Memorable Movies

Issue 11

August 2018

Memorable Movies

Available Positions:

Writer Designer Photographer Copy Editor Business Associate Marketing/ PR Associate Distribution Associate Radio Show Writer Radio Social Media Manager Associate Web Developer/ Designer

Join Us!

Please access the application via our Facebook page. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.

CONTACT US AT: scientificaeditor@gmail.com for any questions you may have.

Your Advertisement Could Be

Here!

For more information contact: scientificabusiness@gmail.com

2 | Memorable Movies

Cover Illustration: Sandy Taboada

Health

The Fast and the Feasting, 12 Making a Mark on the Immune..., 14 Close to the Heart, 18 What’s The Addy?, 22

!

News

Ethics

Profiles

Contents

Research

Memorable Movies, 6 Your Brain on Banh Mi, 8 The Stargazer of South Beach, 10

Downloading Dopamine, 26 Bee The Change that Bees Need, 27 Diagnosing Healthcare, 28

DNR Tattoo, 30 The End of CTE, 32 It Doesn’t Come from Animals, 34 Eugenics in the Modern Age, 38

Rebuilding Old Bridges, 40 Eyes on the Flies, 42

fFeatured Story Memorable Movies In this issue’s feature, Memorable Movies (p. 6), Anuj Shah analyzes The Dark Knight to explore how filmmakers use musical scores, color, motion, and emotion to influence our perception and tap into the recesses of our subconscious minds.

3

Perception.

We are all mariners in a vast sea of sensory information; to process this data, our brains have evolved elaborate circuitry which scientists are only just beginning to understand.

In this issue’s feature, “Memorable Movies” (p.

6), Anuj Shah explores how filmmakers use musical scores, color, motion, and emotion to influence our perception and tap into the recesses of our subconscious minds. In “Your Brain on Bahn Mi” (p. 8), Ka Lam Nguyen savors the question of how we taste and how what we taste is intimately linked with our sense of

identity and culture. Lastly in our series on perception, “What’s the Addy?”(p. 20), Mark Levine explores the consequences of seizing control over our attention and perception through psychoactive drugs. We hope you enjoy this eleventh issue of Scientifica Magazine.

Here’s to another year of amazing science !

With this issue, I encourage each of you to explore and delve deeper into your particular area of study -- even if it lies outside of STEM. New experiences allow us to develop and grow as individuals; these experiences could be as simple as enjoying a new Vietnamese dish, or as bold as registering for a semester abroad. I hope this issue sparks curiosity in each of you and pushes you to explore the unknown.

A thank you goes out to our phenomenal staff for working on Scientifica over the summer, your devotion and dedication is the reason for the magazine’s continued

success. I’d also like to welcome our incoming Class of 2022 to the “U” and look forward to working with them soon.

I wish everyone a successful and productive year.

4 | Memorable Movies

Steven H Lang Neuroscience Class of 2020 Editor-In-Chief, UMiami Scientifica

Roger I. Williams Jr., M.S. Ed. Director, Student Activities Advisor, Microbiology & Immunology Editorial Advisor, UMiami Scientifica

Board of Advisors Barbara Colonna Ph.D.

Senior Lecturer

Organic Chemistry

Department of Chemistry Richard J. Cote, M.D., FRCPath, FCAP

Professor & Joseph R. Coutler Jr. Chair

Department of Pathology

Professor, Dept. of Biochemistry &

Molecular Biology

Chief of Pathology, Jackson

Memorial Hospital

Director, Dr. Jonn T. Macdonald Foundation

Biochemical Nanotechnology Institute

University of Miami Miller School

of Medicine Michael S. Gaines, Ph.D.

Assistant Provost Undergraduate Research and

Community Outreach

Professor of Biology Mathias G. Lichtenheld, M.D.

Associate Professor of Microbiology &

Immunology

FBS 3 Coordinator

University of Miami Miller School

of Medicine Charles Mallery, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Biology & Cellular and Molecular Biology

Associate Dean April Mann

Director of the Writing Center Catherine Newell, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Religion Leticia Oropesa, D.A.

Coordinator Department of Mathematics *Eckhard R. Podack, M.D., Ph.D.

Professor & Chair

Department of Microbiology

& Immunology

University of Miami Miller School

of Medicine Adina Sanchez-Garcia

Associate Director of English Composition

Senior Lecturer Geoff Sutcliffe, Ph.D.

Chair Department of Computer Science

Associate Professor of Computer Science Yunqiu (Daniel) Wang, Ph.D.

Senior Lecturer

Department of Biology * Deceased

Scientifica Staff 2018 Steven Lang.............................. Editor-in-Chief Nimesh Nagururu.................. Managing Editor Devi Nallakumar.................... Managing Editor Samantha Mosle..................... Design Director Sandy Taboada........................ Design Director Parv Gondalia.......................... Copy Chief Melissa Huberman................ Art Director William Benedict................... Director of Photography Joshua Zahner.......................... Webmaster Corey Fehlberg........................ Distribution Manager Ryan Steinberg........................ Business Manager Elisabeth Hofer....................... Director of Public Relations Sofia Mohammad.................. Director of Community Outreach Roger Williams, M.S. Ed...... Editorial Advisor Victoria Pinilla........................ Board of Advisors Liason Carolina Mallar........................ Copy Editor Alfredo Vicente....................... Copy Editor Sean Walson.............................. Copy Editor Avi Botwinick........................... Copy Editor Michelle Ng-Reyes.................. Copy Editor Gaurav Gupta........................... Copy Editor Mateo Cardonas...................... Photographer Diana Matei.............................. Photographer Marya Zdelchlik...................... Photographer Rachna Rahul........................... Photographer Jill Weiss.................................... Associate Web Developer

Roger I. Williams Jr., M.S. Ed

Anuj Shah............................. Ethics Siena Vadakal...................... News Trevor Birenbaum............. Research Ryan Moon.......................... Health Carolene Kurien................. Profiles Shruti Karnani................... Designer Caitlin Smith...................... Designer Lucero Barrantes............... Designer Caitlin Dowen Esquivel... Designer Gabi Lee................................ Designer Alexia Vignau..................... Designer Sammy Roberts.................. Writer Grant de la Vasselais......... Writer Robert Shore....................... Writer Aaron Chait......................... Writer Akshata Gunda................... Writer Alyssa Laffitte.................... Writer Marc Levine......................... Writer Anuj Shah............................. Writer Olivia Cox............................. Writer Stefanie Suarez................... Writer John Tsatalis........................ Writer James Wilson....................... Writer Ka Lam Nguyen.................. Writer Shravya Jasti........................ Writer Nikhil Rajulapati............... Writer Marisa Stephens................. Writer Mahitha Kunamneni........ Writer Alexandria Hawkins......... Writer Sonali Khiyani.................... Writer Taylor Lindstrom.............. Writer Christina Paraggio............. Writer Kimberly Rose...................... Writer

Steven H. Lang

5

M

OVIES MOVE US. We laugh, cry, and scream – our emotions are hijacked by the filmmakers.

But what is it that makes these flickering images resonate so profoundly in our minds? And why do some movies have such long-lasting effects, while others vanish from our memory? Memorable movies stick because they allow humans, whose brains are fairly adept at discerning real life from the imaginary, to treat what is on screen as a part of their very existence. As Jeffrey Zacks, a neuroscientist from Washington University in St. Louis, puts it, movies have “evolved to take advantage of the brains we have.”

