to create batteries

recently modeled several scenarios… In that

amount, only 76,062.35 MWh are produced

capable of storing thousands of megawatts

scenario, global demand for electricity rises

sn’t spending that much money on its solar

of energy. However, with every year comes

by 79% between 2011 and 2050... with solar

initiative [3]. However, would the country

new discoveries. Sometime in the future,

alone supplying 27%” [2]. However, as we

find it affordable to switch entirely to solar?

there will be an efficient method of storing

get deeper into the century, will solar energy

solar energy, and many countries all over the

be able to rise up to our expectations? Will

Solar panels cost 2 million Singapore dollars

world can transition entirely to solar,

we be able to create an entirely solar-

per megawatt [4]. In order to fulfill all of

especially Singapore.

powered future?

their energy needs, the country must produce about 62,575 megawatts worth of

No country has made the effort to run on

Some say no. According to MITEI, “using

electricity. Therefore, the installation cost for

only solar energy. However, many countries

solar energy to generate electricity is still

a sufficient amount of solar panels would be

are still working hard to preserve our world

more expensive… As we note below, it has

125,149,260,000 Singapore dollars

and keep the air clean. More and more

been argued that at least some of the

(86,464,876,593 US dollars). Based on

people are being taught the benefits of

recent cost reductions are not sustainable.”

Singapore’s GDP of 307 billion US dollars

solar energy. Solar panel installations are

The journal goes on to say that for at least

per year, it is apparent that the country can

also becoming increasingly common.

half a century, it will not be possible to

afford these solar panels.

According to the Solar Energy Industries

create a completely solar-powered future

Association, residential PV installations have

due to excessive costs that cannot be

Some may argue that the country’s land

increased from 500 in 2012 to over 2000 in

reduced [2]. Despite this claim, there are

area is too small, and may not allow for the

2015 [6]. Green Tech Media research states

some countries where a solar future is

installation of numerous solar panels. Is that

that every four minutes, a new PV system is

affordable.

true? In order to find the amount of space

installed, and the times between installations

we need to fulfill Singapore’s energy

will continue to shorten, as it has been for

requirement, we should divide 103,996,873.15

the last few years. The entire world may not

MWh (energy consumption) by 1.663

become entirely solar-powered in the near

Based on the amount of crude oil and

MWh/m2 (energy production) [5]. This

future, but if we take baby steps, and work

petroleum products that Singapore uses, the

results in about 62,535,702 square meters.

patiently towards reducing our carbon

country consumes approximately

Singapore’s total area is 719.1 square km,

dioxide emissions, anything could happen.

103,996,873.15 MWh of electricity. Of that

which is more than enough room to hold

Fossil fuels won’t know what hit them.

Let’s consider Singapore.

MYTH OR FACT? Is the five-second rule actually true? BY SAMANTHA WONG

Are you one of those people who, when your

transfer is the topography, or surface of your

“Researchers at Aston University’s School of

food falls on the ground, you pick it up, pop

food, and the ground it falls on [1]. In an

Life and Health Sciences in England

it into your mouth, and just hope that it

experiment conducted by Rutgers University,

reported… food picked up a few seconds

hasn’t been 5 seconds yet? BUT WAIT! Is the

it was shown that out of the different types

after being dropped is ‘less likely to contain

five-second rule actually true? Is it

of floors tested - carpet, wood, tile, and

bacteria than if it is left for longer periods of

scientifically proven? Well, it turns out,

stainless steel - carpet allowed the least

time,’...”[4]. Any food that has fallen onto

according to an experiment conducted by

amount of bacteria transfer [1]. Wood was

the ground cannot escape bacterial

researchers from Rutgers University and high

inconsistent, as the amount of bacteria

contamination entirely, but the bacteria

schooler Jillian Clarke, depending on the

taken from wood floors changed throughout

transferred can be in more or less amounts

situation, the five-second rule isn’t

the experiment. In contrast, tile and stainless

depending on the amount of time it is on the

necessarily true. Although some may believe

steel floors had the most bacteria

ground. Based on this discovery, the five-

that germs and bacteria are not immediately

transferred when food was dropped on

second rule has gone from a sketchy folklore

transferred, during those 5 seconds, food

them[1].

to a cause for concern. The five-second rule has shepherded in significant public health

doesn’t come out unaffected from bacterial harm. The amount of bacterial

In another experiment supervised by

issues from eating food off the ground [4].

contamination depends on the differing

Meredith Agle and conducted by Jillian

The longer time food is on the floor, the

factors of one’s food and the ground it is

Clarke, a high schooler with an internship in

more bacteria it picks up [1]. So if one were

dropped on. One should start to worry about

the University of Illinois’ food and nutrition

to look at the situation from this direction,

the level of contamination of their food

department, the university floors were

the five-second rule is true [1]. There is less

based on: [1]

swabbed to test the amount of organisms

bacterial contamination with food lounging

and germs picked up [3]. Surprisingly, there

on the floor for five seconds than for an

1. Moisture or water/juice

was a very small amount of microorganisms

hour.

2. Surface of food

picked up by the swabs [3]. It turned out

3. Surface of the ground the food falls on

that the university floors were very clean and

Almost in every situation, if one were to look

4. Time the food is on the floor

had such a small amount of germs shown on

upon someone when they drop food on the

the experimental swabs due to its dryness

ground, that someone would most definitely

If your orange or apple slice surprisingly falls

[3]. There wasn’t enough dampness or

yell out “FIVE-SECOND RULE” and pop the

on the ground, then be wary, your fruit

moisture for bacteria to manifest. Many

now germ infested morsel back into their

contains moisture and juice. Bacteria

microorganisms need moisture to grow, live,

mouth to chew, swallow, and digest. When

contaminates faster with more moisture than

and survive, just as many of the disease-

someone screams out this incantation, some

with less; bacteria transfers along with the

causing pathogens do: salmonella, listeria,

believe that it’s to give off a sense of

flow of water [1]. The juicier your food is, the

and E. coli [3]. Their experiment disproved

permission to eat food fallen on the floor, to

more germs can be acquired. However, if

the well-known five-second rule myth by also

preserve their self moral, or an excuse to

your food has little moisture, then it’s a

putting cookies and gummy bears onto tiles

show others that they are still mannerly while

different story. Take a gummy bear for

with controlled and measured amounts of

literally eating something off the floor.

example. If a gummy bear heart-breakingly

the E.coli pathogen [3]. The experiment

However the silent meaning whenever this

falls onto the floor, it wouldn’t be

exhibited that large amounts of E. coli were

phrase is said is always portrayed as “this is

contaminated with as many germs. A piece

picked up by both foods even before the

something safe to do [4].” However now we

of candy doesn't contain as much moisture

span of five seconds ended [3]. In another

know that this is not always true. Even when

as a piece of fruit would have, therefore, the

test conducted by Clarke, the results

food is dropped onto the floor it isn’t safe to

bacteria doesn’t have any water to flow

displayed that 70% female and 56% male

ingest it because of the inevitable bacterial

along with. As a result, there would be lesser

were well-aware of the five-second rule and

transfer. When doubtful of contamination,

amounts of bacteria transferred. Rejoice! My

had heard it before [3]. Not surprisingly, the

throw it out or wash it [2]. To take in harmful

gummy bear came out unscathed! is the

five-second rule is a very well-known rule

bacteria in the first place would be a foolish

thought that one would usually result to

that is usually enforced by many people.

choice to make. While some bacteria are

believe in, however it turns out that even if

However, due to Clarke’s study, the truth of

harmless, others can be lethal to the human

that fallen, mouthful-sized amount of food is

the five-second rule was revealed to be a

body. If bacteria is ingested, it could cause

lacking moisture or has passed the five-

bust in many situations.

diseases and reactions based off a variety of food-borne illnesses [2]. Many pathogens,

second rule, it doesn't mean that there was no bacterial transfer, only that there was less

In yet another experiment based on the five-

as well as, parasites, bugs, viruses, etc. can

of it than it could've been. Play it safe; the

second rule, Rutgers University’s food

appear and affect the body based on food

amount of bacterial contamination on fallen

microbiologist, Professor Donald W.

eaten off the floor. Food is life, literally.

morsels is never absolutely certain according

Schaffner, conducted a two year study on

Without food, you and I wouldn’t survive.

to the conclusions of many experiments

the validity of the widely well-known myth

Don’t let our basis of energy be

conducted on the five-second rule.

