The Current: Volume 6 Issue 1 (Back-to-School Issue)

THE BACK-TO-SCHOOL ISSUE

Volume 6 | Issue 1

THE CURRENT

in every issue

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DISCLAIMER: 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.

thecurrent

Editor-in-Chief ROBERT NANNI

Layout Design

MATHURA THIYAGARAJAH

thecontributers MARIA ABOU TAKA VIRAJ BHATT SEAN COUSINS JOHN DEMARCO JACEK ORZYŁOWSKI

COVER Model: EDDY AVILA Photographer: MAURICIO DIAZ

STEPHANIE PHILPOTT BOYANG QIU ZIAD SABAA-AYOUN GHANIA SOHAIL GRACE TO JAKE WHILIDAL

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Letter from the Editor

ew beginnings are always chock full of emotions, aren’t they? Happiness, sadness, fear, worry – all valid feelings that impact our ability to accept and conquer new environments.

in every issue

While the majority of you are returning to Western this fall, many others are just embarking upon their undergraduate career, and not without many of those emotions I listed above. Yet whether you are an upper-year student or a freshman just starting at Western, it’s clear to see that much has changed.

You are in a different year, perhaps a different house or program – your courses alone have surely changed. Taking on this role as Editor-in-Chief of The Current is an undoubtable adjustment for me, and one that brings about a slew of mental states. Excitement, curiosity, overwhelm – but mainly courage*.

And with courage, any emotion can be used as an advantage.

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So this is what I plan to do for you wonderful Western Science students: to take my courage and apply it to this magazine, providing you all with relevant, intriguing and fun articles. I hope to have each one of you find in every issue at least one article that piques your interest, and makes you think, “whoa, now that’s cool.”

To a new year filled with emotions we can hopefully find the courage to manage, best of luck to each and every one of you!

Until next issue,

Robert Nanni *I know courage isn’t an emotion, but just roll with it.

BUCKET LIST

1. Study at Taylor from open till close. 11. Visit the UCC charity haunted house. the entire 2. Explore 12. Belt the lyrics to American Pie at Rick’s.

UWO tunnel system.

Go to a lecture that has a purple shirt from 3. Win 13. nothing to do with your major. intramurals.

4. Visit a friend at another university. 14. Go tobogganing on UC hill.

Spoke food three Smash a watermelon at Ceeps 5. Get 15. times in one day sledgehammer bingo. all your professors’ 6. Visit 16. Sing karaoke at the Spoke. office hours. at Spageddy Eddy’s 7. Eat 17. Get perfect on an exam. downtown.

8. Soph for the science team.

18. Take a class at the Rec Centre. to late night breakfast in 9. Go 19. Get access to the top of UC tower. the UCC during exams.

10. Go to a concert at the Wave.

20. And be on SSC, duh.

Welcome Home.

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on campus

Western Science Building. You’ll find the ACADEMIC COUNSELLING OFFICE here.

Nat Sci Room 145. With NCB 101, HSB 40 and Nat Sci 145, you’ll have your taste of big classes.

Middlesex College Tower may be overshadowed by UC Tower but it’s hella iconic

Med Sci Building: If all you want from Tim’s is a coffee, this line is way shorter. Shh, don’t tell!

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

JOHN DEMARCO

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GETTING IT DONE NOW The science of procrastination JACEK ORZYŁOWSKI

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nother school year brings about many joys: old and new friends, nights downtown, days of Netflix, and reading The Current. Unfortunately, it also implies a return to assignments left to scrambling at the last minute.

But procrastination does not have to be a constant of academic life.

So lay aside lab reports, readings and applications for later, and learn instead why it seems so easy to ignore the deadlines weeks away.

The fight to finish work is best described as just that – a battle. The psychodynamics of the limbic system oppose the prefrontal cortex, leading to a dissonance between intention and action. This arises from one of the many quirks of human evolution: the relative age of the different parts of the mind. The evolutionarily ancient limbic system trumps the young prefrontal cortex every time one decides to choose a quick, small reward over a larger reward down the line. This phenomenon is termed temporal discounting, or “the present bias.” This is the simple answer for why watching another episode of The Wire or The Mindy Project feels so much better than typing up a report, even though it is clearly the wrong decision in the long run – the small reward of pop culture somehow trumps the greater reward of acing an assignment.

Unfortunately, the naïve advice to “manage your time better” fundamentally misunderstands the newest research pertaining to procrastination.

Joseph Ferrari, of DePaul University, posits that procrastinating “really has nothing to do with time-management.” Procrastination is closer to a vicious cycle of emotion. Tasked with whatever work one may have on hand, one may feel they are in the ‘wrong’

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mood to complete it. After deciding that an arbitrary amount of time will improve mood, procrastination will ensue. Humans are not stupid, however, and realize that they have made the wrong choice. The associated guilt of procrastination drives one to ‘seriously’ get down to work. But that unfortunate feeling of shame perpetuates the ‘wrong’ mood for productivity, repeating and intensifying the cycle. By the time Netflix asks if you want to watch another episode (code for telling you to do something with your life), you may be five hours deep into a Scrubs marathon.