Techniques used by filmmakers effectively manipulate human brains into viewing chains of images as cohesive, intricate, life-like stories with significant implications.

Recently, neuroscientists have discovered that when watching movies in a group setting, viewers have nearly perfectly synchronized brain waves and elevated emotions, as those around them are experiencing and reacting to the same sensations. This phenomenon, termed the “mirror rule,” captures our human compulsion to replicate the behaviors of others around us, especially when it comes to moods and emotions. Movies that truly capture and maintain an individual person’s attention can cause a theater full of viewers to subconsciously build on their fellow audience members’ emotions. Oxytocin, a neurotransmitter released when trust is established, enhances our ability to share emotions and relate to those around us–the specific mechanism through which the “mirror rule” functions. Incredibly, on-screen emotions (including grinning, anger, and sadness), even

with unliked characters, are reflected in the audience members, whose smiles or knitted brows will appear and fade in unison. This synchronization even permeates the most unconscious of human behaviors such as blinking and breathing. When a movie controls its audience steadily, through tonally consistent and well thought-out storytelling as well as detailed camera work, viewers come away with a more unified consensus about the movie’s excellence.

Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight, a movie widely heralded as one of the greatest, demonstrates a masterful ability to emotionally entrance audiences. Nearly ten years after its release, The Dark Knight is still used for countless comparisons, not only for superhero flicks or for action-adventure or crime dramas, but for movies in general. So, what allows it to appeal to such a diverse population? Many aspects come to mind, including its legendary opening scene, momentous climax, thematic analysis of morality and criminality, and beautifully constructed interpretation of Gotham City. However, the truly captivating components involved Nolan’s scientific methods of appealing to audiences. Through a psychological approach, he fine-tuned three of the characteristics most capable of drawing in audiences and securing their attention: well-structured characters and characterization, enchanting music and effects, and meticulous cinematography.

Compelling character-driven stories never fail to enthrall audiences, causing oxytocin levels to rise in harmony and brain activity to increase in areas such as the auditory and visual cortexes and the limbic system.

The more an audience’s attention is controlled, the greater the unity in its reaction. In its interpretation of

When

Memorable

Movies

Storytelling Meets

Science -Anuj Shah

6 | Memorable Movies

and fit like lock in key with the feel of Batman, a superhero without superpowers. Many other movie producers and executives love big-budget tech and expensive shots, but they are often disconnected from average viewers, most of whom prefer simplicity and straightforwardness. Both consciously and unconsciously, viewers are drawn in by practical effects and photographic reality.

Unforgettable movies incorporate a technical variety of camera shots, each tailored for maximum impact.

Researchers have demonstrated that character-driven stories stimulate audiences more, and character-centered camera work paired with carefully chosen equipment gives a movie its desired feel. Precise cinematography involves medium shots, close ups, arcs, and physical camera movement all while keeping the characters as the focus of the shot. The Joker’s interrogation scene, a cinematic treasure, features symbolic lighting and meticulous cinematography. The Joker first sits enveloped in darkness, which subconsciously hints to the audience he is detached from their common perception of morality. Once Batman enters, the lights are thrown on, and the Joker cannot hide anymore. After Batman’s initial display of physical strength, the Joker and Batman converse intensely, and the camera slowly circles around them, capturing close-ups of both characters to build on the tense mood. Soon after, Batman loses his temper and pins the Joker against the wall. The camera shows their eyelines are level, which to the audience signals a turn: Batman is strong, but he has no advantage over the Joker. He has nothing to bargain with.

Finally, the movie’s use of blurs and distinct focuses indirectly convey what is of importance. At the end of the interrogation scene, the Joker laughs maniacally, and Batman’s blurred fist is seen as he raises it to strike the Joker. Batman’s power is useless; the Joker, laughing hysterically and still in focus, has complete control.

Though far more difficult to use, the complex IMAX cameras and equipment utilized to shoot this scene and countless others offered Nolan extra sharpness and a way to completely immerse the audience.

A more in-depth view into what goes into creating a movie allows viewers to deepen their appreciation for the science behind it all. As for budding filmmakers, the focus should always be on the story. Honestly telling a story and carefully wielding the great power of cinematography and directing will genuinely move an audience. Examining The Dark Knight and other brilliant films reveals one common theme–when cinematographers and directors tread the fine line between science and aesthetics, everyone wins.

Design by: Sandy Taboada

classic characters, The Dark Knight produces a supreme antagonist in the Joker, the perfect counterbalance against Batman. Throughout the movie, the Joker wholly negates Batman’s physical strength, turning it into a weakness and reveling in the opportunity to create situations in which Batman’s physical prowess is utterly useless. Nolan and the other writers create scenes that require the audience to refine their expectations and change their perceptions, drawing them further into the story. As viewers, we are emotionally attached to seeing how Batman can overcome a challenge he is not ready to solve. In addition, the movie effectively accomplishes what few others are able to– the antagonist competes for the same goal as the hero. Batman and the Joker both compete for the soul of Gotham, their independent visions of Gotham as a place of generosity and hope or lawlessness and disorder. Other movies may have complex storylines, but intricacy isn’t enough to craft a memorable final product. In The Dark Knight, the fate of the entire world isn’t at stake, as is the motif in far too many movies today. This element of storytelling is what connects the audience to the film even more; Batman’s struggle resonates because he has to, above all else, overcome personal limitations and do whatever is necessary to achieve his goal of establishing justice in Gotham. To prevail over personal flaws is a dream accessible to people of all backgrounds.

Filmmakers have the heavy task of giving their movies unique auras and atmospheres. While other movies may change their music drastically from scene to scene, Hans Zimmer’s glorious soundtrack maintains the overall mood of the movie, with slight alterations to either darken the tone or introduce a sliver of hope. In terms of scientific accomplishment, it would seem The Dark Knight would fall short compared to the CGI extravaganzas that are most modern-day movies. So why don’t other more scientifically advanced movies with their CGI-laden scenes and visually altered stunts simply overshadow The Dark Knight? In fact, Nolan’s scarce use of CGI is one of the secrets to his movie’s wide appeal and lasting psychological effect. This version of Batman, who still uses his resources to acquire powerful technologies, simply seems more grounded and relatable to common viewers, and his stunts and heroics seem all the more impressive because of their realism. The numerous scenes with Batman standing on the edge of a Hong Kong skyscraper and later hitching on to a C-130 cargo plane–easy decisions for most directors to use CGI–were specifically kept as actual stunts by Nolan.

However, rather than simply being stunts for the sake of being stunts, they were well incorporated into the story,

Research | 7

Your Brain on Banh Mi A

-Ka Lam Nguyen

SK ANY VIETNAMESE what his or her favorite sandwich is and he or she will most likely tell you that it's the "banh mi," which simply means "bread" in Vietnamese. The "banh mi" sandwich is a culinary pride of the Vietnamese, one that is similar in fame to the Philadelphians' Philly cheesesteak. The “banh mi” is a type of French baguette made from a mixture of rice flour and wheat flour. Hence, unlike its French cousin, the Viet baguette is often much lighter and crispier. With a spread of the luscious fatty pâté, made from a mixture of cooked liver, cognac, and buttery mayonnaise, when put together with several succulent slices of roast pork (and the oozing meat juice, of course), the “banh mi” sandwich finds the perfect harmony in taste with pickled shredded daikons and carrots and a touch of heat from the jalapeno ñ pepper. At the basic level, these are all the ingredients needed to make a mouth-watering and delightful “banh mi,” arguably one of the best sandwiches ever known to humanity (but maybe I am a little biased). However, scientifically speaking, have you ever wondered what makes the taste of the “banh mi” sandwich so delectable, when beautifully prepared and made by a skillful artisan? Let’s explore the wonderful world of taste using the “banh mi” sandwich as the medium.

