Volume 2 — Issue 4
The SSC’s Official Science Newspaper
SAMIK DOSHI (YEAR 2)
WHAT ARE THREE WORDS YOU’D USE TO DESCRIBE YOURSELF? Approachable, Kind-hearted, Fun WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO RUN FOR PRES? As a current USC Councillor, I’ve seen how council presidents could do an amazing job even without a lot of experience. Such people have inspired me to take initiative and empower myself to become a leader. COULD YOU EMPHASIZE A PLATFORM POINT FOR THE SCIENCE STUDENT BODY? My biggest platform point is that we need to improve the communication between sophs and SSC to establish a stronger relationship between them. WHAT IS A REASON THAT YOU WOULD VOTE FOR THE OTHER CANDIDATE, AND WHAT IS A REASON YOU WOULDN’T? I would vote for Andrew because he is an experienced and ambitious leader. However, one reason I wouldn’t vote for him is because I find him unapproachable and unfriendly at times. IF YOU COULD BE AN ANIMAL, WHAT WOULD YOU BE, AND WHY? I’d like to be a spider because I am afraid of them. As an individual, I believe it’s important to conquer one’s fears in order to grow as a person. VISIT DOSHI’S PLATFORM: https://www.facebook.com/ events/241228125958220/
uwoscience.ca/thecurrent
GET TO KNOW YOUR SSC PRESIDENT
SAMIK DOSHI ANDREW VO
ANDREW VO (YEAR 3)
WHAT ARE THREE WORDS YOU’D USE TO DESCRIBE YOURSELF? Ambitious, Dedicated, Experienced WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO RUN FOR PRES? I’ve been a member of the Science Students’ Council for three years. As president, I’d like to step in as a mediator for council discussions and help the SSC focus on achieving its goals. COULD YOU EMPHASIZE A PLATFORM POINT FOR THE SCIENCE STUDENT BODY? There are several core issues within the SSC, such as trying to reach out to students in science that have been circulating since I joined the SSC. I’d like to bring these issues to light and find a real solution for them. WHAT IS A REASON THAT YOU WOULD VOTE FOR THE OTHER CANDIDATE, AND WHAT IS A REASON YOU WOULDN’T? I wouldn’t vote for Samik because he is inexperienced. As to why I would vote for him...I’m not sure. IF YOU COULD BE AN ANIMAL, WHAT WOULD YOU BE, AND WHY? Unfortunately, I am not a zoologist and thus am unqualified to answer that question. VISIT VO’S PLATFORM: https://www.facebook.com/vote4vo
STUDENT LIFE
Because we should care too Why a science student should be USC president Morgan Wright Current Contributor
So the USC elections have been underway a little over a week now, and it is shaping up to another very interesting presidential election. Through the array of talented candidates, all coming from unique academic backgrounds, there is something about candidate Logan Ross that catches my eye. Sure she is a pretty face, but that is not what I’m talking about. She is a 3rd year Environmental Science student, and the only candidate running from the Faculty of Science. Given that we are the second largest faculty on
campus, why haven’t there been more successful candidates from science? Maybe we just haven’t had the right representative, that is, until now. What makes Logan such an intriguing candidate is difficult to place. As far as USC experience goes, her list is not long, but her experience as an involved student is formidable. Experience, USC or student related alike isn’t it though. It wasn’t until I had the opportunity to sit down and talk with Logan that I really understood. What makes her such a strong contender is simply her honesty. While I have to say her slogan is nowhere near as catchy as the current president’s “Forgione. For You.”, “Because I ...continued on page 2
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I don’t need to change what’s good about the USC at this school. [I] just [want to] continue changing what needs improvement. -Logan Ross
”
Courtesy of loganross.ca
The sole responsibility for the content of this publication lies with the authors. Its contents do not reflect the opinion of the University Students’ Council of the University of Western Ontario (“USC”). The USC assumes no responsibility or liability for any error, inaccuracy, omission or comment contained in this publication or for any use that may be made of such information by the reader.