But now it is clear how procrastination works, and knowing is half the battle. The other half comes from breaking the loop. Luckily, there are multiple ways to approach the situation tactically: re-label what one perceives as ‘work,’ list the reasons that inspired the work in the first place, and simply remove the distractions.

A battle of this proportion, however, deserves its own codified plan – The Pomodoro Technique.

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Procrastination is closer to a vicious cycle of emotion.

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Having surprisingly nothing to do with tomatoes, this technique developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s has one work for a twentyfive minute interval followed by a five-minute break and a small reward.

So feel free to have a snack and watch 50 Vines, but only after some progress.

For now, however, your break is over, so put down the magazine and get something done. But don’t worry – more insightful articles will be waiting for you in twenty-five minutes.

TIPS TO BANISH Because you are not as clean as you think you are THE

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rez life

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WORDS BY STEPHANIE PHILPOTT

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Streptococcus [credit: ZEISS Microscopy @ Flickr]

or many Mustangs the dawn of a new school year means packing up and leaving the nest once again.

As we busily begin our studies, we rush to unpack our lives and settle in to our new homes, whether that is in residence, student rentals, or one of London’s many apartment buildings. Alongside our bedspreads, schoolbooks and bottle openers however, we may find our homes a little too crowded – teeming with millions of uninvited bacterial guests.

The bacteria found in student housing has been a rising concern following the death of Canadian student Sarah Hastings at Acadia University earlier this year. The student passed suddenly after contracting a strain of bacterial meningitis, an illness often caused by streptococcus bacteria. Bacterial infections have a higher rate of spread and mutation in communal living environments, so it is very important to frequently and thoroughly clean your student housing. Some of

E. coli [credit: AgriLife Today @ Flickr]

the most dangerous bacteria grow commonly in the bathroom, the bedroom and in the kitchen. Here are a few tips on how you can rid your home of these unwelcome guests.

1 WIPE THE SINK

The sink is often turned on with bare unwashed hands after the preparation of raw meat or use of the toilet promoting the spread of bacteria such as E. coli which can cause anemia, diarrhea or urinary tract infections; salmonella which can cause food poisoning; and listeria which can result in infection for those with an already compromised immune system. Be sure to wipe down the knobs or handles of your sink at least twice a week with an anti-bacterial cleaning product.

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COVER YOUR TOOTHBRUSH

Toothbrushes are commonly left uncovered in close proximity to the toilet, or laying in drawers close to the toothbrushes of housemates.

This makes your trusty toothbrush perfect for collecting bacteria from the toilet spray as well as passing bacteria between housemates, such as streptococcus, which can cause meningitis, and pseudomonas, a bacteria that can cause eye infections.

Keep your toothbrush covered and away from your housemates to avoid collecting fecal matter and sharing bodily bacteria.

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BACTERIA IN YOUR

home

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S. aureus [credit: Microbe World @ Flickr]

WASH YOUR DISHCLOTHS

A study conducted by the Global Hygiene Council found that six out of ten dishcloths were contaminated with E. coli and were found to be dirtier than toilet flushers. Use paper towels when drying raw meat in the kitchen and when wiping surfaces contaminated with raw meat. Wash your dishcloths twice a week in boiling hot water to kill any bacteria living within.

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SORT YOUR LAUNDRY

The washing machine does not always kill the bacteria on your clothing and can spread it to other household items if washed in the same

load. Try to wash your underwear and body towels separately from items such as face cloths and tea towels that come into contact with your face or food. Also, wash clothing that carries more fecal bacteria, such as your underwear, on a warm wash: the hot water helps to kill bacteria such as E. coli, salmonella and the hepatitis A virus. Try to dry your clothes in the sun if possible, and never leave wet clothing in the washer.

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SPRAY YOUR DOORMAT

Doormats are a concentrated breeding ground for the bacteria on the bottom of visitors’ shoes.

Unfortunately, each time you walk across your doormat you pick up these trapped bacteria and move them

Pseudomonas aeruginosa [credit: Microbe World @ Flickr]

to different areas of the house. Spray your doormat once a week with a fabric safe disinfectant spray and avoid placing items such as groceries and school bags on the doormat.

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INVEST IN TECH WIPES

Many students bring their laptops or cellphones to the bathroom with them for reading, or use their laptop in the kitchen for recipes.

This can result in a surface teeming with fecal bacteria such as E. coli, salmonella, and streptococcus. Keep some technology wipes near your washroom and in your kitchen to clean your gadgets after using them on these occasions.

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WHY ARE GEESE SO MEAN? And why you should avoid them at all possible costs GHANIA SOHAIL

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.hether just arriving onto Western’s lovely campus or having been here for a while, one is certain to have seen a variety of our fine-feathered friends flying through the skies, perched upon buildings or even just walking through the grass and paths. One in particular, Branta canadensis, also known as the Canadian Goose, may have most prevalently made themselves known on campus. Geese are one of the many animals that have adjusted to human presence and now tend to be found anywhere and everywhere, including the majority of university campuses in Canada To cut to the chase, geese – specifically Canadian Geese – are terrible, mean-spirited birds that need to fly far, far away as soon as possible. They poop all over campus, hiss at those passing by for no apparent reason and walk around in their massive road block flocks.