[4]. In the article, “‘Five-Second Rule’ for

contaminated with bacteria! Next time, hold

Food on Floor is Untrue, study finds” by

onto your precious life source with a tight

Christopher Mele, it is stated that,

grip!

It turns out that a big factor of bacterial

THE BEAKER

THE APOCALYPSE

How Solar Flares Could Damage Our Planet

BY JESSICA LIU

Picture this: a gargantuan tower of flame thrown from the surface of the sun, reaching outwards towards the void of space. As fearsome as this may seem, solar flares are also responsible for the wondrous northern and southern lights, which can be viewed on cold nights in the far north or south. However, solar flares aren’t always so entertaining. In fact, in certain cases, they can cause lasting harm to Earth. Energy equivalent to 100-megaton hydrogen bombs exploding at the same time is released during a solar flare [1]. Though the inside of a flare typically reaches a blistering 10 or 20 million degrees kelvin, a flare can be as hot as 100 million degrees kelvin [1]. A solar flare is defined as “a sudden, rapid, and intense variation in brightness” [1]. Small C-class flares are relatively common, and are too small to affect earth. Medium sized M-class flares have the power to reach Earth, but lack the energy to cause anything more than minor radio disruptions. However, the violent force of large, Xclass solar flares can create consequences for our planet, even from 92.9 million miles away [2]. In order to protect ourselves, it is important for us to learn about these damaging flares.

HOW DO SOLAR FLARES WORK?

CMEs release energy equivalent to one billion hydrogen bombs exploding at the same time, which is far more than enough to reach Earth. Once the solar storm reaches Earth, it wreaks havoc on the

Though scientists have observed and researched flares for centuries,

planet. If a large CME were to reach earth, a “cloud” of plasma would

what causes the sun to erupt still remains mostly unknown. However,

rain down on our atmosphere and cause a geomagnetic storm [3].

we do know that it has “a lot to do with disruptions in the Sun’s

Lights would go out, and our sewage systems would stop working. We

powerful magnetic field, which oscillates over the course of an 11-ish

would also lose our gas stations, and therefore would not be able to

year solar cycle” [3]. These solar cycles can cause repercussions for

drive. Anything requiring electricity would be lost. Additionally, we

our planet, both harmless and deadly. A solar storm begins with a solar

would lose all medications along with perishable foods. Earth would

flare, which “occur[s] in active regions around sunspots, where intense

be plunged into chaos, and would most likely resemble the post-

magnetic fields penetrate the photosphere to link the corona to the

apocalyptic wastelands shown on science fiction TV shows. The planet

solar interior” [4]. The flare itself is powered by the release of energy

would fall apart, and our entire species could be wiped out. According

stored in the corona. The flare explodes outwards, and the particles

to NASA, on July 23, 2012, a giant solar storm barely missed Earth [4].

make their way into space at a speed near to that of light. These

From now until 2022, there is a 12% chance of a similar event

particles include electrons, ions, and atoms. When the particles reach

occurring [4]. Though we haven’t had a CME actually hit earth since

the Earth, they collide with the atmosphere. Aurora Borealis and

the mid nineteenth century, it is imperative that we find a way to

Aurora Australis are caused this way, and their colors are determined

protect ourselves from them.

by the type of gas the particles collide with the most common being a yellow-green color, which is produced by a collision with oxygen. Solar

Fortunately for the human race, solar storms travel relatively slow. If a

flares can also cause dangerous coronal mass ejections, which cause

solar storm were to travel right at earth, it would hit the ACE satellite

large geomagnetic storms on our planet. These geomagnetic storms

set up by NASA approximately one million miles from earth [3]. This

can cause all electrical devices to stop working, which would be a

would give us anywhere between half an hour and an hour before a

massive problem.

geomagnetic storm is triggered. We can be prepared for a solar storm by building an emergency supply kit, making a plan to keep in touch with others (should phones fail), and by keeping extra batteries handy

CORONAL MASS EJECTIONS

[3]. It’s also a good idea to keep the tank of your car at least half full at all times.

Occasionally, a solar flare large enough to reach earth will occur. Most of the time, these flares cause minor radio disruptions, which can

Additionally, The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy

sometimes prevent planes from communicating through radio for up to

has assembled a task force to deal with disasters such as solar flares.

ten minutes. Additionally, larger flares can damage equipment and

They hope to find a way to better equip us for such events. Let’s hope

machines in space, such as satellites. However, the real concern

we’re prepared for the next time the sun decides to strike.

caused by solar flares are coronal mass ejections, or CMEs. These

THE BEAKER

! h c u O

BY JANELLE UY

Your anxiety level continues to rise as you sit and wait for the lab

needed to locate a vein that will be used for needle insertion and IV

technician to call you back. Once inside, you feel a panic attack

placement. Missing a vein or sticking a patient multiple times may

coming on as he/she tells you to have a seat and starts pulling out

cause discomfort and anxiety and in some cases can lead to

vials from various drawers, one by one. The lab technician politely asks

hematoma (an abnormal collection of blood outside of a blood vessel

which arm to use and you debate whether to give them the one with

occurring usually because the wall of a blood vessel wall, artery, vein,

easier veins to find or the one you rely less on. You finally settle on an

or capillary, has been damaged and blood has leaked into tissues

arm, and it begins. A tight band is tied around your arm and the

where it does not belong) and infection. With these vein finders, there

tension builds as you are asked to stretch out your arm and make a

is a decrease in pain and discomfort, a lower risk for infection and

fist. The technician feels your extended arm and after a countdown

hematoma, and a greater protection for the patient’s veins for future

starting from 3, you are poked with a needle the size of your thumb. If

use. This product works on patients of all ages and can be especially

you’re lucky, with minimal searching, the blood starts to flow, but for

helpful for squirmish children and those with veins that are particularly

those of you that have incredibly tiny and inconspicuous veins, a lot of

difficult to locate [3]. For the average person who needs their blood

discomfort lies in your near future. Have no fear though, a recent

drawn annually, the fear of becoming a pincushion can be lessened.

invention has made locating veins and drawing blood a much more accurate and a less disconcerting event.

Recently, The Australian Red Cross Blood Service conducted a study on 900 donors, including 300 first-time donors, at the Chatswood and

In the last couple of years, the inventions AccuVein and VeinViewer

Elizabeth Street Donor Centres in Sydney [4]. Dr. Dan Waller, one of

Flex have become the main breakthrough in vein locating technology.

the senior investigators on the trial, said, "Donor Centre staff have

Both devices allow you to see blood patterns up to 15mm deep and

found the technology particularly useful in cases where the vein is not

clinically relevant veins up to 10mm. How does it work? The devices

visible to the naked eye. We are keen to retain our young donors, and

project near-infrared light, which is absorbed by blood and then

it is important to test if this technology may help us do that [4].” In

reflected by surrounding tissue [1].The information is then captured,

instances such as these, blood donation may have even been

processed and projected digitally in real time directly onto the surface

portrayed in a positive light and experience to new donors and in turn

of the skin. The end product is a real time accurate image of the

encourage them to do it again because of the experience they had.

patient's blood pattern [1]. Although vein illuminators are useful pieces of equipment, one setback With these devices, clinicians can see peripheral veins, bifurcations

is that they can be quite pricy. While some facilities are willing to bear

and valves and assess in real time the refill/flushing of veins [1].

that cost, many hospitals and clinics simply don’t have the budget to

Juliette Jaderberg, clinical leader of the medical/surgical unit in

purchase the machines [5].

Edward Hospital in Naperville, IL said, "It helps you look at the veins,

find a vein and look at the quality of a vein. A lot of times you can't see

Overall with the development of devices such as AccuVein and

or feel them, so it's able to help us [2]." Visualization of veins Pre-,

VeinViewer Flex, drawing blood and starting IVs has become easier

During- and Post-procedure can potentially help clinicians avoid

and more efficient for the growing population. While we don’t have

complications from accidental puncture [1]. Those with chronic

the technology at the moment to eliminate needles altogether, this is a

conditions often require venous access to deliver treatment. This

great step in the goal leading to and improving this aspect of health

usually means that for the patient, in many cases, multiple pokes are

care.