Before we delve into the complex world of taste, think mindfully about this question: What is taste? Most of us, if not all, learn in school that taste is the process of chemical receptors located on the countless taste buds that line over the papillae (the bumps on your tongue), perceiving food molecules, and sending signals to the brain. The result is the perception of the five basic tastes: bitter, salt, sour, sweet and umami (savory). But is that all there is? Might it be possible that taste doesn’t have a textbook definition? What if the notion of taste is much more complicated than you think? In truth, taste is as much a psychological product as it is a chemical or physiological product; taste is the perceived result of a combination of signals from aroma, sight, sound (yes, sound), flavor and touch sensation associated with a food.

A longtime friend of mine, who proclaimed himself a “connoisseur in gastronomy,” once asked me: “What do you think accounts for the deliciousness in the “banh mi” baguette?”

I said, “It’s the crust, no?”

He then replied, “Not really. It’s the smell, I tell you. It’s the smell!”

He emphasized that the smell, or aroma, is what makes the “banh mi” so delicious. But ever since I understood the complexity of taste, I also knew that he was only half correct, as there are other scientific reasons as to why “banh mi” smells and tastes good. Let’s examine how we perceive taste chemically by looking at the main ingredient of the “banh mi” sandwich: the baguette.

What better experience is there to enjoy going to a bakery than to smell its freshly baked bread, or baguettes? Probably none (perhaps you can agree with me). The chemical reactions behind baking are probably ones that you already know: caramelization and the Maillard reactions. Caramelization and the Maillard reactions are similar because they are both non-enzymatic, browning reactions that produce many compounds that impact the flavor of food. However, unlike the Maillard reactions, caramelization is the browning of sugar that does not involve amino acids. Some of the most famous dishes that also utilize the caramelization reaction like baked bread are Soupe à l'oignon à la Parisienne (aka French onion soup) and Confiture de lait (similar to dulce de leche). The major volatile compound that gives bread (or other dishes) its characteristic caramel and buttery note, 2,3-butanedione (or diacetyl), is released during caramelization. Therefore, diacetyl contributes to the richness of the aroma of the bread. However, diacetyl is but a small contributor. Most volatile chemicals,

8 | Memorable Movies

Design by: Caitlin Smith

such as 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline and 2-acetyltetrahydropyridine, both of which contribute to the roasted and cracker-like aroma of bread, are released during the Maillard reactions. These chemicals are detected by the scent receptors in your nasal cavity when you eat or sniff food. Hence, the combination of chemical signals transmitted from your taste buds and nasal receptors to your brain then create taste (or flavor) that transcends the five basic tastes.

The usefulness of chemistry, i.e., the Maillard reactions, in understanding the taste of the “banh mi” sandwich does not stop there. The richness of the succulent roast pork is also created by the Maillard reactions. (Let’s give a tribute to the French chemist LouisCamille Maillard, who we can thank for our deep understanding of the culinary arts). The Maillard reactions can be summarized in three steps: amino acids and sugars react to produce glycosylamine; glycosylamine isomerizes to produce ketosamine; ketosamine reacts in many ways to create even more products. One of the products, melanoidin, is said to contribute to the brown coloring of cooked foods, such as the roast pork in the “banh mi” sandwich. Many other end products of the Maillard reactions, such as alkylpyridines, furanones, and thiophenes, contribute to the nutty, meaty, burnt, mildly bitter and caramel taste of roast pork (and other dishes).

But these chemical and physiological reasons can only explain the composition of a delicious “banh mi” sandwich; they don’t explain why the roast pork tastes good, or why we like the crispy crust and aroma of the Viet baguette. Think about it this way: Do you actively think that you like baked bread because you are smelling diacetyl? Or do you also think that you like roast pork because you are tasting alkylpyridines or furanones for the nutty, meaty and burnt flavor? Unless you are an OCD chemist, the most likely answer is no. Instead, we turn to the psychological reason for why certain foods are so appetizing. Ivan Pavlov’s classical conditioning experiment with dogs explains how we are conditioned to like or hate certain things. The experiment portrays the concept of associative learning, which is the act of learning by linking certain stimuli, behaviors or events together in the process of conditioning.

Therefore, associative learning explains why we like certain foods, such as the “banh mi” sandwich.

Certainly, taste preferences take time to form, beginning from when we were toddlers still learning how to walk. We take in environmental cues and learn the sight, sound, and touch sensations associated with the food. I am half Vietnamese and I grew up eating lots of “banh mi” sandwiches for breakfast. I associate the food with my heritage, my family and my culture as those are the environmental cues that contribute to my taste preferences. But the crunchy sound of a crushed baguette, or the sight of the vivid colors of pickles in the “banh mi,” or even the soft but crispy texture of the “banh mi” crust all influenced my taste preference and conditioned me to like the sandwich. The impact was greater than that of my self-proclaimed connoisseur friend, who likes “banh mi” as much as I do. But he never experienced the taste of the sandwich the way I did simply because he didn’t grow up with it.

Ever since I came to Miami to attend the University of Miami, I have been experiencing an insatiable hunger for the “banh mi” sandwich. I drive for miles around South Miami on weekends in a quest for the best “banh mi” sandwich shop, but to no avail, as I cannot find one that is decent enough to even rival a mediocre “banh mi” sandwich in San Diego. I even tried to make my own, but I couldn’t find a bakery that sells the Viet baguette, or a store that sells pâté for the sandwich. Hence, my quest continues. I would love to share the taste that I experienced with everyone. Boy, if only I could find the rich and creamy French pâté in Miami to spread onto a crispy Viet baguette, with my homemade pickles tucked in with the oozing juice from several slices of roast pork, garnished with chopped cilantro. Mm, delicious.

I dedicate this article to Professor Otis (Ms. MO) and Professor Wafer for their tremendous help in improving me to become a better writer.

Research | 9

The Stargazer of South

D

ID YOU KNOW that you live in a bubble?

Actually, we all do. Our solar system is surrounded by a bubble of hot gas that spans roughly 300 light years. It was first detected in the 1970s by scientists who measured x-rays coming from the gas, but what produces these x-rays has remained a mystery for over 40 years. Some scientists believed that the x-rays came from the exchange of electrons between the solar wind (particles emitted from the sun) and the gas of the bubble, while others believed they originated from the leftover radiation of exploding stars called supernovas.

Comprised of physicists and engineers from around the world, the Diffuse X-rays from the Local galaxy, or DXL, mission is led by University of Miami’s physicist Dr. Massimiliano Galeazzi and works to discover what causes the emission of x-rays from the bubble. The first DXL mission was launched in 2014 and consisted of a satellite being launched 160 miles from the surface of earth for approximately five minutes. That’s all the time DXL needed to collect data and conclude that only 40 percent of the x-rays detected were from charge exchange between the solar wind and gas. The other 60 percent was determined to have been radiation from supernovas in our galaxy’s distant past.

According to Dr. Galeazzi, the results from the DLX mission “affects our understanding of the area of the galaxy close to the sun, and can, therefore, be

10 | Memorable Movies

Beach -Robert Shore

used as a foundation for future models of the galaxy structure.”