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The Current—February 2012
FEATURED
Oh Cool hi science there Valentine’s Day facts to fill the awkward silence Ryann Kwan Features Editor
Ah, it’s that time of year again. The world forgets that there are colours other than red, pink and white. Everywhere you look, things are covered in paper cut-out hearts and the price of roses get jacked up. Interestingly, half-naked, fat babies with wings and loaded weapons become adorable, and you can forget about that new year’s resolution to eat healthier, because stores are pushing chocolate like there’s no tomorrow. Valentine’s Day, how we love you. Now whether you’ve got the perfect date planned for your special someone or you’re still working up the nerve to ask out that cute guy or girl in your orgo lab, you can never be too prepared for the big day. We’ve heard enough FML stories to know just how many things can go wrong, so we’re
also be so dazzled by your brilliance, you can be sure he/she will fall in love with you on the spot. And yes, you can send us a thank you card later. Speaking of the colour pink... There’s actually no such thing as pink light. Remember the colours of the rainbow? ROYGBIV? Yeah, there’s no “P” in there. As it turns out, when we see things as pink, we’re actually seeing a combination of red and blue light. More accurately, since pink objects absorb green light and reflect everything else, “pink light” is actually white light minus green. About those heart decorations... As a Science student in university, I expect you already know that the heart (<3) that is currently being plastered all over the city doesn’t look anything like an actual heart. At all. So where’d the symbol come from? Two theories. One: back in the early 14th century, Aristotle wrote an anatomy text in which he described the shape of the human heart. Only problem was that he made a mistake. Artists read his faulty descrip-
Courtesy of Deidre Walsh Wordpress here to help you through at least one pitfall that would otherwise spoil your night for good. Nothing quite ruins a romantic date like awkward silence. And no, I’m not talking about those random moments when the whole room suddenly goes quiet until that kid in the back shouts out “awkward silence!”. I’m talking about you and your date avoiding eye contact, playing with your food, pulling invisible threads off your clothes, or inspecting your nails because you have nothing say to each other. Talk about a mood-killer. But not to worry, we’ve got you covered. If you find yourself completely lacking in conversation topics, all you’ve got to do is recite a few of the following Valentine’s-related science facts. Not only will you have broken that awful silence, but your date will
tion, and using it as a reference, they drew hearts with the indent that we see in the symbol today. By the time anatomists finally got around to fixing the text (in the 16th century—yeah, took them that long), the symbol was so integrated into the visual art world, it was too late to change it. Two: The heart shape may be a tribute to certain aspects of the female body (three in particular, which I’m betting you can rhyme off right now), which are associated with sex, sensuality, and passion (…so in other words, love). Oh hi there expensive roses… Did you know roses can’t naturally make blue pigments? Any blue rose you see in the store is just a white rose that has been dyed blue. But we’ve been trying to make a naturally blue rose for
Current Staff Cecilia Kwok — Editor-in-Chief Ryann Kwan — Features Editor Kevin Chen — Wire Editor Steven Robillard — Creative Editor Akemi Liyanage — External Editor Harmony Hsieh — Photographer
AGES. Back in 1840, the horticultural society of Britain even offered 500 000 francs to the first person who could accomplish this impossible feat. But no one ever did. Until now. There are three primary pigments that cause colour in flowers: cyanidin, pelargonidin, and delphinidin. Once coded for by their respective genes, the precursors of these pigments—which are colourless—need to be modified into their coloured forms by the enzyme dihydroflavinol reductase (DFR). While roses have the genes necessary to produce cyanidin (which makes flowers red or pink) and the cyanidin-specific DFR, they do not have the gene to produce delphinidin (which makes flowers blue) at all. To create a blue rose, geneticists inserted the delphinidin gene and the delphinidin-compatible DFR gene from a petunia into a normal red rose. The resulting mutant rose had high levels of delphinidin in its petals, but the combination of its natural cyanidin and the delphinidin produced a rose of a deep burgundy colour. So to get a fully blue rose, the rose’s natural DFR gene was first knocked out using RNAi (RNA interference) in order to block the cyanidin pathway (so the rose wouldn’t produce any red pigment). The result was the “Applause” rose, which went on sale in Canada this past November. It’s more of a light purple than blue because of the interaction between high levels of delphinidin and small amounts of residual cyanidin, but we should see fully blue roses on the market pretty soon. Having said this, before you go to the florist to buy one of these amazing roses, be warned—each one will cost you about $25. So…can chocolate help you get lucky this Valentine’s day? Well, chocolate does contain tryptophan, which is used to produce serotonin. And serotonin is the neurotransmitter that makes us feel happiness and ecstasy. Chocolate also contains phenylethylalanine, which “promotes” love—it is found in the blood of people who are in love. Having said this, both tryptophan and phenylethylalanine are present in such low amounts, eating a couple chocolate bars may not actually have any of these desired effects. But it can’t hurt to try.