All dramatics aside, perhaps I’m just biased due to bad experience.

Last Spring I was chased down the Middlesex College pathway by one of the largest (and scariest) geese I’ve ever seen.

Now how did I get myself in that situation and why was the goose so angry? It all has to do with the nature of the Canadian Goose.

Generally, the only time geese will attack is when they are defending their perceived territory. An attack usually signifies that a nest is nearby and the goose believes its children are threatened. Geese lay their eggs in the early springtime, around April and May, and lay on them to keep the eggs warm. While the females are tending to their eggs, the defensive

male will charge at you for invading their territory. Unfortunately for Western students and staff, that usually means the areas around Middlesex College and the Physics and Astronomy Building.

So what are the signs a goose may attack and how do you protect yourself? If a goose feels threatened by another’s presence, it will try to make itself appear larger by standing up straighter, puffing out its chests and spreading its wings. It will then begin hissing and approach menacingly.

Any of these signs are a clear indication to leave the area immediately. Geese are much faster than they let on, and will not hesitate to peck and bite if they are close enough, specifically around the face area. All geese will stay within their perceived territory, and will not follow a threat outside of the designated radius they feel the need to protect, so leaving the area should maintain your safety.

Featured Page

A play on Humans of Western.

Geese have lives, too.

Following these tips are sure to keep the Western community safe and unscathed from potential goose encounters. Keep in mind that some geese spook more easily than others, so be wary of the signs and behaviour a goose is expressing. And whatever you do, do not taunt the geese for fun – they will come back with a vengeance.

On that note, safe travels my fellow Mustangs, and welcome home.

Do not pull out your phone and start recording a goose attack – the geese do not appreciate it. [credit: bbqmag @ Flickr]

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#SELFIE “But first... let me take a selfie.”

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SEAN COUSINS

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eptember is a wonderful time of the year. The weather is nice, the Ivey boys are walking around in suits and you finally get the chance to reconnect with friends that you have not seen all summer. So why are you spending 30 minutes with your head buried in your phone, trying to pick the perfect filter for your backto-school selfie? One theory that can be used to explain some of our online behaviour is the theory of selfpresentation.

Self-presentation is behaviour that attempts to convey something about yourself, or an image of yourself, to other people. The theory of self-presentation deals with the motivations behind these behaviours. There are two categories of motivations: self-constructing motivations and audience-pleasing We are inherently motivated motivations. to match our self-presentation to the audience’s expectations and preferences. In many situations this Most of us like to think that makes perfect sense, such as job we are likable and competent. By interviews and class presentations. convincing others that we possess In these scenarios, the outcome these traits, we are better able to is directly related to how well convince ourselves. In other words, you conform to the audience’s we attempt to create impressions in expectations.

In other situations, our desire other people’s minds so that we can feel better about ourselves. Self- to please our audience can be construction is a personal process, destructive. Social media has created and is often guided by what we an arena where people can explicitly validate our actions and appearances believe to be our ‘ideal’ selves.

Typically, people do not blatantly with likes, comments and shares. lie in order to convince others of their This environment makes it easy to get likability and competence. Rather, caught up in how we are presenting we engage in selective omission of ourselves to our ‘audience.’ Rather details that could contradict our self- than enjoying a moment, we are constructed image. Cropping, filters constantly thinking about how we and photo captions are all things that can present this moment to our online can help us to omit certain details in followers in such a way that makes us appear fun and popular. order to improve our self-image.

AUDIENCE-PLEASING

Self-construction

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HIGHLIGHTING HIGHLIGHTERS The science behind this great invention ROBERT NANNI

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.hen studying, many students feel it helpful to identify key information for quick summary, concision and ease of review. While methods such as underlining or circling can be used, the highlighter is likely the most useful tool. Yet how do these chemical sticks produce such luminous, vibrant colours?

Various types of dyes are used when making highlighters, depending on the desired colour.

Yellow highlighters, perhaps the most popular, use pyrene-based dyes (such as pyranine and fluorescein).

Pyrene is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, consisting of four fused benzene rings.

So highlighters have coloured dyes made of chemicals, but where does the vibrancy come from?

In general, chemicals are coloured because they absorb specific wavelengths of light.

Highly conjugated molecules (that is, those with many alternating single and double bonds) can absorb wavelengths of light in the visible range of the spectrum. The wavelength absorbed corresponds to a colour emitted.

While many chemicals are highly conjugated and emit colour, few have the same striking features as highlighters. This has to do again with the high conjugation, allowing these specific chemicals to absorb light in the ultraviolet portion of the spectrum.

Ultraviolet light is absorbed by highlighter ink and the electrons in the conjugated rings are excited.

Do not be highlighter-happy on your notes!

[Credit: liloh @ Flickr]

These electrons relax back down to their original state, yet release the light with a longer wavelength.

This shifts the light to the visible range of the spectrum, allowing the highlighter ink to glow with its observed intensity.

As seen in the graphic, highlighter dyes are composed of highly conjugated rings, contributing to their ability to absorb UV light and release visible light.