THE BEAKER

Thinner Than Stronger Than STEEL BY HAZELLE GUNAWAN

Imagine holding a battery in your hand. It’s

substantial that even the steps of a spider

fossil fuels and charge slowly. Capacitors

significantly lighter than the ones sold at

weighing a mere 20 milligrams caused

are the opposite. They charge much faster,

convenience stores and yet, when you try to

dramatic shifts [1]. The researchers tested a

but contain much less energy.

damage it, it comes out unscathed.

gob of G-putty on a student’s neck, finding

Supercapacitors may seem like the best

Environmentally-friendly and fast-charging,

that the pulse in his carotid artery was not

alternative, both charging quickly and

the battery might seem flawless, a miracle of

only visible, but also so comprehensive that

holding more energy, but they cannot handle

science.

the researchers were able to convert it into

as high of a voltage as either batteries or

a blood pressure reading. When placed on

capacitors [3]. However, supercapacitors

This seemingly magical material is real, and

the student’s chest, the G-putty could

already come with a myriad of advantages,

its name is graphene. Currently the thinnest

monitor respiration as well.

such as being able to function in low

compound known to man, this one atom

temperatures and holding high amounts of

thick layer of hexagonally-patterned carbon

Coleman’s team discovered that the

energy, which are due to the high surface

is more durable than diamond and stronger

changes in the putty’s electrical resistance

areas of the conductors. As a result,

than steel. The relatively high conductibility

were caused by deformations breaking the

supercapacitors are a good starting

and flexibility of this compound are just as

‘network’ of graphene flakes within the putty

platform for researchers to build upon in

significant as its other properties, allowing it

[1]. After the network snapped apart, the

hopes of creating better energy storage

to replace other substances with its

putty’s viscosity would enable it to then

solutions.

versatility [2]. Since discovering graphene

reform the network. In the future, this ‘self-

and refining its production, scientists have

healing’ ability could be utilized in improved

As well as being unable to handle high

been mixing and matching the compound

graphene compounds.

voltages, supercapacitors are also extremely

with other materials, hoping to find a

expensive to produce. However, scientists

combination that not only retains graphene's

The G-putty’s incredible sensitivity would

are looking into using graphene in making

properties, but also fits its desired function.

greatly benefit medical technology. Instead

supercapacitors, which would increase

Despite this, not many attempts have been

of using clunky blood pressure monitors with

surface area and efficiency, lower costs,

made to mix graphene with viscoelastic

limited capabilities, G-putty could be used

and make it ecologically friendly.

materials such as Silly Putty.

as a cheap, low-profile way to record the

Researchers hold high hopes for these

blood pressure of patients in any location at

graphene supercapacitors, as they would

That all changed when Conor Boland, a

any time. Many companies are currently

hypothetically be able to store 550 Farads

subordinate researcher of Jonathan

looking into incorporating G-putty into their

per gram [3]. To put that into perspective,

Coleman at Trinity College Dublin,

devices. However, there are still many

the modern capacitor able to store one

experimented with combining graphene and

obstacles to be overcome, such as

Farad per gram would have to be 220

Silly Putty together. He and his team

producing it in larger quantities and testing

millimeters high and weigh two kilograms. It

decided to mix graphene flakes 20 atoms

its long-term effects, before G-putty can be

is almost certain that graphene

thick and 800 nanometers long together with

released commercially. If G-putty passes

supercapacitors will make appearances in

homemade Silly Putty. The results were far

these tests, though, it could prove a great

technology in the next five to ten years, in

beyond what any of the scientists could have

asset to modern medicine.

devices as common as smartphones and

expected.

buses. G-putty isn’t the only use for graphene,

The dark gray ‘G-putty’, as coined by the

however. The two most common electrical

The development of graphene will vastly

scientists, was able to sense even the tiniest

sources of energy are batteries and

maximize the efficiency of improved devices

of pressures, ten times better than other

capacitors, each with major flaws. Batteries

and open the way for new innovations. Soon,

nanocomposite sensors. The changes in

are able to store large amounts of energy

technology will be lighter, stronger, and

the putty’s electrical resistance were so

but are painfully inefficient compared to

faster than ever before.

the chemistry of

WINTER SKINCARE BY JESSICA HO

d. Pigmentation

It’s that time of year again! Yes, it’s that time

So lay it on me, what do I need to do?

of year when low temperatures, dry winds

As a student who is by no means a certified

Try products with vitamin C. Also be

and harsh indoor heating conspire to flake

esthetician or dermatologist, the best advice

generous with sunscreen every morning. This

your skin. Most people don’t switch up their

I can give are guidelines to designing your

includes cloudy days; your eyes may not see

skincare routines seasonally (in fact, some

own routine rather than specific products.

the sunlight, your skin feels the rays.

people don’t have routines at all) due to the

Everyone’s skin is different, and the biggest

fact that we live in sunny San Diego, the

mistake one can make is failing to know their

Exfoliate more often, but don’t go

land of summer. However, investing time and

own specific needs.

overboard. Also, see Skin Type >> Oily.

1. Identify your main skin concerns.

2. Shop smart.

e. Pores

effort in curating yourself a winter skincare routine can be very beneficial physiologically, aesthetically, and

a. Acne

It’s not how many products you use or how

Ask your physician/dermatologist. My best

expensive they are; it’s how much time you

advice for you is to not trust any weird fads

take to research. Observe the way your skin

Why should I have a routine at all?

unless you know they’re safe. Stay hygienic,

reacts to certain ingredients, identify your

Listen up my boys, girls, and non-binaries,

eat healthy, and try not to stress out in the

main concerns, and be willing to invest some

because I have news for you: the skin is the

meantime; we all get acne, so honestly no

time and effort into your skin. Don’t give into

largest and most sensitive organ on your

one’s judging you.

fancy marketing schemes; carefully read

emotionally! Let’s dive right into it.

body. Treat it right, and it’ll treat you back.

b. Anti-Aging

reviews that aren’t from the company website if you can find them.

Physiologically, with approximately 150 pain

Again, moisture is pretty much the answer to

receptors per square centimeter of skin on

everything. Look for things with collagen. If

average [1], you probably will feel better off

you’re willing to give it a go, snail creams are

3. Chill.

without flaking, hives, breakouts, and the

light in feeling and heavy in moisture since

Seriously, don’t stress out if you have a bad

whatever else that ails you. Aesthetically,

they’re derived from the chemicals in the

skin day! Going overboard on products and

beyond just having clearer skin and a

protective moisture coat of snails [2].

treatments can be harmful, so just relax.

brighter complexion, moisturized and exfoliated skin makes makeup application

c. Skin Type Dry:

New products should be introduced into your routine at least a week and a half apart. This

easier and more effective. Having a

Go easy on cleansers and toners. Use the

way, you’ll be able to identify which product

moisturized face combats makeup clumping

gentlest cleanser possible if you find yourself

gave you which results and not overload your

and flaking, giving you a clean, natural look.

flaking or breaking out into rashes. If severe,

skin.

And emotionally, practicing self-care on a

maybe cleanse once at night instead of

physical level permeates into a

twice a day.

psychological level. Calm and healthy skin

Oily:

4. Extraneous

a. You’re not going to attain poreless,

can lead to less worries and more self-

Moisturize and mattify. Excess sebum is a

Aphrodite-blessed, soft-as-a-baby’s-bottom

confidence; rituals and routines are also a

consequence of insufficient moisture, so add

skin overnight. You don’t need perfect,

great form of combating anxiety and stress.

some sort of moisture into your routine, or

flawless skin in order to have healthy skin.

invest in a humidifier! Toner in your routine

Skin is skin; be patient and let it be.