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USC Elections
Courtesy of loganross.ca care.” speaks the truth, just as she has in debates, in person, and throughout the campaign. Her embodiment of “the student for the students” persona is authentic, her visions and goals sincere. By no means am I trying to imply the other candidates have bad intentions, however, from what I have seen thus far in the election, Logan truly just wants to make a difference for us students in the positive direction. “I don’t need to change what’s good about the USC at this school, just continue changing what needs improvement”, states Logan in her very compelling spin on a Rick Mercer rant. I am very relieved to have such a strong candidate who is representative of the whole student body. Considering most of us are not overly involved in the goings of the USC, it nice to see a candidate who herself has no deep-rooted political USC background. Though I appreciate this aspect could be seen as a downfall, from what I have seen, Logan’s experience in other aspects of student life such as her position as a Off-Campus Advisor, involvement on the Science Soph Team and participation in many volunteer initiatives including an international trip with Habitat for Humanity not only makes up for but supersedes her limited experience with the USC. Logan and all she represents have really made me take a harder look into the USC elections and the impact they have on me as an undergraduate student. I challenge you all to take those five minutes between classes to check out all the presidential candidates, and see who has your best interests as a student at heart. Just sharing with you my thoughts. Disclaimer: This is purely an opinion column written by one of our readers and is not representative of the Current or the SSC.
Current Contributors Morgan Wright, Jesse Tahirali, Mark Hewitt, Pauline Reinkeluers
This box is a little empty, don’t you think? Your name could be here, and you could show it off to all of your friends to prove how super amazing you are—contribute to the Current. thecurrent@uwoscience.ca
The Current— February 2012
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POP CULTURE
Taking a closer look at the “science” of science fiction Jesse Tahirali
Current Contributor Let's face it—science isn't the most popular thing in the world. If the various disciplines were all in the cafeteria at Abstract Concept Secondary School, science would get his lunch tray hit out of his hands. Social science and the humanities would take his glasses and start throwing them back and forth. Engineering would probably even call him a dweeb. But there is one place where science seems to be embraced by the masses—the movies. Science fiction is one of the most popular genres of films. Practically everyone in the world has seen Star Wars, and that new Star Trek movie was so good! The world finally loves science, right? Nope, we're still freaky outcasts for the most part, because movies like Star Wars are not science fiction. They're not
ORAL CARE
Words of wisdom
It’s like pulling teeth...literally
Steven Robillard Creative Editor
Speaking from recent experience (as in over-the-holidays recent), having your wisdom teeth poked, prodded, split and eventually yanked out of your head sucks. It sucks a lot. In the event that all four are removed at the same time, not only will a large amount of swelling and pain have to be dealt with for a few days, your diet will be reduced to little more than ice cream, pudding and the occasional bowl of rice. Anyone who has had their wisdom teeth removed at an age where they are still able to remember the repercussions can confirm this. So why remove them at all? Is it worth the crater-sized holes in the back of your mouth and the chipmunk-oriented jeering from your friends? Usually it’s better to be safe than sorry. Wisdom teeth, usually occurring in a set of four, are the third molars located posteriorly on each side of the upper and lower rows of teeth in the mouth. They are named “wisdom” because they usually do not appear (or erupt) until between the ages of 16 and 25. They also have an annoying tendency to cause multiple problems upon their eruption, or lack thereof. If a wisdom tooth partially erupts from the gums, meaning only a portion of it is visible and available for cleaning, it can cause the creation of “pockets” of bacteria which are difficult to reach dur
...continued on page 6
even close. Let's look at the premise of Star Wars. “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away”—hey, galaxies are scientific! And there are spaceships and lasers. What's not science-fictiony about that engrossing tale of Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and Han Solo? The answer is, practically everything. The characters have special powers to move things from a distance and control minds. The ships make sounds in space. There are aliens who speak English. All of these components combine to make something so far removed from science that it can only be considered fantasy. Space fantasy, to be specific. If you really think about it, the only thing that separates Star Wars from a decidedly non-science-fiction film like Lord of the Rings is the fact that it takes place it space. Other than that, the double trilogy is so unscientific that it would be giving science wedgies alongside her abstract
TECHNOLOGY
classmates in that hor rible high school that science's mom should totally transfer him out of. What makes “real” science fiction? The key is a believable premise. Although many of these stories have aspects of space or interplanetary travel, this is only because space travel and colonization is a plausible future for humanity. Science has given us the shuttle already—fiction lets us imagine the consequences of taking that shuttle to Mars and beyond. Harrison Ford, that busy guy, also went on another adventure called Blade Runner. This story, adapted from the Philip K. Dick novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, is the proper blend of science and fiction. The movie does have aspects of space—people on Earth are being encouraged to emigrate off-world to avoid the negative effects of nuclear fallout— but this serves only to enrich the setting of the film.