This fluorescent property of highlighters is what contributes to various students’ study habits, so remember to thank the UV spectrum and your heavily conjugated highlighter dye next time you ace a midterm using this method!

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academics

HOW TO STUDY - ACCORDING TO SCIENCE “Studying” does not have to equal “student + dying”

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GRACE TO

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eptember at UWO means the return of school, students and studying. The four-month break may have been much needed, but those four months have left students out of practice with studying. While everyone has their own methods that they swear by – whether it is studying with a group, procrastinating, or putting notes underneath pillows in hopes that the information would diffuse into their brains – studying is not rocket science.

However, there are some studying strategies out there that are supported by science and have been proven to be effective by various trials and studies.

To many students, cramming is a familiar stress-inducing study method.

Prone to all-nighters, crammers binge on all of the information, course content and important facts to prepare for a test, and then purge it all onto their exam papers. It is hardly a surprise that this is not the best way to study.

Studies have shown that something called “spaced education” can help

to increase knowledge retention. The spacing effect, where you repeat a certain amount of information over certain periods in time, will help the brain to retain the knowledge learned.

Essentially, you are reviewing the information until you are able to recall them more easily as time passes.

Another way to review information is to consistently test oneself throughout a long period of time. By testing repeatedly on difficult information before exam time, there is no actual penalty when getting the answer wrong. Instead, it means an increased likelihood of remembering the correct answer when being tested about it in the future. Making practice tests and writing practice exams are just some of the ways that knowledge can be gradually applied.

With all of the technology available today, students tend to type out their notes rather than slowly handwriting them. Although this may be more efficient, studies have suggested that

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Pull quote.

students are more likely to retain the information better when writing out the notes by hand. By going through the grueling process of handwritten notes, the writer is more attentive to the information that is being recorded.

This is also another way to apply the information that has been learned: the rate of recall will increase and the information will also be better understood.

Most importantly, it is necessary to take breaks in between study sessions. Studies have shown that the most effective study time is about 50 minutes, and that taking breaks will help the brain relax and refocus on the task later. Do not allow too long of a break; set a timer and make sure to limit time on social media. The trick is to do something that takes the mind off of what was being studied, which may seem counter-productive, but is important for the brain to be rejuvenated and to prepare itself for another intense study session.

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elcome back to school Mustangs! Hopefully you have all finished your back-to-school shopping, but if not, the Book Store will have all your needs! For those for you who are still getting back into the swing of things, we’ve compiled a list of the basics – and what they’re made of – that you’ll need to succeed in the upcoming school year.

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SCIENCE:

1. THE PENCIL Ah the old standby. From the good ol’ No.2 pencil to the fancy new mechanical pencils, these guys have been by our side since we first learned to write. But what are we really writing with? We call our mechanical pencils “lead pencils” but the “lead” core of both mechanical and wooden pencils are actually made out of a mixture of clay and a form of carbon known as graphite. This mixture of materials provides a safe alternative to the classic lead core that used to be in its place.

4. THE LINED PAPER What use would a great artist be without a canvas? The lined paper has become the medium on which handwritten notes are preserved. The classic lined paper is made from spare pieces of wood that are unusable for other purposes. These pieces are ground into smaller wood chips and are then subsequently turned into a pulpy paste using steam, sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide. The pulp is then cleaned multiple times to remove unwanted bits and chemicals and then finally sprayed onto a screen where it is pressed, dried and cut to form paper. Thanks to the environmentally friendly movement in recent years, today’s paper is now formed using a mixture of recycled paper and wood pulp.

5. THE BACKPACK To free up your hands from holding all your school supplies so that you can text and eat as you walk to your next class, you have your trusty backpack. The modern backpack is usually made out of a material known as polyester. Polyester is a synthetic material composed of long carbon chains with multiple ester linkages formed through the reaction of an alcohol with a carboxylic acid. The advantage of polyester fabrics is that they are very strong and durable, making them capable of holding a large number of textbooks. Polyester is also hydrophobic in nature, making it water resistant and quick drying, perfect for the tough winters and unpredictable weather of London.

WORDS BY BOYANG QIU

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SCHOOL SUPPLIES AND THE MOST ESSENTIAL OF THEM ALL:

6. THE WESTERN HOODIE Wear it with pride. This is your all-purpose clothing item. It is fashionable and comfortable and – much like a classic black suit – it is never out of style. The Western hoodie is made of a blend of cotton and polyester. The cotton provides the hoodie with its soft and comfortable feel while the polyester makes it durable and water-resistant. Together, this makes the Western hoodie a good option even in less than optimal weather conditions.

The colour purple was once associated with royalty, power and wealth for centuries. While purple might no longer reflect those traits, the Western hoodie still represents the exclusive and prestigious group of people with which you proudly associate.

2. THE ERASER A pencil may as well be considered a permanent marker had the almighty eraser was never invented. The eraser works by using a simple yet ingenious principle. The carbon molecules from the graphite pencil core have a higher affinity towards the material of the eraser than the paper. The eraser materials can vary from rubber, gum and vinyl, all of which perform the desired job. An eraser also contains an abrasive material that disturbs the attraction of the graphite and paper, making it easier for the eraser to pick up the loose graphite.