We live in San Diego... Is there really a winter season to change my routine for?

would be a thing to consider. Sensitive:

b. Don’t sleep with makeup on. Please don’t. Have fun and be wild on the

YES! Speaking from personal experience, as

Sensitive can mean many things. For most of

weekends, but please don’t sleep with

an ignorant child of the summer, I mistakenly

the population though, it can be assumed

makeup on. You’ve probably already heard

used a mattifying (for oily skin types) toner

you mean eczema, breakout-prone, or both.

the gist of clogged pores, but another likely

that greatly irritated my skin, even though it

There’s no rule of thumb for products in this

consequence is unnecessary exposure to

was perfect in the summer. Even though we

area because sensitive skin is diverse, so

free radicals, breaking down the collagen in

don’t have a traditional winter wonderland in

using products advertised specially as for

your skin, creating fine lines. Also, nighttime

San Diego, air quality and weather do

sensitive skin may be the best way to go.

is when your skin renews itself, which is

adjust, and we must change accordingly.

You likely want dermatologist approved

rather difficult to do when you have a bunch

Plus, our chaparral environment is relatively

products. To avoid harsh ingredients that you

of... stuff on your face.

dry year-round, so actually we’re likely better

may react negatively to, try searching a

off being skin-conscious year-round.

product on cosdna.com before using it!

c. Have fun with it. Go wild. Happy holidays.

THE BEAKER

a"sweet " surprise BY ANDREW WANG

NEGATIVE SIDE EFFECTS

mucilage that bacteria and fungi attach to. The entire function of this coat is still yet to

C. nivalis can reduce the albedo, or

be found, but the coat is known to be an

percentage of light/radiation that a surface

important food source to the bacteria and

reflects, of the snow that it resides in to as

fungi that are attached to it. Furthermore,

low as 40% [2]. This increases local

the O2 byproducts from photosynthesis are

temperature, speeding up the melting

used in carbon fixation cycles in bacteria

Winter has been here for some time now,

process and creating a positive feedback

and fungi dependent on C. nivalis [1].

and although we can’t enjoy the spectacle

loop for C. nivalis' reproduction and spread.

of snowflakes falling from the sky, the Arctic

Currently C. nivalis is one of the most

is a different story. But recently, “watermelon

widespread species of snow algae on Earth,

snow” has been found in the Arctic. And

and that only adds to the potential

As of now there are no direct

despite its name, it’s not sweet, and it only

consequences it could have on the Arctic

countermeasures to the growth and spread

means trouble.

[4].

of C. nivalis, but there are several research

Normally, snow appears white because it

Unfortunately, there is little that we can do

spread and how climate change predictions

reflects all wavelengths of the visible light

to stop this biological phenomenon, but

can accommodate for the blooming of snow

spectrum. However, the blooming of a

what we can do is prepare for future

algae.

special type of algae called

environmental effects caused by glacier

Chlamydomonas nivalis, also known as snow

melts and slow the effects of global

This still leaves the question: What can we

algae, causes snow to have a pink

warming. The reproductive cycles of snow

do? The first thing to note is that the

discoloration, hence its “watermelon”

algae depend on having melted water and

increased temperatures caused by the

nickname.

ice to bloom in, and the rising temperatures

Greenhouse Effect is one of the factors in

caused by the increase in carbon emissions

promoting the melting of the ice which in

only speeds this up.

turn spurs algal blooms and the acceleration

INTRODUCTION

COUNTERMEASURES

institutes gathering information about its

C. nivalis is a cryophilic, or cold-loving,

of ice melting. To minimize your contribution

bacteria that is most common in the northern alpine and Arctic regions of the Earth, and

BENEFITS TO THE LOCAL ECOSYSTEM

as a green alga. It is a unicellular eukaryote

Despite the fact that C. nivalis is a driving

Even small things can have a great effect,

that reproduces by producing two daughter

force in the melting of polar ice, C. nivalis

such as turning off lights that you aren’t

cells, each with two "movement" flagella

also plays an important role in the polar

using, as the electricity required to power

that move to the surface of the snow, where

ecosystem, serving as a producer at the

them comes from the burning of coal. The 10

they can form non mobile zygotes [1]. The

bottom of a simple food chain where it is

hours that you might save on a 100-watt bulb

main reason why pink snow is so dangerous

preyed on and somewhat regulated by

saves an entire pound of coal [5].

is because of the red carotenoid pigment C.

protozoans, rotifers, tardigrades, and

nivalis produces, called astaxanthin.

collembola [1].

In the end, the earth can only ever be what we make of it, and if we aren’t careful, the

Although it reflects UV light and allows the

to this effect, limit use of services and items that depend on the burning of fossil fuels.

contrary to its red color, is actually classified

bacteria to photosynthesize, it has negative

In addition, C. nivalis aplanospores (immotile

polar ice, along with its valuable ecosystems

effects on the snow that it resides in [2].

cells with red pigment) produce a coat of

and diverse wildlife, will disappear.

THE BEAKER

H A C KM E BY LUCY GAO

L e t ’ss a yt h a ty o u ’r eah i g hs c h o o ls t u d e n ti n p o s s e s s i o no ft e c h n o l o g y– t y p i c a l ,r i g h t ?B ei ta p h o n e ,al a p t o p ,ad e s k t o pc o m p u t e r ,at a b l e t ,o r s o m eo t h e rt e c h n o l o g i c a ld e v i c e ,y o u ’r ec o n n e c t e dt o o u rm o d e r n ,d i g i t a lw o r l d .A n dl i k em o s t ,y o u ’r e d e c e n t l ya w a r eo fc y b e r s e c u r i t y .Y o uk n o ww h a tt h e w o r d“h a c k i n g ” m e a n s .Y o uk n o ww h a ta“h a c k e r ” i s .A h a c k e ri ss i m p l ys o m e o n ew h of i n d sv u l n e r a b i l i t i e s , o rw e a k n e s s e s ,i nac o m p u t e rs y s t e ma n de x p l o i t st h e m – u s u a l l yt ot h e i ro w na d v a n t a g e[ 1 ] .

C O N T I N U E▸

M c G i l l ’ss e r v e rh o n e y p o tb e i n gh a c k e db yab o ta t1 : 5 3P M ,f o r t yo n em i n u t e sa f t e rb e i n gs e tu pa t1 : 1 2 .T h eu s e r n a m e p a s s w o r dc o m b i n a t i o n" r o o t r o o t " i sc o m m o n ,a n de x e c u t i n gt h e“s h ” c o m m a n da l l o w st h eb o tt or u ni t so w np r o g r a m sa n dc o d e .

You’re cautious enough of these shady,

not really. You frown slightly and scroll

up a small, insecure server to function as a

computer savvy, potentially creepy people

down. The subject of the email is weird,you

honeypot, a lure for hackers and their bots.

that twist computers and networks around

think. It’s a plea for money. Why would Amy

With his purposely minimal amount of

their little fingers. After all, you’ve definitely

need money so urgently? A little wary, you

security, he was hacked in less than an hour

read all those security emails your email

read on. The email reads:

[4].

provider sends you, and you’ve picked up some knowledge through the Internet and your friends. Those news articles about massive cyberattacks and breaches are fresh in your mind, and you’ve read time and time again to not use “password” as your password. Your social media and web accounts, and computer are locked with passwords, your cyber security is managed by your antivirus, you probably have a

A ms o r r yt ob o t h e ry o u .Ia mc u r r e n t l y o v e r s e a s .I nL o n d o n .Ij u s tl o s ta l lo fm y v a l u a b l ei t e m s ,p h o n ea n dw a l l e t .Ic a n n o tp a y f o rh o t e la n ds t r a n d e do u t s i d e .P l e a s es e n d m o n e yt h r o u g hc r e d i tc a r do rP a y p a l . T h a n k s A m y

more than 300 different IP addresses corresponding to different devices, though we must take into account that his server was a virtual Amazon one that was more prone to attack.

he point is, no one is completely protected. No one has perfect cybersecurity. No one has the perfect defense. With enough effort,

firewall up, and nothing ever really appears out of the ordinary.