The real premise of the film is that android technology has become so advanced that it has become nearly impossible to distinguish a man-made machine and a man himself. Science fiction delves into the philosophies of our advancing society, taking real-world technologies, imagining where they may lead us in the future and then considering the implications. Blade Runner makes us think, will our ever-increasing computing power lead us to creating something that is almost human? Something that can think and feel? What exactly does it mean to be human, as opposed to just a convincing facsimile? Science fiction, at its core, is just that—fiction based around science. They are stories that have the power to entertain you as they make you think to yourself, could this really happen? Star Wars, on the other hand, is a bunch of nice people with mind powers battling against a bunch of people who are evil for no real reason. In space.
Robomania
A look into the world’s most advanced robots. Akemi Liyanage External Editor
From the droids in Star Wars to the screwdriver in Dr. Who, science fiction has driven the public to admire and even fear the power of robots. But contrary to popular belief, today’s most advanced robots are definitely not ready to take over the world. However, they do have a few tricks up their sleeves that might surprise you. Take the BINA 48 for example. Bearing eerie resemblance to Bina, the spouse of the founder of the Terasem Movement Foundation, BINA 48 is able to answer questions like the real Bina at the speed of a 3 or 4 year old. By gathering a “mindfile” on Bina’s way of thinking from 20 hours of interview time, robotic engineers of the Terasem Movement Foundation put together a cognitive framework which allows the robot to “think” like Bina. Ultimately, the organization aims to produce software that is able to recreate a person’s personality and consciousness, and thus immerse them in techno-immortality via robots. But what if the issue at hand is not your immortality but scoping out a disaster site? The dynamic autonomous sprawled hexapod—or DASH—is a tiny, 10 cm robot equipped with a video camera. When deployed, DASH is able to run at 15 body lengths per second and even survive falls at terminal velocity. As a result, thousands
of DASH robots could survey a disaster site quickly and efficiently in order to pull out survivors and minimize damage. Though you won’t be watching these little robotic critters run out on the beaches after a tsunami any time soon, they represent a real advancement in how to handle disaster relief. After a hard day of work, you might be in dire need of some home entertainment. Have no fear, just call HRP-4C (pictured below)! With almost frighteningly human dance skills and a sick robotronic voice, HRP-4C is a party all in one package. Her ease on stage and rocker-chic voice don’t come easily though. She has 30 different motors working in her body and eight additional ones just to control and adjust her facial expressions. Thanks to the meticulous work of her engineers, HRP-4C was a real crowd pleaser at the 2011 Tokyo’s Digital Con-
tent Expo. And who knows—in ten years, she might be coming to a Best Buy near you! Of the world’s top robots however, perhaps the most bizarre is the shapeshifting irobot. At first sight, the irobot appears to be nothing but a shiny blob with a thick tail of wires. However, give it a few seconds and it will inflate like a balloon and roll around, simultaneously changing its volume as it moves. This shape shifting occurs due to an effect called “jamming skin enabled locomotion”. Although it is quite a mouthful, the “jamming” mechanism is quite simply the adjustment of shape by removing air and adding air into flexible cells filled with particles. For more information on the awesome engineering behind the irobot, check out THE CURRENT on Facebook! That’s it folks. Hope you robomaniacs enjoyed the show!
Courtesy of Gizmodo.com
TEAM EDWARD Just look at him-Edward has everything. He’s freaking immortal, utterly loyal, and unafraid to show his sensitive side. He’s the sentimental kind of guy to lull you to sleep with your own lullaby and cook you elaborate meals during your island honeymoon.
Girls are attracted to Edward BECAUSE he is similar to them. He's lean, effeminate, he always talks about his feelings, and his hair looks as if it took him just as much time to perfect it, if not more, than a woman.