3. THE PEN For the more confident, the pen is a much bolder option relative to the pencil. The ink of the pen is mainly composed of a dye and a solvent.

The dye used in black ink is created from carbon black, a fine powder made from soot, while blue ink can be made from several different dyes, with the common ones being triphenylmethane dyes, copper phthalocyanine blue and crystal violet. These dyes are dissolved in a solvent such as ethylene glycol, allowing them to flow from the pen onto the page. Other additives such as resins and preservative agents are added to the ink to adjust various physical properties such as its viscosity.

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3D PRINTING Because 2D printing is so yesterday

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MARIA ABOU TAKA

TV shows such as Grey’s Anatomy are popularizing the various applications of 3D printing

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D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is the process of creating 3-Dimensional objects from digital data. Although 3D printing sounds very modern, it has been around for a few decades. 3D printing was discovered in 1984 by Charles Hull, allowing a tangible object to be created from a digital file by using a laser to inscribe it onto a special liquid called photopolymer. This brilliant innovation by Hull allowed the 3D printing technology to branch into other industries and fields of research, ranging from jewelry to medicine. For instance, Robarts Research Institute at Western owns the Rapid Prototyping Plastics facility that consists of the Object30 Pro poly jet 3D printer. This facility allows Robarts researchers to have access to rapid and efficient 3D

printing that will facilitate healthcare research, which undergraduate students (especially science ones!) are able to get involved in.

In order to print a 3D object, the user must design a 3D image using a computer-assisted design (CAD) software. A laser source then emits a beam to solidify the material. Then, an elevator in the printer raises and lowers the platform to help in layering the material-containing vat. While similar to inkjet printers, which use ink, 3D printers use materials such as plastic, resin, titanium, polymers, or even gold and silver to create the desired object.

3D printing has recently made remarkable advancements in medical applications, some of which are rather affordable. In South Sudan, a teenager named Daniel Omar lost his hands in a

bomb explosion. An American startup called Not Impossible Labs was able to design 3D prosthetic arms that cost a mere $100 — an outstanding deal considering that the minimum cost of non-3D printed prosthetics is approximately $6,000. While there are some more costly 3D printing applications, their beneficial, longlasting impacts on patients are well worth the price tag. Meryl Richards, a British woman who was injured in a traffic accident about 40 years ago, unfortunately failed 6 hip operations.

Southampton General Hospital was able to provide Richards with a successful 3D-printed hip replacement.

The process involved attaining a CT scan to create a basis for the design of the hip joint, which would later be created out of powdered titanium.

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Stem cells were taken from Richards’ hips prior to the surgery, were cultured, and then placed back into her body to induce new bone formation around the implant. This lengthy and detailed process cost $20,000, about 10 times more expensive than usual joint replacements, but has improved Richards’ quality of life immensely.

Additionally, in the world of medicine, the Food and Drug Administration recently approved of the first 3D printed drug, called Spritam. The drug, not available until 2016, will be used to treat seizures in epileptic patients. The printing of Spritam is designed to improve the medication experience of epilepsy patients. Furthermore, by printing this drug, doctors are better capable of changing the dosage of pills to suit each and every one of their unique patients by simply altering the printer software.

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While 3D printing has already made noteworthy advancements in medicine with its ability to produce prosthetics and drugs, it may also be a beneficial tool in the future in aiding surgeons to better visualize the components inside a patient’s body (like when Dr. Meredith Grey printed out a tumour on Grey’s Anatomy).

Other future implications include

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the possibility of manufacturing food using 3D printers. This would be an inexpensive and efficient way to increase the availability of food supplies around the world. Perhaps one day 3D printing may become so commonplace that Western Science students can print food, so no one has to leave their comfy study spot to get a Starbucks vanilla chai tea latté.

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THE ART OF NAPPING It is more complicated than it seems ZIAD SABAA-AYOUN

Source: http://www.spiritscienceandmetaphysics.com/how-long-to-nap-for-the-biggest-brain-benefits

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he new school year marks a time when students return from their Netflix binges and beach vacations to the sounds of professors reading through the required textbook list. For many, this transition also means setting alarms back to 7:00 AM wake-ups. So how can students manage to be alert and functional when they have to rise before the sun? The art of napping explains it all.

A nap is a short period of sleep that is taken during the day to supplement the hours of night-time sleep. It is meant to foster alertness and wakefulness to maximize productivity. There is, however, a paradox associated with napping for longer periods of time: The longer the nap taken, the more likely one will wake up feeling like it’s the Monday morning after Christmas break without a coffee. Thus the art of napping requires more than lying in bed and closing one’s eyes – the duration of the nap is crucial to its efficiency.

Ten to 20-minute naps are known as “power naps”. This is ideal for a

boost of energy and wakefulness, and is thus recommended for students taking 8:30am classes who feel sluggish midday. Power naps limit the individual to a lighter sleep cycle stage known as non-rapid eye movement (NREM), making it easier to wake up and reducing the likelihood of post-nap grogginess.