Dr. Galeazzi and DXL launched another mission in January of this year to confirm their previous results and collect new data for further research on the bubble.

“A lot of effort has been put into disentangling the various contributions to this signal” said Lucky Puspitarini, an astrophysicist at the Observatoire de Paris in Paris, France. “Finally, the results are converging! This ends a long-standing controversy.”

Thank you, to our own shining star, Dr. G., whose research has shed light on this fascinating interstellar phenomenon!

Photo credit: Merrick Peirce, Fairbanks AK

In the night they wait silent hopes and prayers, daring to dream.

Lists of questions unanswered and moments not yet experienced, their eyes wide and bright as the stars above them, youthful wonder in their minds.

No matter their beginnings, or where they have yet to go, in these very moments just like the stars they are all beautiful and they are all Infinite.

Design by: Lucero Barrantes

Stargazers

-Kimberley Rose

Research | 11

T

THE FAST AND

RUE OR FALSE: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

Most people have been consistently reminded since early childhood that breakfast and subsequent small, frequent meals are essential to a healthy lifestyle and optimal productivity. However, in recent years, nutritionists and scientists have called these seemingly factual eating times and patterns into question.

Currently, one of the world’s most popular fitness trends, a diet termed intermittent fasting, disputes this age-old adage about breakfast and metabolism maintenance. This new eating trend involves repeated cycles of fasting and eating—even feasting. One of the main attractions of intermittent fasting is that the

12 | Memorable Movies

phenomenon does not restrict which foods to eat, but rather the times at which food is eaten. Several studies show that these alternating cycles of fasting and feasting can lead to weight loss, lean muscle growth, improved metabolic health, disease prevention, and increased longevity.

Current University of Miami student and Exercise Physiology major, Sean Walson, personally witnessed the benefits of intermittent fasting by watching his sister try the eating plan. He said, “she loved it because as long as you eat all your calories in the window, you can still eat your favorite foods.” However, Walson highlighted that intermittent fasting may not be suitable for everyone. He states, “for me it’s not the best choice because I like to snack at all hours. In contrast, my sister prefers eating larger meals and she felt that it would be easier to abide by.”

There are several different methods of intermittent fasting; the most common of which, dubbed the 16/8 method, involves 16 hours of fasting with 8 hours of caloric intake. The key to this dieting pattern is that by purposefully decreasing the window of time in which food is ingested, an individual ultimately consumes less calories in a 24-hour period.

In BIL 360 (Comparative Physiology), Professor DuBois teaches that immediately after eating a meal, especially one heavy in sugars and carbohydrates, an individual’s blood glucose levels rise and insulin is secreted. Recently ingested meals provide the body with a readily available supply of glucose and glycogen to use for energy—as opposed to stored fat. The human body will spend several hours processing the food and utilizing these easily accessible energy reserves. After

Design by: Joshua Zahner

THE FEASTING -Carolina Mallar

fasting for several hours, the body no longer has fresh and serviceable glucose and glycogen and eventually draws from fat cells for energy. Decreased insulin sensitivity is often linked to heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. In contrast, proper insulin production and sensitivity are linked to weight loss and muscle creation.

When a meal is once again consumed after a period of fasting, insulin is produced. During this time, the body is most sensitive to insulin and possesses an increased ability to efficiently utilize the meal. This is especially true after a workout or strenuous activity when glycogen levels are depleted. As a result, the meal consumed after a workout and fasted state will be utilized most efficiently by restoring depleted glycogen and be subsequently less likely to be stored as fat. The intake of these larger and more satiating meals may result in increased vitality and productivity. Furthermore, during periods of fasting, growth hormone is increased. Thus, the periods of fasting followed by balanced and nutrient-rich meals, as suggested by intermittent fasting, result in increased growth hormone and insulin sensitivity and essentially prime the human body for fat loss and lean muscle growth.

When asked about traditional dieting, local personal trainer, Karina Figueredo, stated that individuals should strive to “make lasting and realistic changes to their eating habits,” and highlights that “usually people who start diets do not

follow them through or simply revert to their old habits after their goal weight is reached.” The primary reason that intermittent fasting has gained such momentum among the health and fitness community is that it does not require individuals to renounce the pleasures of eating their favorite foods. She says that the benefit of intermittent fasting is that there is no need to “restrict food choices,” and purposefully include or exclude macronutrients, but reminds readers that the “goal should be to develop healthy relationships with food and their own bodies,” and that “everyone should be incorporating some form of exercise and movement in their life, that they enjoy, to compliment their healthy eating habits.”

From an evolutionary perspective, eating several meals per day is a relatively new development.

Intermittent fasting, although fairly recently named, is not likely a new phenomenon. Our hunter-gatherer ancestors were likely forced to undergo these periodic cycles of fasting and feasting as a result of their way of life. Similarly, religions have long maintained traditions of fasting and linked them with increased spirituality.

Thus, the seemingly newfound eating pattern, with its multitude of health benefits, may simply be the way humans were meant to eat.

So, enough with the low-fat, no-carb, gluten, lactose and fun-free restricting diets. Intermittent fasting allows for proper nutrition, enjoyable indulgence, and a healthy lifestyle.

Health | 13

TATTOOS -Sofia Mohammad

Making their mark on the immune system

C

HANGE MAKES US UNCOMFORTABLE. As people who live in a dynamic world, we tend to derive comfort from the constants in our lives: the morning coffee we drink every day, the social media we check every morning, the class schedule we follow all semester. What we fail to realize, however, is that each of these aspects of our lives is not as permanent as we might think. Tastes change, social media loses its charm, and schedules grow mundane.

We feel comfortable living our lives with an “illusion of constancy” that keeps us neatly sheltered within our comfort zone, safe from the perils of the unknown. We apply this same “illusion of constancy” to tattoos; we think of them as fixed

14 | Memorable Movies

various aspects of their immune systems. For instance, researchers removed the macrophages present in the dermis of a sample of mice and observed the effects on the tattoos as healthy macrophages were killed and then regenerated by precursor cells called monocytes. To their surprise, the shape of the tattoos remained unchanged as the macrophages went through this continuous cycle of cell death and regeneration, constantly sucking up ink particles and releasing them upon death.

On a cellular scale, the ongoing process of pigment “capture, release, and recapture,” as the researchers call it, is the driving force behind tattoo retention in the dermis.

Dermal macrophages initially capture the pigment from the tattoo ink, and our tattoo pigments shine through their transparent cells to give us the illusion of permanent body art. As the macrophages age and eventually die, the ink globules are released extracellularly into layers of connective tissue beneath the skin.

So what are the implications of this research for tattoo removal? Can we simply erase the tattoos from the stained fibroblast cells? Or is a macrophage mass removal in order?

It seems that like most things, the answer is far more complex than we initially anticipated.

Statistically speaking, about 1 in 5 adults have at least one tattoo, and there are over ten thousand laser tattoo removals performed globally. Researchers from this study believe that targeting macrophages in the tattoo removal process can lessen the average amount of treatments for removal from 20 treatments to a mere 10, as evidenced by treatment proposals from dermatologists across the US. Dr. Jared Jadego, one such dermatologist from U.C. Davis, conducted laser tattoo removal procedures using an anti-inflammatory ointment that suppressed macrophage activity in the dermis. Using this method as opposed to the standard laser tattoo removal, he was able to remove over 90% of the tattoo in half the amount of treatments as the standard procedure. Though these studies are still in their primitive stages, they show great promise for the future of tattoo removal.