Our editors give on one of the mos of our ge
The Edward Cullen tampon case ...we’re not even going to say anything
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I thought I’d explained it clearly before. Bella, I can’t live in a world where you don’t exist. - Edward Cullen
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Edward is a one-stop boyfriend. Forget about leaving the house for five star treatment. Edward is fully qualified to be your in-staff doctor, masseuse, stylist, body guard and in case you ever need romance, soft-hearted man. Not to mention he’s tireless. Can we even compare the perfection that is Edward to the hot blooded teenage hood of Jacob?
It seems that the other side is preoccupied with the thought of a perfect individual only concerned with the feelings of the female instead of embracing Jacob who seems to be an actual human with human needs and emotions. Your entire argument is based on the luxury of a mate that is only concerned about you.
For the better of humankind, Edward denies his natural cravings, doesn’t drink human blood, and doesn’t kill Bella. If that doesn’t show selflessness and an inherent goodness, I don’t know what does. It’s not just that he’d take care of you—although really, is that such a bad thing?—but it’s what that says about the type of person he is. He’s good-hearted, generous, honest, and loyal. He treats people well, he’s fiercely protective, and he’d do anything to prevent himself from hurting the people he loves. That’s not to say any relationship with him wouldn’t be normal; he’s still a person, and conflict is unavoidable. But a life with Edward would be pretty incredible.
I don't even have to have read the books to know that this point is pretty flawed. A life with a reclusive vampire who abandons you on a near regular basis; whose family constantly bites back the urges to drain you of your blood, and whose immortal qualities can be extapolated to the conclusion that he's eventually going to grow tired of groping the same body over and over again for eternity is anything but incredible. You really think you're attracted to vampires? Gingers are the closest thing to vampires in real life, and, take it from an expert, the amount of women in the world attracted to gingers can be counted on one freckled hand.
Sign of the apocalypse: Edward Cullen sex toys exist. Google it.....if you dare.
TEAM JACOB Now, appearances aside (even though between the actors, the guy who plays Jacob looks like he would win the fight), let’s focus on Jacob’s power set. As a super huge wolf, he possesses amazing speed and strength not to mention he’s also the alpha wolf and shares telepathic communication with his wolf friends. Now I’m not saying he could beat Superman, but an anemic vampire should be no challenge whatsoever.
e their opinions st debated topics eneration
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Just because Jacob LOOKS more jacked doesn’t mean he could beat up a marble-skinned vampire. Plus Edward could mindread, so whatever tricks Jacob has got up his furry sleeve, Edward would be able to fight back, easily.
Normal humans run away from monsters, Bella. And I never claimed to be normal. Just human.
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- Jacob Black
Jacob Black Barbie Doll
complete with real teenage angst!
Think about the kind of person Jacob is. He seems to be a normal guy that doesn’t spend time watching girls sleep like a stalker, and unlike Edward isn’t a facilitator of a classic abusive relationship.
Normal? At least Edward always looks like a human. When Jacob turns into a wolf, he doesn’t even look like a real wolf. He’s the size of a freaking bear. How would you be able to have a normal life trying to hide a huge-ass wolf from sight? Which you’d have to do any time someone made him mad, because he’s got serious anger management issues. Wanna talk about abusive relationships?
It’s hard to make an argument that a teenage wolf boy whose wardrobe consists of only slight torn blue jeans is a more realistic version of what a woman should look for in a man; but luckily Edward's scarily feminine qualities make it so I don't have to do so. Ask yourself the question, would you prefer a manly werewolf or an androgynous vampire? If you choose the latter...well….*facepalm.*
Jacob’s a hormonal, moody, slightly emo teenager, who turns into a wolf when he gets angry because he can’t control his emotions. How are we still having this discussion?
DID YOU KNOW..... Taylor Lautner also starred as Sharkboy in 2005’s Sharkboy and Lavagirl 3D. Fintastic!
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Wisdom Teeth ing brushing and flossing. Bacteria lead to cavities, cavities lead to greater infection and inflammation, which leads to pain and discomfort. Upon removal of the partially erupted wisdom teeth, these pockets can be removed and the area cleansed, preventing the possibility of further infection. Unfortunately, the degree of eruption is largely due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors, and the chances that yours completely emerge from your gums is simply the luck of the draw. In addition, wisdom teeth are infamous for becoming impacted, in which they erupt through the gum line at peculiar angles, which has an effect on
The Current—February 2012
the other teeth in the mouth. A wisdom tooth that is “coming in sideways” can place pressure on the second molar in the mouth, which places pressure on the first molar, and so on and so forth until each tooth in the mouth is being pushed into an awkward position. This can cause a misalignment of the teeth, as well as immense pain. The debate about whether or not to have wisdom teeth removed rages on. In the case of partial eruption or impaction, which will cause infection and pain, the choice is clear—get ‘em out. However, if your wisdom teeth have never given you any problems or elicited a “damn, it hurts to eat this Fruit by the Foot,” it can be argued that you can leave the swelling and liquid diet for another day.