Thirty-minute naps have a characteristic sleep-rebound effect, which is the familiar “sleep inertia” after a nap. This rebound effect typically lasts about 30 minutes after waking up, after which the benefits of the nap are observed. During this nap, individuals enter a deep sleep that is more difficult to wake up from, leaving them in a hangover-like state afterward.

Sixty-minute naps are ideal for improving cognitive function and boosting intellectual capacity. This may help with remembering facts, equations and molecular structures more effectively. But beware: the sleeprebound effect may still be observed.

When naps reach 90 minutes or more in length, the napping individual begins to enter Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep and experiences a full sleep cycle. This stage is associated with dreaming and has been proven to enhance creativity and procedural memory (such as how to ride a bike, or how to play a guitar). While this stage avoids the sleep-rebound effect, it may have negative effects for night-time sleep by making one feel less sleepy when bedtime comes around.

Napping provides the energy and brainpower that many students need throughout their day; however, the nap’s duration must be monitored. Sleep is a prominent form of procrastination, and can be avoided by scheduling nap-time.

The need for napping can be reduced by not overworking and maintaining healthy diet and exercise regimes. If feelings of tiredness and an inability to function persist after napping, this may be a sign of sleep deprivation, requiring changes to night-time sleep.

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FOR SALE: HUMAN AUGMENTATIONS What would you improve?

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JACEK ORZYŁOWSKI

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he Back-to-school shopping is coming to a close, and students are returning to campus with a host of the latest gadgets, all meant to simplify their lives so they can spend more time playing games, drinking, socializing, and learning. However, for some technophiles, having more computing power in their pocket than NASA did when it sent mankind to the moon does not satisfy their sci-fi craving.

Enter “grinders” – body hackers who eschew the usual videogame grinding, and instead improve upon their bodies in real life to gain a variety of useful superhuman skills.

If one happens to be a forgetful grinder, constantly leaving headphones at home before a trip to the gym, it might be worth implanting magnets in the tragus of each ear. A smartphone can then be made to send audio into a signal amplifier, then to a necklace acting as an antenna. The signal coursing through the necklace creates an electromagnetic field around the head that induces vibrations in the magnets implanted in the ear. Those vibrations are heard as music, with the same quality as a “cheap set of

earbuds”, as described by grinder Rich Lee, who likely draws many confused looks as he rocks out to his tunes without visible headphones.

If the forgetfulness relates to a flash drive instead, body hacking has a solution as well. The increasingly diminished size of computer-readable chips allows users to implant them under the skin of the finger with a simple needle in licensed piercing shops. With the increasing prevalence of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) or Near Field Communication (NFC) hardware, grinders can use their chips to store and transfer data between computers and smartphones, or open electronic locks with the wave of a hand. It seems future Jedis will be less concerned with tapping into the Force than predicted. All they will need is a willingness to try out the trappings of a cyborg life.

However, if there is any body hack useful enough to make your average Western student go under the modification knife, it would have to be the implant letting one hear Wi-Fi signals. Requiring the implantation of hearing aids, a hacked smartphone can

then send melodies or sounds through Bluetooth to the hearing aid, pinpointing the location of the signals. London, England journalist Frank Swain had the procedure done, and was amazed at the information gleaned from the device. Through the pitch of the router, Swain could identify the security of the signal, the Internet Service Provider, even the brand, type, and location of the router. The hack cannot, however, determine the strength of the signal.

So a warning to all potential grinders – this modification is still incapable of finding you the one mythical spot on campus with a stable connection.

On a slightly more serious note, it would be best to not try these modifications at home or alone. Practice some prudence. Avoid having your med-sci friend try his scalpel technique on the implant with the promise that your other friend can hack your phone with a summer of self-taught Java. That said, if you have skill with a power drill and extensive knowledge of the occipital lobe, contact me immediately.

I have always wanted to hear colours.

THE CURRENT

out there

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EARTH 2.0 The search for another planet JAKE WHILIDAL

I

n recent years, few exploits have breached the gaping chasm of modern media more than the activities of popular astronaut and visionary Chris Hadfield. Hailed as the ‘astronaut who made space look cool’ – as if it needed any help – Hadfield’s fame is said to come from his casual demeanour, social grace and ability to communicate with the masses—regarding even the most complicated of topics. A brief glance at his Twitter account will back all such claims, but there is more to the magic behind this moustacherocking Canadian than meets the eye. His tenure as an astronaut has given him a backstage pass to some of the most scandalous issues of Generation Y space travel; he has

taken the topics that would normally only appeal to those spending their days on the top floor of the Physics and Astronomy Building, and opened them to the masses. His latest subject: the colonization of the great beyond – and its plausibility will shock you.

While it’s still a tad early to abandon your biology major for a career with the Extraterrestrial Realty Firm, the impressive track record for space exploration over the past 25 years would suggest that inhabiting the great beyond is a closer reality than most people think.

Factors such as the rise in world population and life expectancy have more and more experts jumping onto the pro-extraterrestrial inhabitation bandwagon. Entrepreneurs such as

Elon Musk and Richard Branson have both invested significant amounts of their time, resources and personal fortunes on the concept of space tourism (a stepping stone to full out inhabitation). But, with the countdown officially on, there’s still a lot of work to do.