In life, our perception of reality is weighted heavily by what we believe to be true, so in science we must venture beyond the bounds of our comfort zone to unapologetically pursue the truth, even though it may challenge preconceived notions that once appeared constant. For now, it seems that tattoos retain their permanence, but in light of the science underlying the popular body art, they are by no means the static, unchanging art forms that we once thought them to be.

Design by: Samantha Mosle

embellishments that lay neatly sandwiched between layers of connective tissue and epithelium, forming a fixed image that will remain under our skin for a lifetime. Seeing past the illusion, we come to realize that tattoos are part of a dynamic response involving the mingling of macrophages and the hurry of histamines rushing to the site of the inflammation caused by the tattoo needle.

Though it seems innately counterintuitive for a defensive immune response to promote the persistence of tattoos, the science underlying tattoos paints a clearer picture of how the process works. It was originally believed that tattoo pigments simply stained fibroblasts, the fixed cells in our skin that produce collagen, but a recent study testing other aspects of the immune system completely overturns this notion.

Recently in the Journal of Experimental Medicine, there was a study published regarding the macrophage dynamics that underlie both the persistence and the removal of tattoos this study has undoubtedly shed light on a topic that gets under many people’s skin (literally).

In their model of tattoo persistence, French scientists discovered that macrophages—immune cells responsible for ingesting foreign particles or debris— play a crucial role in giving tattoos the illusion of stasis on skin. According to Bruce Klitzman, a researcher at Duke University working on creating an erasable tattoo, “Macrophages can basically swallow many, many tattoo pigment particles, almost like a vacuum cleaner,[they] just go along and suck up all those molecular interlopers.”

The researchers began their investigation, by giving a group of genetically engineered lab mice tattoos. Though the mice did not have the privilege of donning a cheesy quote or an angsty symbol of teenage rebellion across their tiny chests, they did get 3 bands of green ink tattooed upon their tails, and these bands served as excellent models of how the immune response prolonged tattoo viability in the dermis.

According to immunologists involved in the study, “mouse skin can be super fragile, much more fragile than human skin,” and this attests to the immense viability of using mice as a model for the human immune response to tattoos.

Each of the mice used in the study were genetically engineered to enable the researchers to manipulate

Health | 15

16 | Memorable Movies

Design by: Alexia Vignau

Health |17

Close to the Heart:

Breast

Cancer -Aaron Chait

B

REAST CANCER, THE CDC ACCOUNTS, is the most frequent type of cancer that affects women.

The American Cancer Society says about three percent of those with breast cancer will pass away.

Research on the causes of cancer occurrence to the structure and cellular dynamics of the most discussed kinds, to even discussion on the ways to limit cancer’s expansion to other parts of the body. Commonly unknown, is that there are several types of breast cancer, each with its own origins and susceptibilities.

Estrogen and progesterone-receptor breast cancers are the most common types of breast cancer. HER2receptor breast cancer, the Mayo Clinic says, affects 20 percent of people with breast cancer. Triple negative breast cancer is another frightening type of breast cancer that, the National Foundation of Breast Cancer states, affects about 15 percent of those with breast cancer.

18 | Memorable Movies

HER2 receptor overexpression. The question arises then: what is the cause of the breast cancer? And to that question, there are many answers, none being definitive. With the previously mentioned breast cancer types, there are certain receptors that can be targeted to inhibit cellular metastasis.

Triple negative breast cancer patients usually have to go straight to chemotherapy due to the lack of ability to fight this unknown enemy.

Triple negative is considered one of the most difficult cancers to fight if caught too late within a person’s life, but earlier treatment will increase likelihood of survival, similar to that of catching other cancers early enough. To me, this type of breast cancer sticks out the most as my mother, during her late thirties, was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. Luckily, her cancer was detected early enough that she was able to fight against the disease and continue to be a practicing physician today. It is always important to check for early stages of breast cancer, it is not a good idea to ignore questionable lumps or wait to be examined.

Conclusion: Past, Present, & Future Our understanding of breast cancer has evolved substantially throughout the years. As we continue to perform research, the more complex breast cancer seems to get and more questions are raised. It is important that proper funding is given to research, diagnosis, and treatment within our healthcare system. I reached out to Dr. Donald McCain MD, PhD, FACS, Chief of surgical oncology at Hackensack University Medical Center, who said, “A diagnosis of breast cancer has been radically changed in significance due to our current understanding of tumor biology and the genetics of breast cancer. This allows for more precise treatments as we use biomarker targets and information regarding sensitivity and resistance to chemotherapy treatments. Identifying patients for their appropriate treatment options has resulted in improved outcomes.” Dr. McCain states the importance of current and future understanding in breast cancer and how knowing the type of breast cancer is very important for proper treatment.

“Physicians should continue to apply shared decision making strategies in the management of patients and patients should remain vigilant in following and inquiries regarding their care,” concludes Dr. McCain. He stresses the importance of physicians discussing a patient's prognosis and the need for active patient involvement in their treatment. We must continue to be vigilant on our understanding of breast cancer.

Design by: Samantha Mosle

Estrogen & Progesterone-receptor Breast Cancer Estrogen and progesterone-based breast cancers are the most common type of breast cancer seen worldwide.

These breast cancer types, collectively known as the hormone-receptor breast cancers, are distinct in having the receptors for either estrogen or progesterone present on the cell membrane. These receptors allow the cancer cells to proliferate when receiving the chemical signal. Estrogen is commonly referred to as the main female hormone that plays a role in female sexual development and life cycle.

Progesterone is also a hormone found in females, but is used more in the body for regulation during menstruation and pregnancy.

The slow development of this type of breast cancer allows for women who develop estrogen and progesteronebased breast cancers a better chance of survival, compared to other types of breast cancer at a similar stage. Hormonereceptor breast cancers are identified after biopsy and chemical analysis. Hormone-receptor breast cancer is usually treated by directly targeting the hormone receptors and inhibiting cancer metastasis with particular chemical inhibitors if caught early enough.

HER2 Breast Cancer HER2 breast cancer refers to the type of breast cancer that is distinguished by the HER2 protein receptors found on the cancer cell surface. These HER2 receptors come from a gene within the cells that helps in the increased amount of receptors that are on the breast cancer cell.

Due to HER2 protein receptors playing a pivotal role in breast cell duplication, overexpression of HER2 can lead to excessive cell development and multiplication. While less common than estrogen and progesterone-receptor breast cancers, a significant percentage of those diagnosed with breast cancer will exhibit some traits of HER2 breast cancer.

Several tests have been made to identify HER2 breast cancer. This includes the use of fluorescence, chemical signatures, and genome amplification and analysis after biopsy is performed. HER2 breast cancer can be treated with chemicals that inhibit cellular propagation through blocking the HER2 receptors themselves or other growthinducing receptors when detected early. It is also possible to have all three previously mentioned types of receptor abnormalities within a cancerous breast cell, or none at all.

Triple Negative Breast Cancer Triple Negative Breast Cancer, while not as common as estrogen-receptor, progesterone-receptor, or HER2 types of breast cancer, is arguably the most severe and terrifying type of breast cancer to be diagnosed with. “Triple negative” means that the breast cancer is “negative,” or not caused by, estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, or

Health | 19

20 | Memorable Movies Photographer: Will Benedict, Model: Ariana Sverdlen

Design by: Melissa Huberman

Health | 21

WHAT’S THE

ADDY?