Courtesy of Express Wireless Wordpress
Bird Brain Are you this good at math? ZOOLOGY
Kevin Chen Wire Editor
PHYSICS
The God Particle It may actually exist... Akemi Liyanage External Editor
When you first hear the phrase, “the god particle” it might sound like an eclectic proclamation of a theoretical physicist turned evangelist. But what you didn’t know is that the “god” is just short for “goddamn” as a nickname of the Higgs Boson, a particle that has eluded scientists since its inception in the 1960s by Dr. Peter Higgs. Despite its history, however, scientists at the CERN institute in Switzerland and the Fermilab Institute in the USA may have independently found evidence for its existence. Let’s re-cap what the Higgs Boson is all about. The Standard Model of physics explains the universe as an interaction of different particles which culminate in distinct forces such as the electromagnetic force via photons. More specifically, it proposed that giant particles called W and Z bosons interact with neutrinos and electrons, etc., to produce the weak nuclear force, which is responsible for radioactive decay. While it was predicted and discovered that the masses of the W and Z bosons are massive, these masses lead to unexpected inconsistencies in the Standard Model. Therefore, to bridge over this mathematical glitch, scientists proposed that there was another particle in the Standard Model—the Higgs Boson. But the Higgs Boson is more than just a random “filler” particle made to correct the discrepancies of the Stan-
dard Model. It is also hypothesized to be the particle that results in mass by attracting other particles to it. An analogy of the Higgs mechanism is the effect of a Hollywood celebrity walking into a room full of people. When a celebrity walks into a room full of people, they start to gather around him or her, making it harder to stop them from moving (and also to move them once they have stopped). In the same way, the Higgs Boson is said to attract other particles and produce mass as well as momentum. Moreover, these Higgs Boson particles are said to be distributed throughout the universe in a vast network which attracts other particles and gives rise to mass. While it may be bizarre to think of mass as an effect due to a type of particle, there is a very realistic chance of finding definite proof for the existence of the Higgs Boson particle by two separate groups of the world’s top physicists. It would not only give a nod to the theory behind the Higgs Boson particle, but also help to validate the whole Standard Model of physics as an accurate description of the universe.
I think that most people would agree that if I asked any student at Western to determine the larger of two numbers, each between 1 and 10, that they would be able to do it quite easily. The ability to compare quantities of objects is a skill humans take for granted, but the ability to understand numerosity is a very important facet of intelligence that many animals do not possess. In the past, scientists have conducted many experiments in an attempt to determine the scope of intelligence our animal brethren possess. These experiments have revealed a lot about the capabilities of various animals such as the puzzle-solving abilities of octopuses, the use of tools by parrots, and the understanding of public transportation by cats and dogs. Classically many feats of intelligence were attributed to only primates, but a recent study shows that birds may be on par with primates in their ability to understand quantities. Recently in Science, researchers tested pigeons on their ability to understand and compare quantities of objects. These pigeons were trained to recognize 35 different images, each
showing between one and three objects. Once these pigeons were able to accurately recognize these images, they were then shown a pair of images at a time. The pairs of images were either a pair of familiar numbers (example 1 and 3), one familiar number and one unfamiliar number (example 1 and 9), or two unfamiliar numbers (example 8 and 9). After being shown these pairs of images the pigeons would then choose the image with the greater number of objects. Because these pigeons were trained on images showing increasing numbers of objects, it was hypothesized that they would naturally choose the larger number. The results showed that the pigeons were able to determine the larger of the two numbers most of the time, and they had the most trouble when the numbers were very close to each other in value. Not only were these pigeons able to learn the concrete values of numbers, but they were also able to apply that abstract knowledge to evaluate unfamiliar number values. These pigeons were able to match the capabilities of rhesus monkeys. However, scientists are still unsure of whether this trait was derived from a number-savvy ancestor, or a result of convergent evolution. Regardless, the term “birdbrain” just lost a bit of its condescension.