Tn a single day, his server was attacked by

Weird.

anyone can be hacked. As the CEO of Cloudflare, Matthew Prince, states, “‘The

So... you’re protected, right? You’re just one

The sentences sound awkward, and there

IPv4 address space just isn’t that big. You

person out of seven billion, and it’s not like

are errors in the email, not to mention that

can now run a scan across that entire space

you’re in possession of something that

Amy should currently be in school. It’s a

in hours, especially if you have a big botnet’”

hackers want, right?

weekday, and today isn’t particularly close to

[4]. Hackers scanning the whole of the

a break or holiday. You hesitate, not having

Internet is possible. The Internet isn’t safe. It’s

Not quite.

a good feeling about sending a reply.

large, yes, but not large enough to offer

It’s a normal day when you come home from

This, is a phishing email. It’s not an actual

valid protection for all of us. If something

school, sling down your backpack with a

email sent to you by Amy. Rather, this

hooked up to the web is public and poorly

sigh, and plop yourself in front of your

phishing email was probably sent by a bot,

protected, being hacked in a week is no

computer. You prop a hand under your chin

or an automated computer or program

surprise [4]. Most people have already been

and unlock your computer, clicking open your

controlled by a hacker [2]. Phishing emails

hacked multiple times by the time they reach

email. 5 new emails, your email blinks. You

are made to try persuading users into giving

adulthood [5]. The dangers of hacking are

shift your hand on your mouse and click the

up their account passwords, bank account

real and quite startling, as even the most

most recent email that shows up in your

access, and so on.

ordinary and the most inconspicuous of us all can be found, all within a shockingly small

inbox. Phishing isn’t the only way someone can Huh?

time frame.

hack. There’s numerous options a hacker has open to them, spanning from trojans, zombie

Although, hacking isn’t something that is

It’s an email from your friend Amy. But you

computers, and viruses to logging keystrokes,

unsolvable. Being hacked is something that

haven’t seen her since she moved away in

brute forcing passwords, and using

is surprising, but it’s not something that

middle school - the two of you had fallen out

backdoors [3].

should pin us down with crippling, mind blowing fear. Not everything that connects

of touch by then. The two of you weren’t extremely close friends, either. Same grade,

Getting hacked isn’t actually all that rare.

to the web is standing in the face of attack.

same class, same group of friends but

Andrew McGill, a writer for The Atlantic, set

You yourself aren’t in point blank range.

Still, there are steps we all should take to

get your information, they have the full

4. Watch which links you click on, and be

protect ourselves.

ability to try the same password on all of

wary of phishing.

your other accounts. You don’t need to delve deep into the

Links can be disguised to redirect to other

mechanisms of your computer system and fix

2. Update the software and operating

places, and phishing emails are common. Be

three thousand obscure settings, primed to

system your devices use.

cautious of what you click on, and don’t fall

give your computer the best security you can

for the awkwardly written emails that

get. There are simple things that we all can

Keeping software up to date is important.

proclaim that “You’ve just won three million

do.

This will protect your technology against

dollars!” or sadly beg you for money through

older vulnerabilities hackers try to exploit.

a hacked account of someone you know.

1. Don’t set your password as something

The longer a product, such as a program, is

that is easily cracked. Change your

out in public, the more time hackers have to

Hacking will surely be something that

passwords often, and don’t use the same

pick and find the weaknesses in it.

becomes more common in our quickly

passwords for multiple accounts.

evolving world. As we become more 3. Install an antivirus on your computer.

Probably something you’ve heard before.

dependent on technology and the like, being aware of the dangers of hacking is

Overused, yes, but very useful. When you set

The antivirus you choose is basically the army

important, as well as taking measures to

a password for yourself, don’t set it as “1234”

you entrust to protect your computer. It’s not

protect ourselves from these aforementioned

or your username with a single number

completely necessary to go out of your way

dangers. We don’t live in a pretty little

added to the end. If your password is

to purchase a flashy, ranked number one

bubble; you can be hacked. And sometime

something less than eight characters and full

antivirus. Many cheaper solutions, even free

down the road, you will be hacked. Hacking

of lowercase letters, it could be better. If it’s

ones, work just fine, such as Microsoft

isn’t just something from those futuristic,

a word straight from the dictionary, the

Security Essentials and Avast. It’s up to you

otherworldly sci-fi movies, but a real risk that

password cracking goes even quicker. The

to choose what you like; any antivirus, no

everyone faces. Be smart— don’t use bad

longer your password is the same, the more

matter free or paid, will never do you harm,

cybersecurity to flaunt a huge “HACK ME”

opportunities you give to the hacker. If they

only good.

sign on your back.

craving

likely to experience hallucinations and experience mania if they are regularly being deprived of sleep. It will also affect a person’s reflexes, mood, and ability to think and process information. This can also lead a person to be less productive and more prone to injuries while at work. In turn causing a decline in productivity and a lower income [3]. A lack of sleep is a rapidly growing epidemic that need to be put to an end [4].

On average, an adult should try to receive around 8 hours of sleep each night. Teenagers require at least 9 to 9.5 hours. However, on average many high school students are only sleeping for 7 hours each night. This can be a result of a multitude of situations:

1. Homework and Extracurricular Activities. During high

school, the academic workload increases relative to previous grade levels, and so do the number of activities done outside of school. Often times, students have an 2 to 3 hours or more of homework to do each night. Coupled with multiple hours of after school activity, even a student with great time management skills will be sleeping very late at night.

2. Shifts in Internal Clock. Around high school, many teenagers

experience a change in their bodies that tells them to sleep 2 hours later than they did when they were younger. This causes

BY MICHELLE PRASOUVO

many students to be unable to sleep until later in the night, but are jolted awake earlier than they are physically or mentally prepared for. Thus, an adolescent’s sleep schedule will be compressed and they will not receive enough rapid eye movement (REM) during sleep, in which vivid dreams occur and

Sleep is defined as a state of body and mind which typically

memory is preserved. Without receiving enough REM while

recurs for several hours every night where the nervous system is

sleeping, a student's ability to recall necessary information in the

relatively inactive, the eyes are closed, the postural muscles are

future may be effected. This is because REM allows a person's

relaxed, and consciousness is practically suspended [1]. Sleep

memory to be consolidated and “stuck” in a person's brain so

is one of the most important parts of our day, and teenagers

that the memory can be accessed later. [5]

today are not getting enough of it. Many high school students like to call this “the only time of the day that [they] can finally

3. Earlier School Start Times. Many high schools have earlier

do nothing.” Anyone who has ever visited a high school early in

start times than elementary and middle schools. Due to this and

the morning can attest to seeing many students walking slowly

shifts in teenagers’ internal clock, many high schoolers will go to

and groggily to their classes. Teenagers are at an important

school feeling sleepy and tired because they are not getting

stage in their lives, in which their bodies are growing and their

enough sleep. Many students will have difficulty paying attention

brains are developing. Students often wish they could sleep

to their teachers during class. In turn, a student will end up with

more, with good reason! Sleep takes up about one-third of an

bad grades, which will lead to missed opportunities in the future.

average adult's day. Meaning, that by the end of a person’s life,

[6]

they will have spent approximately 25 years of their lives sleeping [2]. That equates to around 9,125 days of sleeping, or

Sleep deprivation is becoming a widespread problem that is

about 219,000 hours. That’s a lot of time spent sleeping. With all

inhibiting students to rise to their full potentials. Not receiving

this time that humans spend sleeping, there has to be an

enough sleep can result not only in poor performance on tests

important reason why.

and quizzes, but also mood swings. A recent study showed that students who slept for at least 7 hours before the night of a test

Why is sleep important? The quality of sleep you receive at night

ended up scoring 10 points higher than students who received

determines how you will feel the next day. When you are

less sleep [7].

sleeping, unlike the rest of the body, your brain is actually

working very hard. It is filtering information collected during the

Parents and teachers can support students by encouraging them

day, and storing necessary information to prepare itself for the

to sleep earlier and manage their time better. Schools could

next day. Without receiving an adequate amount of sleep, a

even move their start times back to after 8:30 to support the

person will be setting their bodies and minds up for failure in

changes in a student’s internal clocks. [7] These changes can

future days to come. Not receiving enough sleep at night can

help resist sleep deprivation in schools and help students

lead to chronic health problems over time, such as high blood

achieve their highest academic potentials by just getting enough

pressure and an increased risk of stroke. A person is more

sleep.