Despite agreeing upon society’s increasing need for more legroom, the big question of ‘where’ has leading researchers fighting like cat and dog. The recent discovery of Kepler 452-b (an astronomically cool earth-like planet, oftentimes referred to as ‘Earth’s older cousin’) has proven to be an exciting find.

Having a celestial body with a similar enough atmosphere to that of Earth to sustain life without intervention is

THE CURRENT

out there

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“

Let us pray that the human race never escapes Earth to spread its iniquity elsewhere.

”

- C.S. LEWIS an exciting prospect, but the planet itself rests approximately 1400 light years away–making travel logistics a serious concern. Inhabitation of this planet in particular is a long way off, but its discovery is nonetheless a sign that we are that much closer.

More realistic targets lay within our own solar system. The moon has become a crowd favourite after the discovery of water at the lunar poles back in 2009. This, along with its obvious proximity, makes it a serious contender in the race to become a societal summer home. Despite the fact that it would take some significant intervention to sustain life, it would be relatively easy and fast to supply with the required gear (The New Horizons probe made it from

take-off to beyond the moon in less than nine hours!) Mars, a planet that seemed unreachable only a few years ago, is now on NASA’s radar. The space administration recently began a project isolating six scientists in a Mars-like dome for one year; thought by many to be a sign for an upcoming expedition.

It is also not to go unnoticed that the International Space Station has held between three and six passengers for the past fifteen years–bringing the idea of man-made earthorbiting colonizations into play as well. Perhaps the most unrealistic financially, but definitely the most cool.

So where do we go from here?

As with any major innovation, space

colonization is not without its ethical dilemmas. Lives will more than likely be lost in the process, and the funding itself will be near impossible to procure. Many agree that our priority as these advancements take place should be to not get so caught up in whether or not we can, but whether or not we should. With all the challenges, every facet of the modern world will need to come together to make this concept a reality, hopefully with UWO alumni leading the way.

At least it’s good to know that after your four-year tenure at Western, you may be able to buy a house that is truly out of this world. Innovate on, Mustangs.

THE CURRENT

out there

A CALL TO “BIRD COURSES” Original fiction

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JACEK ORZYŁOWSKI

C

.C. could not believe he had to start classes on a Thursday. What was the point? Tomorrow was the start of the regular three-day weekend, and classes would not resume until Monday. It seemed a waste of time.

Such were his thoughts as he sat down at his desk, and donned his headset.

Following a bright flash of light, C.C.’s virtual reality set booted up and dropped him into the back seat of a lecture hall. He looked to his sides, and saw the crowds of first-day students holographically projected into the seats around him. He had made it early enough to secure a seat, though he was not sure why. First-day crowds always soaked up so much bandwidth that he could barely keep up with the distance class. On the other hand, this could present an opportunity for C.C. to test out his new connection modifier – it kept his holograph seemingly engaged while allowing him to duck out of his headset to do whatever he pleased.

The professor, actually present in the hall below all the students, cleared his throat and began his lecture with at least a hint of enthusiasm: “Alright

folks! Good to see all your faces. I understand we have some students joining us all the way from Venus this semester. Welcome! I’ve always wanted to visit the cloud-top cities there… But I digress. Welcome to Histories of the Solar System, where we’ll be exploring all eight planets, and, of course, Pluto. Since we do have a bit to cover before the weekend, let’s jump straight into it. Naturally, we will be starting with the original planet, the OP of the solar system – Earth.”

C.C. lost all interest almost immediately. What were they going to teach them next? Italian? Driving?

Some other dead topic? “… As you all know, Earth has been uninhabitable for the last hundred and ten years…”

So what was the point of learning its history? Mankind was meant to move forward, not dwell in the past. “… it is important to consider the plight of Earth, for…” Blah blah blah. After he executed a few coded commands on his screen, C.C. pulled off his headset. He grinned after he saw the set maintained its connection (and the recording) properly.

He heard a knock behind him, and turned around to see his friend P.I. poke her head through the door. “Wanna start the weekend early?” She flashed two genuine hop beers. C.C. leapt to his feet, marvelling at his friend’s connections. The two made their way to one of the doors of their living complex, and ventured into the arid landscape of the formerly red planet.

They walked down one of their favourite roads, taking in the sight of factories and terraforming stations each spewing out compounds into the atmosphere. Autonomous cars guzzled gas from Titan and spurted past the pair.

“Learn about Earth, can you believe it? The place is dead. What’s the point of learning anything more about it?”

C.C. was already complaining about their class. P.I. nodded her assent, and added, “What happened, happened.

Nothing we can do about it now.”

They downed their beers and tossed them by the side of the road amidst the other heaps of trash. The two soon disappeared into the chemical haze of the greying planet.

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on campus

FRESHMAN 15: MYTH OR REALITY? Can you afford that trip to the snack bar?

VIRAJ BHATT

A

s I finished moving into my MedSyd room, I went down to grab a bite from the cafeteria. The food looked amazing, but there was one thing that held me back – the fear of the “Freshman 15.”