A Risk Factor Analysis of Adderall

-Marc Levine

O

NE OF THE MOST COMMON prescription medications on any given college campus is a stimulant called Adderall, designed to help users maintain focus and appropriately govern their attention. Adderall is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant of the phenethylamine class and is most frequently prescribed to people afflicted with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Approximately 11 percent of American children have been formally diagnosed with ADHD, per the Center for Disease Control; the actual percentage may now be even higher, as the CDC notes that diagnoses rose by more than 40 percent from 2003 to 2012, the last year for which the agency offers data.

Typically, symptoms of ADHD begin to appear around age twelve and can cause issues in class or extracurricular activities. The symptoms can be broken down into two categories: hyperactivity and inattention.

Symptoms of hyperactivity include having trouble sitting still, difficulty in waiting one’s turn, habitually interrupting others, and blurting out answers before the speaker has finished their question. Given that modern education requires students to sit still and patiently absorb information for several hours at a time, it is no surprise that hyperactivity can become a distraction in the classroom. Symptoms of inattention include a lack of attention to details, failure to follow instructions, difficulty finishing tasks, trouble with organization, and frequent forgetfulness, including losing track of personal items. While hyperactivity is likely to cause behavioral issues, inattention frequently affects

22 | Memorable Movies

performance for afflicted students. Many concerned parents bring their children to a psychiatrist or licensed clinician, who is able to diagnose the disorder and prescribe medication in hopes of keeping the hyperactivity contained.

Sadly, like most prescription medications, Adderall is not without side effects. Adderall commonly causes dryness of mouth and grinding of the teeth, a behavioral response to stress; stimulants like Adderall release norepinephrine and dopamine and this release results in a state mimicking stress. While teeth grinding can be mitigated with over-the-counter magnesium supplements, other potential physical side effects like hypertension, nausea, difficulty urinating, and erectile dysfunction could require additional prescription medications to offset. Finally, the appetite suppressing qualities of routine amphetamine use can lead to significant weight loss, though this may be either a bug or a feature depending on the user’s distance from their ideal body weight.

There are also psychological side effects to reckon with. At normal therapeutic doses, it is not uncommon for Adderall to cause increased self-confidence, mood swings, insomnia, changes in libido, and changes in sociability. Adderall may also augment anxiety or irritability, depending on the user’s personality and mental state. The enhanced concentration granted

by Adderall is by no means guaranteed to remain directed at productive pursuits, and users may become obsessively engaged in various distractions and procrastinatory activities instead of the intended tasks.

inhibitions and elicit aggressive behavior.

Due to Adderall’s high risk for abuse and the danger its misuse poses, the Drug Enforcement Agency has categorized Adderall as a Schedule II controlled substance. This is the highest level of control that a medicine may be categorized in and still be legally prescribed by a physician. Schedule I substances are typically only available for research, and even then only with special government permission.

Research has demonstrated that Adderall abuse is extremely common among college campuses, but also that holders of a valid Adderall prescription are not generally the major abusers of the drug. Rather, Adderall abusers typically procure it from a friend or relative or purchase it illegally. Some may even come by the substance through opportunistic theft, and students possessing Adderall are advised to keep it out of sight and preferably in a secure location. An unfortunate reality is that many patients who are appropriately prescribed Adderall will sell or even give away some of their medication to those not licensed to use it, whether out of financial exigency, peer pressure, or just a desire to make some extra cash.

Despite all of the risks discussed in this article, Adderall remains invaluable to millions of Americans suffering from ADHD. Psychiatrists have largely retained an optimistic view of the drug, despite its potential for misuse and abuse. According to Dr. Sonny Joseph, a seasoned, Harvard-educated psychiatrist, “If Adderall is used responsibly, it can improve an individual’s quality of life and work performance while studying. I see Adderall in a positive way, as long as it is not abused.”

Dr. Joseph went on to issue some professional guidelines for proper Adderall use: “Adderall should only be used when an individual needs to study or focus on something. It is not a medication that is meant to be taken everyday. If you take it everyday, you will quickly build up a tolerance, and it will become increasingly less effective. Use only at prescribed doses. Do not use Adderall as a coffee replacement or to pull all-nighters.

Do not use it for purposes other than those sanctioned by your provider. Never sell or offer your medication to others, and never take others’ medications that have ostensibly been prescribed for the same purpose. Finally, never forget that Adderall is merely a tool to aid effective concentration and not a substitute for willpower when it comes to disagreeable tasks.”

Design by: Lucero Barrantes

Just as serious as the risk of side effects is the risk that Adderall poses for misuse. As mentioned earlier, Adderall’s effects as an appetite suppressant can lead to significant weight loss. Given human nature, this has resulted in an abuse of the substance as a diet pill in much the same way that other stimulants, like cocaine and methamphetamine, have been used as a shortcut to weight reduction. While some clinicians may actually prescribe Adderall off-label - that is, in a way not approved or reviewed by the FDA - as a weight loss tool, problems arise when people lie to their clinicians about ADHD symptoms or make black market purchases in order to gain access to this weight loss tool unsupervised, often in a way fueled by anorexia or other body dysmorphic disorders.

Adderall also poses a risk for misuse by athletes, both at a professional level and at a collegiate or recreational level. Adderall provides performance-enhancing effects such as increased endurance and alertness, increases in muscle strength, and improvements in reaction time.

Physiologically, this is primarily through the substance’s regulatory effects on dopamine, but it also can override the body’s core temperature limit in order to push power output further in much the same way that hobbyists can “overclock” their computers at a risk to the CPU. Due to its performance enhancing effects and the potentially deleterious impacts of supra-therapeutic doses, Adderall is banned by the NBA, MLB, and NFL sports leagues as well as the NCAA. Like other amphetamines, Adderall can be abused to combat symptoms of sleepiness. This can commonly take the form of a student misusing the pill to pull a last-minute all-nighter or a truck driver abusing the pill to drive for more than 24 hours at a time. Both scenarios constitute a blatant misuse of the medication in a way that puts severe strain on one’s body and invites abuse at higher than prescribed dosages.

Perhaps most dangerously, Adderall has a high potential for recreational abuse as a party drug. Instant release Adderall tablets may be crushed and snorted in order to obtain heightened effects for a shorter period.

In extreme cases, Adderall tablets can even be dissolved in water and injected into the blood stream, typically by addicts to other stimulants looking to simulate the rush of e.g. methamphetamine. When combined with alcohol, Adderall can dull the symptoms of being drunk, thereby exacerbating the risk of alcohol poisoning. Furthermore, Adderall can increase alcohol’s capacity to reduce

Health | 23

24 | Memorable Movies

Design by: Aarif Motorwala

Health | 25

-Caitlin Dowell-Esquivel...

Downloading Dopamine...

C

26 | Memorable Movies

URRENTLY, OUR GENERATION IS ACCUSTOMED to instant gratification. If you want to purchase clothing, shop online. If you bought coffee or saw a cute dog on campus, take a picture and post it on Snapchat. If you are bored and need to be entertained, log-in to Netflix and watch five episodes. If you want to meet a special someone, swipe right on Tinder. Although technology allows people to interact and share messages, there are some negative consequences. What makes our generation so attached to our phones? Why do we feel the need to always be connected?