‘LIFE NOT AS WE KNOW IT’ will return in our next issue... when the elections are over so we’ll have space to print stuff we actually like.
The Current— February 2012
“ I Want You!” To contribute to the Current science newspaper.
send emails to: thecurrent@uwoscience.ca
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PHYSICS
The Invisibility Conundrum Creation of the first workings of an invisibility cloak pleases many Potter fans
Courtesy of popsci.com
Steven Robillard Creative Editor
STUDENT LIFE
Science representation in the USC Cecilia Kwok Editor-in-Chief
Out of the three years that I have been at Western, I have noticed a common trend whenever February comes around: the lack of participation from students in the Faculty of Science in USC presidential elections. The last successful science student USC president was Tom Stevenson, in 2007. Last year, Omid Salari was in the running for the position, and the introduction to his campaign website reads, “We’ve been treated like children for too long, and I’m sick of it.” This year, you cannot seem to forget about Logan Ross due to her catchy bright blue wooden signs. Around this time of the year, I have naturally become more inquisitive of the USC elections; aggressively elbowing students out of the way in the UCC just to get my hands on a copy of the Gazette to read the daily schpiel on the candidates’ latest endeavors. Curious as to why there weren’t more science students interested in the USC president position, I sat a few friends down over coffee and casually asked for their opinion on the matter. “Because we have real goals,” one of them bluntly stated, then added, “no offence.” A second friend retorted, “Yeah, I have, like, 10 more
years of school to get through…I don’t have time to take a year off.” Living in a country where we shamelessly boast about our superior health care system (which is governed by politicians), it only makes sense to me for more health care professionals to pursue positions in parliament. This is so that they are able to violently thrust the issues of health care under the government’s scrutiny to push for improvement. I can also imagine that doctor-politicians may have an advantage in health-care debates, speaking assertively and passionately in advocating for Canada’s well-being. However, I suppose this would only work if the doctor-politician kept him/herself well-informed of issues in the scientific world and all the complicated inner workings of government. This is because we must not make the mistake of assuming that a M.D. degree will automatically make one exceptionally smarter than another member of parliament. The nature of a science student is analytical and critical, trained to think critically, concisely, and objectively, and I ponder how a prominent character of these exact characteristics would impact the workings of USC. An oxygen bar idea (remember that?) would probably not fly, as we have all learned the danger of reactive oxygen species in first year biology. Regardless, I wish all candidates the best of luck, and am excited to see the changes they promise to make in the coming year.
It may only have been for 40 trillionths of a second, but researchers at Cornell University have created a small scale wrinkle in time, allowing the disappearance of an object for the first time ever. The idea behind the cloaking relies on the fact that human eyes utilize a steady flow of light to form images and thus the basis of sight. Disrupting this continuous stream of light specific to the object in question would cause the viewer to become temporarily ‘blind’ to it, making it invisible. I know what you’re thinking. “I’ve got to get me one of these and then I can sneak in and swipe my classics exam,” to which the answer is: come on man if you need to steal an exam to pass then you definitely don’t deserve to be handling a multimillion-dollar piece of experimental technology. Also, classics? At least take organic chemistry or something. In order to achieve the disruption of the stream of light required to produce this brief period of invisibility, physicists at Cornell created a microscopic lens which speeds up light at certain points and slows it down at another. This creates a small gap in the light stream, to which the human eye is blind. This gap, however, is difficult to maintain, and rapidly shifts and
converts back and forth, so the masking only lasts for a small fraction of a second. This discovery is a remarkable milestone in physics worldwide, and somewhere, science fiction nerds are giddy with excitement over their chance to sneak into George Lucas’ studio unseen. Dr. Martin McCall, a theoretical physicist who first popularized the concept of real-life invisibility, says, “It is significant because it opens up a whole new realm to ideas involving invisibility.” What would one do if they came into the possession of such technology (assuming it could mask something for more than 40 trillionths of a second)? If you could suddenly become invisible at any point in time, the last thing you’d be likely to do is throw it on before closing time in Taylor and evade Doug the Security Guard to get some extra studying in before exams, right? Oh wait, we’re in science. Heck that’s probably the first thing we would do. Personally, I would steal and eat every Spoke bagel in existence, but I dunno, that’s just me. Thus, with the ever-increasing complexity of the technology that we as a human race continue to develop, once ridiculed ideas such as the invisibility cloak are becoming feasible. For now, however, we will have to deal with 40 trillionths of a second of invisibility; just enough time to like a Justin Beiber music video in class without your friends noticing.