THE BEAKER

how to build a

BY CHAN PARK

The Star Wars franchise has always intrigued us. From lightsaber

heating and expansion, and most likely explode the Death Star.

battles to space fights starring characters like Han Solo, Darth Vader, and Princess Leia (rest in peace, Carrie Fisher), the

There is a one more approach, however: instead of destroying a

advanced technology in Star Wars is alluring to say the least.

planet from the outside, what if we make the Death Star

The most recent movie, Rogue One, highlights one of the most

explode a planet from its core? The core of the Earth is

popular examples of developed technologyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;The Death Star.

extremely dense and packed with matter; converting its mass to

The Death Star is the gargantuan weapon used by the Dark

energy instantly would release enough energy to destroy the

Side to destroy planets. Although the specifics of how it

planet [1]. This is possible with the help of a material called

operates is not known, several possibilities are at hand. If we

antimatter. Antimatter is basically the opposite of normal matter;

take into consideration what we can do with modern

it consists of antiprotons, antineutrons, and positrons instead of

technology, building a Death Star may not be that far out of

the usual subatomic particles. Thus, when an amount of

reach.

antimatter collides with an equal amount of matter, both of the masses turn into pure energy [3]. Therefore, a mass of antimatter

First, the measurements. The Earth is about 6 x 1024 kilograms

about the size of a small asteroid would be enough to blow a

of matter, which means that the force of gravity holding it

planet the size of Earth up from its core [1]. If we direct a chunk

together is tremendous. In order to destroy a planet such as the

of antimatter of this size to the core of the planet with a laser, it

Earth, there would have to be something strong enough to

would destroy the planet, similar to how the Death Star

overcome the gravitational binding energy. The energy that it

obliterated planets in the movies [1]. Antimatter itself is not

would take to overcome gravity and blow the planet apart is

science fiction; scientists have already created antimatter atoms

estimated to be about 2.24 x 1032 Joules of energy [2]. As of

in labs [3]. By binding these atoms together and isolating the

now, this is not possible; the strongest laser blasts on Earth can

product in a vacuum, we can store and transport it anywhere.

only release about 106 Joules of energy [2]. Although the incredible scientific feats conducted in the Star Another alternative to power our real life Death Star is

Wars franchise seem too futuristic to even consider attempting,

harnessing the energy of the Sun. After all, the Sun releases a

some of it seems possible to recreateâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;although making a

constant 3.8 x 1026 Watts of power [1]. Therefore, in order to

planet-obliterating weapon like the Death Star may not be the

destroy a planet with the energy of the Sun, the solar energy

best option. Nevertheless, the fact that such a piece of

would have to be contained, stored, ignited with a fusion

advanced technology seems not far from our reaches shows how

reaction, and focused on a planet such as Earth [1]. However,

far we have come in science and gives a glimpse of what awaits

this is a foolish idea, as the energy would cause tremendous

us in our future of endless possibilities.

humans, here i come BY SANIYA REVANKAR

Artificial intelligence (also known as AI) surrounds us everywhere. Some examples are programs such as Siri and Google, and also online chess, and video games. However, what is artificial intelligence? Artificial intelligence can be defined as computer machines that can perform tasks that are normally done by humans. These machines are able to think and act like humans. Over the years artificial intelligence has grown significantly, and hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how.

Many people think that artificial intelligence originated around the

toys") become commercially available, realizing the vision of the 18th

1900s, but the first known usage of artificial intelligence was actually

cen. novelty toy makers” [1]. Remember back to the eighteenth century

in the 13th century. In 1206 AD, an inventor named Al-Jazari, designed

when mechanical toys were created? Precisely how children played

what is believed to be a programmed boat that carried four

with those, nowadays children play with toy robots. It is very common

mechanical musicians, powered by the flow of water. Soon after,

to see a home with a toy robot dog. However, all of the robotics

devices such as clocks were created in the fifteenth century, and later

research and growth of artificial intelligence wasn’t a waste. Toys are

progressed into small, mechanical toys in the sixteenth century.

just a small part of the robots today. Another benefit of artificial intelligence is how the robots can perform tasks that we humans

Fast forward to the first half of the twentieth century, when electricity

cannot. An article lists, “The Nomad robot explores remote regions of

began to take effect on the inventions. Robots such as Electro the

Antarctica looking for meteorite samples.” [1]. This robot helps scientist

mechanical man, and his mechanical pet, Sparko, were invented.

gather new findings that humans are not able to do. Without it,

Chess machines using electromagnets under the board, which could

research cannot be made in that area, only because humans are

have possible been the first internet game, were made. Scientists

unable to perform the task. Currently there is a rover on Mars aiding

created more machines, proposed more theories, and published more

our research. It has obtained valuable information that we would have

findings. By 1950, Isaac Asimov created the three laws of robotics. The

never received without it.

first laws states, that a robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm. This means that a

Although there are some potential dangers to the increasing use of

robot cannot hurt another human in any way. The second law dictates,

artificial intelligence, these problems could be easily avoided. We all

a robot must obey orders given it by human beings except where such

know of the new concept of self driving cars. A potential problem

orders would conflict with the first law. A robot that makes its own

brought up about the subject states,” Suppose we tell a self-driving

commands cannot be created, unless the command makes the robot

car to “get us to the airport as quickly as possible!”. Would the

harm a human. Lastly, the third law describes how a robot can protect

autonomous driving system put the pedal to the metal and drive at 300

its own existence as long as such protection doesn’t conflict with the

mph while running over pedestrians?” [2]. Remembering back to the

first or second law. A robot should be able to protect itself, however

second law of robotics, when you command a car to do task, it is

the first two laws cannot be broken because of this third law. Those

programmed to listen to whatever you say. However what many people

three laws of robotics that must be followed when creating robots.

are forgetting is that the car cannot injure other humans. The car will stop immediately before injuring another person Another problem

After the laws of robotics were fashioned, the growth of robotics and

describes,”A second set of risks is cyberattacks: criminals and

artificial intelligence increased dramatically. Before, only machines

adversaries are continually attacking our computers with viruses and

were evident; however, the term artificial intelligence started being

other forms of malware,” [2]. Its very simple for a person to hack into

used. Programs to play checkers and chess against a computer were

our personal computers, phones, etc.. All a hacker need is to form a

made. In 1962, Unimation, the first industrial robot company was

certain algorithm to put into a virus, then spread the virus. The virus

founded, and soon, more companies followed. About ten years later, a

could appear on an app, email, or website. Yet, there can be

functional robotic arm was created by another person. Over time, the

precautions for this. When logging onto a website, or downloading an

robotic arm developed into something greater, and many new ideas

app, making sure it is a safe, reliable website is the smart thing to do.

sprouted.

So even if robots are not taking over the world, it would be safe to take precautions to avoid any other issues that could risk our privacy.

So, why is learning about AI important? The simple answer is how it affects us. Artificial intelligence has emerged on a whole new level,

In summary, artificial intelligence has grown significantly since the first

and we see it everyday.The benefits to having robots assist our lives

clock created. All of the initial theories and concepts have led to the

are endless. One use for artificial intelligence is for entertainment.

wonderful technology we have today. Although there are some risks,

When we go to a toy store, we see toys like robot dogs, and dolls that

the benefits of the new ideas and inventions of the things to come will

can talk and move. Like the past, "Interactive robot pets (a.k.a. "smart

improve the quality of our everyday lives.