Our bodies have developed an addiction to technology. This can be attributed to the release of dopamine that accompanies technology use. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that facilitates the process of sending messages from one cell to another. When dopamine is released from one cell, it crosses the synapse (space between two cells) and binds to the receptors on the membrane of the next cell. By binding to the receptors, the message is transmitted. Dopamine is correlated to needs and desires, as well as drive, sexual urge, and cognition. It's an essential factor in satisfaction. Social media randomly rewards its users with notifications which promotes the release of dopamine and enables users to enjoy this psychological satisfaction. On Instagram, users receive notifications every time someone likes and comments on their photos, as well as when other people comment on photos they have commented on. At the same time, Facebook is another platform in which people can communicate. Facebook reminds people of memories of pictures posted that day years ago or how long ago two people became friends on the website among several other features. All of these rewards releases dopamine and contributes to the prevalence of technology in our lives.

Typically, people receive notifications randomly at different times of the day from different social media sources. This random schedule of rewards releases dopamine in the brain and causes the users to compulsively check social media as they are never certain when they will be rewarded. Technology companies purposefully use this random reward system to their benefit to ensure that people are constantly checking their phone. Some mobile applications purposefully make their reward system random to entice their users to constantly use their app. For instance, the company Fitbit creates watches that people can wear throughout the day. Once the person has walked 10,000 steps, they are notified. Since the person is notified at different times of the day, it causes them to constantly be wearing their watch and walking. This entices them to work out and be active, while also using their watch and app on their phone. A running app company says that people are 30 percent more likely to go for a run if they are using their app. Furthermore, a microloan company says that 14 percent of people are more likely to pay their loans on time when using an app.

Evidently, just like drugs, technology holds the ability to change one’s behavior. Drugs substantially increase the amount of dopamine released and over stimulate the person. For this reason, people become addicted to drugs. An addict is a person who is psychologically or physically dependent or devoted to a habit or substance. It is uncertain whether people currently can become addicted to technology. Similar to drugs, the more people use technology, the less likely they will stop. Once the reward is met, it becomes habit. For this reason the combination of technology and dopamine is sometimes referred to as our “digital heroin.� Thus, technology holds the potential to change human behavior. However, the vehicle of technology to do so can be deemed unethical and controversial.

It is imperative to recognize that dopamine does not cause addictions, but rather is related to motivation. However, if used incorrectly, it could have potential dangerous effects. For this reason, technology should be used as a platform for communication. We must be aware of the negative effects of technology and know how to use it wisely. For this reason, distance the dependence you have on your phone or turn off your notifications at night.

W

-Mariana Berruecos

HEN’S THE LAST TIME you enjoyed a warm cup of coffee?

Or a fresh fruit salad? Bees play a crucial role in the pollination of food items like these. Pollination is an essential process for the reproduction of flowering plants, in which pollen is transferred from the anther (male part) of one plant to the stigma (female part) of another.

This process can be facilitated either by wind or by pollinators, including birds, bats, mammals, and insects. Bees not only pollinate 70 types of crops we consume (such as apples, coffee, and avocados), but they also pollinate many of the crops that livestock feed on (such as alfalfa, peas, and soya beans). Altogether, it is estimated that bees contribute over 300 million dollars to the economy each year.

A honeybee colony consists of one queen, a few hundred male drones, and more than ten thousand female workers. Surprisingly, the queen is the only female in the colony that reproduces. The male drones fertilize the queen and die shortly after mating. The female worker bees are vital members of the colony as they are the ones who forage for nectar, protect and care for the hive, and feed the growing larvae. While foraging, they pick up pollen from various flowers and transfer it to other flowers, which is how bees directly help in the pollination process of flowering plants.

For the past 10 years, bee populations have been declining. According to national surveys, 44 percent of bee colonies collapsed in 2016. During the winter, beekeepers in the United States lost more bees than the 15 percent threshold that they can tolerate to be able to properly restock during the year. Why? One explanation is colony collapse disorder (CCD), an occurrence in which the majority of worker bees in a colony disappear, leaving behind the hive and the queen. It is still not fully understood why this happens, but there are various hypotheses to explain these events.

Several studies have found that many factors could cause CCD, such as parasitic infections, diseases, and pesticides. While CCD was thought to be a major contributor to the decline of bees back in 2007, today it no longer seems to be a major threat. Instead, the use of pesticides has become the major source for population declines today. Pesticides are substances designed to kill insects, and they are typically used in our crops and gardens. Recent declines in colonies have also been attributed to diseases, parasites and habitat loss.

Bees are essential to our environment, and the decline in their population can have a direct effect on the production of foods we consume on a daily basis. Looking towards solutions, we can all help promote the health of bees. You can try to reduce the amounts of pesticides you use or eliminate pesticide use altogether. You can buy organic or locally grown foods, which typically avoid the use of pesticides. You can plant some bee friendly flowers in your backyard, such as cosmos and lilacs, or buy local honey to support the local beekeepers. Small actions like these can help make a more favorable environment for bees and other pollinators as well.

Bee the change that bees need.

Design by: Caitlin Smith

Bee the Change that Bees Need

News | 27

-Ankit Shah

“D

EATH SPIRAL” is not a term many would wish to associate with healthcare in the United States. Unfortunately, this is a fast-approaching reality for the Affordable Care Act (ACA), or ObamaCare, the famous legislation passed in 2010 that expanded medical coverage for Americans, provided support for low-income citizens who could not afford healthcare, and notably removed discrimination against those with pre-existing conditions. However, The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, signed into law on December 22nd, 2017, included a provision to repeal the Individual Mandate instituted by the ACA by 2019.

In the United States, the Individual Mandate is a penalty citizens have to pay for not purchasing some form of health insurance. The mandate’s amount can vary by region and income level. The purpose of an Individual Mandate is to incentivize people to buy coverage rather than remain uninsured. For example, in Switzerland, citizens who remain uninsured may be liable for fees that are 30 to 50 percent greater than the normal cost of health care premiums. Under such a system, the cost of not purchasing healthcare far outweigh the benefits.

Admittedly, an Individual Mandate system has not been shown to definitely ensure complete coverage, but it has resulted in almost universal enrollment in several European countries. In fact, almost every European country has the entire population enrolled in some form of healthcare. On the other hand, the United States—whose Individual Mandate policies are much more relaxed than its European counterparts—is hovering around 85 percent insured.

But why is repealing a small

28 | Memorable Movies

clause among the thousand-plus-page ACA legislation so important? The simple answer: a Three Legged Stool.

The “Three Legged Stool” is a concept commonly used to explain how to sustain and support universal healthcare.

One leg represents that insurance companies must ensure everyone can be provided healthcare and no one is excluded based on pre-existing conditions. Another leg represents the Individual Mandate: all individuals must obtain health insurance or pay a penalty. The third leg represents the government’s responsibility to subsidize those without sufficient income to purchase healthcare.

Should a leg be broken, the system would collapse.

The health insurance system revolves around sharing risk. Low and high risk individuals pool money together via premiums to cover any illnesses a patient faces. Low-risk, healthy individuals will not require as much healthcare spending as, for example, chronically ill patients. Consequently, insurance plans that cover a range of individuals ensure being not overburdened by only high-cost individuals. Because insurance is covered by companies, collected premiums should be greater than expended costs to ensure profit. Therefore, if costs of the insured group begin to rise, so do the premiums members have to pay. Adverse Selection is an intrinsic quality of such insurance schemes where as premiums rise, healthy patients who feel the price does not justify the benefits drop out, causing costs to continue rising as only sicker patients remain in the insurance pool.

An Individual Mandate works

Fortunately, health insurance innovation is occuring at smaller levels within America.