Howard says, “ Pick up an actual living, breathing woman this Valentine’s Day using these sure-fire science pickup lines!” 1. “You’re like an exothermic reaction, you spread your hotness everywhere!” 2. “I wish I were adenine because then I could get paired with U.” 3. “You’re so cute you make my zygomaticus muscles contract.” 4. “Baby, you’re so gneiss I’ll never take you for granite.” 5. “If I was sin2 and you were cos2, together we would be 1.” 6. “Baby, I’ll treat you like my homework -I’ll slam you on the table and do you all night long.” 7. “Baby let me be your integral so I can be the area under your curves.” 8. “You must be gibberelin, because I'm experiencing some stem elongation.” 9. “Let’s get together and test the spring potential of my mattress.” 10. “If I was an endoplasmic reticulum, how would you want me: smooth or rough? Submited by Current Contributor, Mark Hewitt
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Worst Best Comic section ever! OMG! Totally learned this in stats class! Real life scenarios, so exciting!
“Congrats on making it to the prize round of this gameshow! Behind one of these doors is a million dollars! Behind the other 2 are nickelback CD’s. Which door do you pick..?
I’ll pick door #3 please! You picked door #3, we opened door #2, and only a CD was there. Will you stay with door #3, or will you switch to door #1?
Math Nerd
Obviously going to switch to door #1!
Oh, I’m terribly sorry. Looks like Door #1 has the other Nickelback CD. Better luck next time! hehe, Monty Hall Problem, I’m so smart!
Bio1001
t r r i o i s d c b e a e o e s c a l c u e n ome t g i p q a s em p s p e c t r t t e s i s e a a t t mg c t t r n a n o d i o e n nm s s s my o b a t e e d l i a i d l o t n l c i emo a i s m i r m t c g e n e t i a y n h hmo r m t o t i n u a n o i t u m r i e s n n r p h y s i c a y b mm i n g t mo d t m o i i e n i n
c u l a b o r a t o r y t e s c i l l a s a e e
s t u d l s o i e t a i p p c s y e o o g a b d
p i s o t c h l c s c o r a i l t n v n t u s a
mg e my u g n a f y u c l o o p y p o r c l h h n o s s m cme emo x a s p s t e o a r m s i c i m t s e n s n t h t o y t n e t mo r b e
o n a r c s t r l a t r c l n s r e n i t g a g
electricity molecule cytosine mutation algebra
o t f n t y e i e s e b mn s s c i mm l i n f c e l e o i a i o g y r n a c e i v l e e e l u l b n t y e n o mg n n o s om t c e l a r o c n b o a am i n i r a l n a t t g r a v l a o t
t a s i u u c i n o t c e t i i e o n e o l i i
t b s n g n o o r s u i y y e s c s i i o i t r o l l o a i t r o n r n nmg a t n a s y c p e u a h o s e q e l omy my i y g i m i z r s e c n e t r p e n r a e a e y s t om i e a u e e s r mm p i y s n mo c h y t y e s p y r a c c
elements vector atom recombination science thiamine spectroscopy test tube polymerase anatomy vector tectonic nanotechnology recombination sciencespectroscopy polarity test tube guanine anatomy
fission sediment laboratory laboratory statistics statistics electron electron transcription transcription magnetism magnetism genetics elements nanotechnology amino acid Submitted by Current Contributor, Pauline Reinkeluers atom polarity metabolism thiamine guamine uracil polymerase fission fusion tectonic sediment
Tom Haffie meets his match
Q: If a woman is 80cm plus half her total height, how tall is she?
Q: If a dog is running into the woods, how far could he go? A: Halfway! Then he would be running out of the woods
SCIENCE WORDSEARCH
Now, catch this....
A: She is 160cm tall. 80 + (x/2) = x, where x = 160cm
The Current Science Word Search
chemistry nuclear gravity algebra experiment adenine physiology physics hemistry biology physics calculus allele thermodynamics electrophoresis xperiment quantum erlenmeyer electrophoresis energy electricity tangent alculus microscope tangent enzyme biology molecule evolution uantum gravity evolution mathematicsphysiology erlenmeyer cytosine geology geology nzyme microscope mutation astronomy astronomy athematics homeostasis thermodynamics
omeostasis uclear denine lele nergy
The Current—February 2012
Hipster Nitrogen Accepting final electrons in the electron transport chain before it was cool.