The Freshman 15 is the notion that after completing your first year of university/college, you will gain 15lbs.

Many students argue this is a myth, while others spend hours preparing their diets trying to fight the cause.

Scientifically proven, certain aspects of first year are known to increase weight, such as increases in alcohol consumption and a poor diet.

Additionally, there are other influences that may increase weight indirectly, such as stress and lack of sleep. Ohio State University looked further into analyzing this occurrence and found through their study that first year students actually only gain two to three pounds over the course of their freshman year!

The Freshman 15 is becoming so popular through university and college networks that administrative services are taking action toward this issue, and are currently working hard to raise awareness.

2. Control Alcohol Consumption

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4. Hit the Gym, with a Friend!

Going to the gym is great, but doing it with a friend is even better!

They motivate you to work harder, and you can share your common interest of being in shape. Having a friend that is depending on you to work out with them also keeps you from flaking when you feel lazy.

Yes, you’re at Western. Yes, you may like to party. But each beer that you order – if you’re 19 and over, that is – on a Thursday night at Ceeps is a whopping 150 calories each! And of course you’re going to stop by Little Caesars on your way home, which makes the binge even worse. Drink in moderation, drink water and try 5. Get Sleep making up for the calories that you This is hard to do, especially when may take in on a night out by working you’re up until 2:00 AM catching up out the next day. on the latest episode of Suits. But a lack of sleep can lead you into a crazy 3. Eat Smaller Portions, Multiple Times Throughout the cycle of weight gain. Think about it, you’re tired in the morning from Day staying up all night, what do you do?

Our bodies have something called Grab a coffee? A Redbull? Indulge in a Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR), which sugar and calories? Exactly. is the rate at which your body processes Therefore, the Freshman 15 isn’t food while you are at rest. By eating smaller portions in multiple sittings, precisely a myth. No, you won’t gain you increase your body’s BMR. So exactly 15 pounds, however the change essentially, instead of eating a large in lifestyle you experience during your lunch and a large dinner, try splitting it transition into first year could make it somewhat challenging to stay in shape up into 4 smaller meals! and live a healthy lifestyle.

So to all the incoming 1st years, follow the tips above and you’ll be just fine!

Here are some tips that you can take to avoid the Freshman 15:

1. Control Social Calories Lots of students who’ve already eaten feel pressured to eat again simply because their group of friends are going to the cafeteria and they don’t want to feel left out. If you’re in this situation, just grab a coffee or tea and you’ll be able to spend time with them just as well!

Exercise releases endorphins. [credit: Calibe Thompson @ Flickr]

CAMPUS GUIDE THE CURRENT

on campus

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ROBERT NANNI & MATHURA THIYAGARAJAH

CAMPUS EATS

COOL BUILDINGS

▶

Mucho Burrito: packed with flavour, and the workers are some of the nicest on campus!

The Spoke: for all you bagel connoisseurs, this is the place to be, and just wait until you find the pub food at the back.

Green Leaf Café: daily lunch buffets for that all you can eat experience, right in Somerville House.

STUDENT CHOICE

Ivey Building: one of the newest buildings on campus, the modern aesthetic is worth exploring.

Ontario Hall: not sure if it’s a residence or a hotel, definitely sure it’s a gorgeous place to check out.

Visual Arts Centre: feels a little industrial, but the constantly changing art exhibits are totally underappreciated.

TIME FILLERS

The Spoke’s CLT is something you will never stop hearing about.

D.B. Weldon Library fills up easily but 5th floor is a great place to study (surrounded by great literature!) and may still have some empty spots.

TIM HORTON’S UCC Upper Level Express: what faster way to get your daily coffee than by getting it yourself?

Med Sci Building: most students do not consider this location and it does not have the full menu but if you want the basics without the line of Nat Sci, this is your best bet.

TIP: Your best bet is to avoid popular times like right before or after a major class ends! Good luck at the NCB Tim’s during those times!

STUDY SPACES Taylor Library: get acquainted to the stacks and cubicles for when you really need to get stuff done. You are bound to see a science friend here and there is the more social Collaborative Learning Centre.

King’s College: for a bit of a trek, but worth it for the serene atmosphere.

Empty Classrooms: totally underrated, and provides the same environment as lectures - plus, whiteboards!

▶

King’s College Campus & Library certainly gives the aesthetics of Main Campus some hefty competition.

The Rec Centre: even those who don’t care for the gym will be impressed by this state of the art facility. Take some classes with friends and stay healthy!

Outdoors: “winter is coming” so you better enjoy Western’s campus while you can! Be wary of geese.

Physics & Astronomy: the interior of this building is perfect for chill studying and catching up with friends.

There’s also a ping pong table around somewhere...

USEFUL APPS WesternU Mobile: this year, the app has been updated with a ton of useful new features - OWL, maps, exam schedules, transit info and more!

LTC Transit Apps: you will probably be cursing these apps daily but you know you still rely on it.

The Weather Network: okay, also not the most reliable but you should be checking the forecast because here in London rain is often right around the corner - dress right!

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SCIENCE STUDENTS’ COUNCIL OFFICIAL MAGAZINE