CRISPR EXPLAINED BY SUKRUTH KADABA

Recently, scientists have made a discovery that could either make the world immeasurably better for a large number of people or create the groundwork for a 1984 style real-life nightmare. For years now, biotechnology scientists all over the world have pursued ways to edit the human genome. CRISPR’s discovery in 2012 has created a potential gene-altering breakthrough. Its name is an acronym for the phrase “clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats”, though its purpose is simpler than its rather intimidating name. Originally used in bacterial immune systems, CRISPR is a process in which RNA is “programmed” to find and “cut” sequences of DNA [1]. It can alter genes cheaply and with more accuracy and speed than any previously used methods [2]. This unparalleled new efficiency opens up a storm of possibilities in genetic modification. And that's only the genetic diseases. Think of the benefits we could Currently, the applications of CRISPR are limited by the short amount

achieve by modifying organisms other than ourselves. Think of the

of time in which scientists have had to study it. Even though it is a

organ transplants that could be made by modifying barnyard animals

relatively new technology, it is already making waves in the scientific

to grow human organs [2]. The possibilities are truly endless.

community. In 2015, the world learned that Chinese scientists used CRISPR to edit the genes of a human embryo, which was unviable and

However, for all the good things that are made possible by this

therefore could not develop into a human being. More recently, a

revolutionary new technology, there are also an enormous amounts of

British scientists gained approval to use other human embryos in

negative possibilities that could become a reality. For starters, the very

experiments [1]. Even though none of the embryos in these examples

fact that a genetic change made by CRISPR could permanently affect

will be growing into actual genetically modified human beings, these

the entire human species makes it a point of concern. If a mistake is

practices still have prompted important conversations about the

made in a modification, the consequences could be horrific [2].

regulations and ethics needing to be put in place regarding genetic

Additionally, there are numerous ethical and religious concerns that

modification. This revolutionary new technology has a myriad of

deserve to be taken into account, especially in the creation of

possibilities both positive and negative and therefore requires

genetically enhanced human beings, or “designer babies”, as they

regulation.

have been dubbed [4]. And that’s just the possible ways benevolent intentions can go wrong.With CRISPR technology, it might become

Alzheimers. Hemochromatosis. Parkinson’s. Cystic fibrosis. These are all

much easier for nefarious people to create powerful diseases [5].

genetic diseases. Even though modern science has found ways to treat these horrible disorders, there is no way to cure them. Because

Overall, the advent of this new CRISPR technology has created both

these diseases arise from the sufferer’s own DNA, there is currently no

good and bad possibilities, and with them many questions about

way to completely and permanently take away their effects like we

morality, safety, and ethics. While the possible fruits of this technology

can do with a simple case of the flu. However, CRISPR offers an

might seem like something, for want of a better cliche, straight out of

opportunity to permanently defeat these genetic plagues. Through

a science fiction book, the ramifications it could have, both positive

CRISPR, the rouge DNA that causes these ailments can be replaced

and negative are very real and will be coming very soon. As the

with more benevolent strands of life. Better yet, since genetic changes

generation that will most likely have to decide exactly what rules and

made by CRISPR could be heritable, giving one generation these

regulations must be put in place regarding genetic modification, we

modifications could completely eliminate the diseases from the human

have a duty to know about these issues. Think about these possibilities

gene pool [2]. One treatment could make the next generation and all

and make informed decisions.

later generations safe from the ravages of these illnesses. The amount of suffering that could be eliminated is simply beyond comprehension.

THE BEAKER

Your children and grandchildren just might thank you for it.

a star-destroying force of wonder

BY AYESHA ASLAM-MIR

Black holes are one of the universe’s greatest mysteries and any

In fact, black holes do not suck, in a sense, but rather act as large

astronomer’s greatest wonder. Behind these strange yet magnificent

holes in the fabric of space, and therefore objects are not “sucked”

forces, many theories and observations have been noted. Any

into a black hole, but are rather falling into one [1]. They are

discovery about a black hole is possibly revolutionary to our

unavoidable chasms within the universe. Due to their properties, black

understanding of how they contribute to the structure of the overall

holes cannot be tracked by telescopes that observe radiation or light,

universe.

but their presences can be predicted by the properties of the matter affected around them [1].

Black holes are small yet supermassive (and yes, supermassive) structures. These wonders are created from the death of a star. After

In terms of classical mechanics, black holes are known to be massive,

an explosive supernova marking the star’s true end, the remains may

even frightening voids that consume dust, gas, and light that are

create one of these black holes [3]. Another way a star creates a

present around it. However, it has been observed that black holes can

black hole is by collapsing into itself. Toward the end of a star’s life, if

attract stars as well. The gravitational force of a black hole is so

a star is massive enough, its own gravity can cause it to consume itself

strong that, indeed, even a star is no match for its power. In 2015,

due to its mass until it reaches the stage of a stellar black hole [1].

scientists observed an incredible, record-breaking supernova which outshined the entire Milky Way [2]. After further study, scientists

A black hole’s unique physique creates a superstrong gravitational

conducted the theory that this incredible supernova was caused by a

force that allows absolutely nothing to escape, creating the literal

star that traveled too close to a supermassive black hole. Giorgos

light-sucking voids known today [3]. These cosmic wonders are

Leloudas of the Weizmann Institute of Science explains, “A

composed of different sections. On the surface of the black hole is the

supermassive black hole exerts enormous tidal forces on any star that

layer known as the event horizon, which determines a particle’s fate;

comes too close and basically rips the star apart” [2]. Leloudas’s

once a particle, whether it’s dust or even light, reaches the event

observations led his team to believe that the star did indeed reach

horizon, it cannot escape the black hole’s force [1]. Next comes the

such a fate described with strange radiation emissions that contrast a

point of the highest concentration of the black hole’s mass, known as

normal star’s supernova. With his astronomy team, Leloudas was able

the singularity [1]. More thoroughly stated, when quantum mechanics

to theorize that the star’s gases were torn away and gathered around

are considered, black holes also contain anti-particles, which are

toward the even horizon of the black hole until they fell in, releasing

particles that can cause the black hole to decay [1].

the radiation and light that caused the extreme flashbang the scientists observed [2]. This theory also suggests the presence of a

Not all black holes are the same; there are stellar (the smallest),

supermassive black hole from a galaxy five billion light years away,

supermassive (the largest), and intermediate black holes. Each is

which could have a mass one-hundred million times that of our sun [2].

theorized to have formed from the deaths of stars with different qualities, or even from different events. Some scientists theorize that

The process theorized here is an example of one way our galaxy’s

some resulted from the big bang, while others, such as the

greatest wonder, the black hole, accomplishes their magnificent

supermassive ones, could be created from the combining of smaller,

gravitational feats. Studies based on these powerful forces continue

stellar black holes [1]. Do not be mistaken, however, as each black hole

to create relevant theories which bring us closer to discovering and

contains a strong, deadly gravitational force that cannot be escaped.

understanding one of the universe’s most fascinating mysteries.

THE DEBATE:

Ban Animal Use in Testing Scientists conduct animal testing in order to develop medical treatments, evaluate toxicity of various chemicals, and other uses. However, some have expressed concerns as to how animals are treated during these procedures and have used anecdotal evidence to justify banning animals in scientific research. For example, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) portrays animals used in testing as starved, tortured, and essentially slaughtered. Two of our writers, Shubham and Aruna, weigh in on this controversial issue.

Pros

BY SHUBHAM GUPTA

Cons

BY ARUNA SUDARSHAN

It would be a lie to say that animal testing hasn’t benefitted us in

First, it is important for us to understand that there are strict

science. With the use of animals, humanity has seen the

regulations associated with animal testing [6]. The Animal Welfare

development of stroke treatment, eradication of polio, and greater

Act requires that ensured alternatives are being used whenever

understanding of drug addiction [2]. While the animals may have

possible. Additionally, the Public Service Health Policy requires that

suffered during the testing, they ultimately have allowed for

animal use must be justified. This prevents unnecessary abuse of

thousands, possibly millions, of lives to be saved.

animals in research laboratories. In fact, according to the ICCVAM Authorization Act of 2000, laboratories are required to support the

But where do we draw the line?

development of alternative methods that reduce use of animals in testing.

I am not going to go all PETA and argue that animal testing is pure evil, as that is an uphill battle. However, what I WILL say is that we

This brings up an interesting question. Why do we still use animals

have alternatives that can achieve the same goals in a more

if alternative technology is available?

humane manner. The most commonly used alternative is the in vitro test, which is a When civilization existed before the age of the iPhone, our

test conducted on smaller parts of organisms in test tubes/petri

resources were limited. We couldn’t conduct virtual drug trials on

dishes. In this method, animals themselves are not used for testing.

computers, much less use a computer for anything but

While this method may sound ideal to many [7], it has not been

mathematical calculations. So, it was acceptable at the time for

developed enough to encompass all the different varieties of

animals to be used for the sake of the greater good.

testing conducted. For example, in vitro tests cannot be used to reliably identify substances that cause birth defects or cancer.

However, scientific progress has provided us with new technology that we can tap into for research. Just some of these methods

Immune cells produce monoclonal antibodies[mABs] that are

include in vitro test tube methods, computer simulations, and

commonly used for diagnostic tests and purification of compounds

noninvasive imaging techniques like MRIs and CT scans.

[5]. When in vitro tests are used the concentration of liquid produced by the mABs are lower. This causes the antibodies to

Furthermore, these new methods have greater benefits than

lose many of their original qualities that are key for lab testing.

animal testing holds. For one, they are far more accurate. Take skin irritant identification, for example. Conventionally, scientists would

While a ban of animal testing may seem like the most ideal option

look to rabbit testing, which has a less than outstanding 40% error

to ensure that animals are protected, a certain degree of animal

rate. Essentially, 40 out of every 100 chemicals were given a false

testing is necessary in labs. Even as technology becomes more

positive or negative. On the other hand, EpiDerm, an in vitro test,

modernized, it hasn’t reached the level where it can completely

correctly identified every single chemical [1]. This significant

replace animal testing. It is clear that right now, banning animal

disparity is indicative of the potential that alternatives to animal

testing is not the most realistic option.

testing hold.

That’s not all. These other methods are cheaper and faster as well. In average sunscreen tests on animals, for instance, completion requires months upon months of grueling work. However, DakDak, an alternative test, completed trials in a matter of days and tested five to six products at half the price the animal study took to test only one product [1]. Once again, we see that alternative methods are not only more efficient but also far less expensive than animal testing.

Advocates for animal testing may argue that there are already regulatory laws concerning animal testing, such as the 2000 ICCVAM Authorization Act. But, let’s take a closer look at their texts. Note that the act does not apply to “research related to the causes, diagnosis, treatment, control, or prevention of physical or mental diseases or impairments” [3]. Clearly, the ICCVAM Act does not significantly impact animal testing, as it does not apply to many scenarios where animal testing is actually used. Instead, a ban would better maximize the aforementioned benefits of alternative methods over animal testing.

While animal research was useful in the past, we have methods today that are far more accurate, efficient, and humane. Let’s break current convention and make these other methods the new norm. Let’s make faster testing with better results the new norm. Let’s make valuing the animals’ quality of life the new norm. After all, that would be the “human” thing to do.

THE BEAKER

insert title here As in, I took my own advice and went to sleep instead of staying up until the unholy hours of the night trying to think of a title.

BY ANGELA CHEN

It is night. The sky is dark, save for a few twinkling stars and a sliver of

Australia and the UK, the 11% of students who took practice tests the

moon. The road is dark, save for a flickering street lamp and a fading

day before an exam scored higher than those who studied in other

porch light. The house is dark, save for the dim glow of your room. And

ways, such as going over notes or cramming [1]. Other study tips that

your room is dark—oh wait, it’s not. The grouchy laptop screen glares at

may help include the Pomodoro Technique, a simple time management

you from your desk, the nearly drained phone trudges toward its

system that consists of short “sprints” of work and regular breaks.

charger, and the overworked lamp slouches on your bedside table.

Basically, you set a timer for 25 minutes (one Pomodoro), work until the

And poor you, sitting in the middle of it all, are somehow a

timer goes off, take a five minute break, and set the timer again. If a

combination of all three electronic devices at once—frustrated, tired,

distraction pops up in your head during any Pomodoro, you write it

desperate for sleep, but still awake at Way Too Late A.M., clinging on

down on a piece of paper and worry about it later. And after you’ve

to a single thought: I need to finish this by morning. And “this” too

worked for four Pomodoros, you take a twenty to thirty minute break

often refers to homework or studying for an exam.

[5]. Although this method might be difficult to commit to at first, it boosts productivity significantly. If practice tests and the Pomodoro

Let’s face it, most of us high school students have either stayed up late

Technique aren’t as effective as you’d like, there are always other

doing school work or will stay up late doing school work in the future.

random study tips: write notes by hand instead of typing them, read

We’re all driven towards academic success to some degree, and at a

the most important concepts out loud to remember them better [6], or

competitive school like Del Norte, where so much importance is placed

try holistic learning by making connections between new information

on test scores and grades, balancing all you need to do while

and past information to develop a deeper understanding of the

performing well in academics can be extremely difficult. But if you’re

material [7]. If all else fails, find someone who's really good at the

struggling with school, you’re in luck today. Here’s a compilation of the

subject you’re struggling in, pester them about their study habits, and

top three most important things you can do to become more

ask them for help. Asking your teacher for advice is also a viable

academically successful.

option. Chances are, someone will have a tip that could help.

Number One: Be self-disciplined. Yes, it is difficult to force yourself to

Number Three: Get enough rest. Let’s be real here, we don’t need a

not watch six hours straight of cat videos on YouTube and to instead

professional study or an elaborate experiment to know that the

do the six hours of APEC homework you have on your plate (I’ve been

majority of us are sleep-deprived. Sleep is important to both our

there), but self-discipline is a crucial key to academic success. One of

academic success and our overall health, yet we often sacrifice this

the biggest parts of self-discipline is—okay, don’t freak out—creating a

simple necessity to finish homework and study for tests. Studies show

timetable. Yes, I hear your groaning. Yes, I know that timetables are

that getting seven hours of sleep as opposed to six the night before a

extremely difficult to commit to. But according to Douglas Barton,

test can boost your performance on the exam by nearly 10% [2].

founder of a study program called Elevate Education, timetables

Getting enough sleep also ensures that you’re fully alert and energetic

aren’t impossible, and you can make them easier to follow—if you

throughout the day [3]. While many people debate over what the

make them right. When surveyed, about 85% of year eleven students in

optimal sleep time for a teenager is, most agree that seven to nine

the UK created their timetables by laying out the days of the week and

hours is enough. If you absolutely cannot get enough sleep at night

immediately putting in homework and studying. However, the vast

and it’s affecting your performance during the day, try taking a nap.

majority of these students threw out their timetables in less than a

Twenty minute naps will improve alertness, enhance motor skills,

month [1]. Why? Because when your days are crammed with nothing

brighten your mood, and leave little trace of grogginess. Meanwhile, a

but work, life becomes boring and frustrating. Plus, nobody can be one

sixty to ninety minute nap will help create new connections in your

hundred percent productive one hundred percent of the time; we all

brain and boost your creativity and problem-solving skills [4]. Overall,

need breaks every so often. On the other hand, Barton’s survey showed

sleep is a necessity, whether it’s at night or in the afternoon, and

that the small percentage of students who put non-study activities into

sleeping more will not only boost your academic performance but also

their timetables first were far more likely to commit to their timetables

benefit your health.

for months, even years [1]. So instead of laying out the days of the week and cramming in school work, prioritize something you love to do

Lastly, remember to take care of yourself. Academic success may be

by putting it in first. Whether you’re interested in a hobby, sport, club,

an important goal, but in reality, a test score and a GPA are little more

or any other activity, putting it into your timetable first ensures that you

than numbers. Your physical and mental health are much more

always have an enjoyable activity to look forward to, thus making your

important than your grades, and if you throw away your well-being in

day less tedious and your timetable easier to commit to.

exchange for an A on your next math test, you’re doing your future self more harm than good. So the next time you’re up at Way Too Late

Number Two: Strive to work smarter, not harder. Of course, hard work

A.M., close the cover of your grouchy, glaring laptop. Plug your nearly

is an important component of academic success, but utilizing more

drained phone into its charger. Turn off that overworked lamp

effective study methods will help you learn more than repeating study

slouching on your bedside table. Tuck yourself into bed, and know that

habits that don’t work. One of the most effective study methods is

the fading porch light, the flickering street lamp, the twinkling stars,

taking practice tests. In Barton’s surveys of year eleven students in

and the sliver of moon will all thank you later.

THE BEAKER

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Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.

Marie Curie