Amazon, Berkshire Hathaway (Warren Buffet’s real estate company), and JPMorgan Chase announced a joint venture to tackle rising healthcare costs. According to the companies, "the initial focus of the new company will be on technology solutions that will provide U.S. employees and

Design by: Samantha Mosle

against Adverse Selection by ensuring healthy individuals continue to purchase health insurance and participate in the insurance pool. Without the Individual Mandate, many healthy Americans would lose incentive to maintain coverage. The ratio of sick individuals to healthy individuals in the United States insurance pool would steadily increase, as would costs.

This cycle would continue until costs are too high, and the system would “spiral” down to its doom.

According to the Congressional Budget Office, the repeal of the Individual Mandate could result in almost 13 million Americans losing health insurance coverage (most likely a combination of healthy individuals and those that could barely afford it under the ACA) and premiums could rise an additional 10 percent annually as compared to if the mandate remained. Furthermore, the rampant increase in costs could exacerbate the variety of issues already plaguing Medicare.

While experts caution against overreacting to the repeal of the Individual Mandate, its impact will help shape upcoming policy decisions and interventions by Congress to deal with the problem that is United States healthcare.

their families with simplified, highquality and transparent healthcare at a reasonable cost.”

In fact, the yet-to-be-named venture recently appointed renowned physician and journalist Atul Gawande as CEO. The three companies employ almost one million people worldwide and this new venture could provide an innovative approach to reducing costs, increasing coverage, and solving healthcare in the United States.

Innovative methods are also being employed by existing companies, as recently CVS bought Aetna for almost $70 billion in what is regarded as one of the largest healthcare deals of all time. A vertical integration of this magnitude will create a wide-reaching healthcare platform that will connect the millions of Aetna plan holders with CVS’s pharmaceutical and primary care resources. CVS Health (the CVS and Aetna merged company) will cut out middle-men and provide patients direct access to myriad health resources. CVS Health CEO Larry Merlo believes such a merger will result in significant benefits for consumer and provider alike by creating “a new health care platform that can be easier to use and less expensive for consumers, and really create a new front door to healthcare in our country.”

Congress has continued to struggle over healthcare in America. The ACA was met with substantial backlash, and Republicans finally cut a leg out from under it by repealing the Individual Mandate. While the ACA relied on state-led systems such as those in Massachusetts and countries like the Netherlands for inspiration, future health legislation may look at the private sector, where large companies are now pouring resources into solving medicine’s most debilitating disease: health insurance.

News | 29

DNR TATTOO I magine working in the bustling ER of Jackson Memorial Hospital late at night. A drunk man, roughly middle-aged, is rushed in unconscious. You are unsure as to how much time he has left and what you should immediately do to help stabilize him. His breathing is heavy and he is exhibiting signs of septic shock. Completely alone, you begin to examine the patient only to find the words “Do Not Resuscitate” tattooed in bold letters on his chest with the word “Not” underlined and a signature placed directly underneath.

As a physician, what should you do? Do you ignore the message of the tattoo and resuscitate the John Doe or do you carry out this highly unusual DNR? This wasn’t just a hypothetical situation, but rather a doctor’s worst nightmare come true. In 2017, at Jackson Memorial, the first plan of action was to attempt to bring the patient to consciousness. However, they failed so he was put on an IV, O2, antibiotics, and adrenaline in order to stabilize him but they did not put him on life support such as intubation or ventilation.

The doctor’s first reactions were to provide all lifesaving care for this man, given that letting someone die is an irreversible action. They were doubtful about the meaning of the tattoo due to a past incident with a man who came in and had the acronym “DNR” tattooed on his chest. The hospital staff confirmed that he wanted to be resuscitated and that he got the tattoo as a joke when he had lost a drunken bet.

Written DNRs take a long time to be recovered from the dusty, locked drawers of the State Department of Health. It could also be argued that the John Doe had gone to extreme lengths to have his wishes heard for a scenario just like the one he was in. The tattoo was his insurance policy - a way of assuring that his wish to not be resuscitated was honored. An ethics group including Dr. Ken Goodman, the Director of the Institute for Bioethics and Health Policy at the Miller School of Medicine and the Co-Director of the UM Ethics Programs, was consulted for the case and said that the

30 | Memorable Movies

-Shravya Jasti instructions of the tattoo should be carried out because they believed that they expressed the real wishes of the patient. John Doe died later that evening and a written DNR order that was filed with the Florida Department of Health was later found.

The major controversy over this case regards the legal value of the tattoo, if it conveyed a medical message at all and if it was representative of his current wishes. When contemplating such an issue, it is important to consider some of the ethical implications of the decision of the physicians. Did the physicians make the correct decision in honoring the tattooed DNR order? In future cases, what evidence should physicians weigh in deciding whether to honor nontraditional DNR orders, such as jewelry or tattoos? And should the physicians have waited to act until hearing from the Florida Department of Health before making a final decision?

Given this specific case, the physicians did make the correct decision in honoring the tattoo. In the end, the patient’s wishes were honored. The tattoo was placed directly on his chest, the immediate area for compressions during resuscitation. The fact that a signature was placed after DNR written, NOT was underlined for emphasis, and the DNR was written in large bold letters shows that the patient very much wanted to not be resuscitated. In other cases with a DNR tattoo, the patient should be resuscitated if there is ambiguity in their DNR statement because the decision to accidentally let someone die is irreversible.

In the situation where the man had “DNR” tattooed as a joke, his tattoo was ambiguous and had minimal effort. Our John Doe took the initiative to show what he really wanted and he put in the effort. He also followed the formal means and went a step further to tattoo “Do Not Resuscitate” on his chest and place his signature underneath the tattoo to act as a pseudo-DNR order.

The man clearly stated his wishes by tattooing it for immediate sight.

DNR orders are vital to avoiding situations like this in the future. In future cases similar to that of our John Doe, the best solution is to call the next of kin and provide hospitals immediate access to important records such as DNRs by having a registry for advanced directives. Not everyone has an advanced directive in place so it is important to have that discussion with your doctor and family so that your wishes are clearly understood and not misconstrued.

Design by: Lucero Barrantes

A major problem we are faced with in the field of medicine is that patients are not required to not refresh written advanced directives and as a result it is hard to understand what a person’s current wishes are if they are unable to communicate. Dr. Ken Goodman, the Director of Institute for Bioethics and Health Policy and Co-Director of the UM Ethics Programs stated that the man had ample opportunity to remove the tattoo and he went through a lot of trouble to get it so that he was not rescuitated. Therefore, he communicated in the way he thought best for his doctors to understand by taking that extra step to get a tattoo.

Unusual DNR orders are more common in the ER than they seem.

With regard to tattoos, they should be honored if they lack ambiguity, meaning that the words “do not resuscitate” are spelled out fully. The acronym DNR would not be sufficient because there is ambiguity and no effort in stating the person’s wishes.

Physicians should wait to hear from the Department of Health because confirmation of the existence of a DNR and what it says is important if there is ambiguity. However, if there is no ambiguity, then they can take immediate action to follow through with the DNR. The hospital would be held liable if he did not survive or if the DNR was not in place. The state’s interest is in preserving life and in order to override the state’s interest the DNR must be posted clearly.

The status of the patient and whether or not the emergency is a time-sensitive matter should be taken into consideration.

This specific case was highly time-sensitive so if the physician had waited to hear back from the department, the patient’s legal and medical wishes would have been denied and he would have been put on life support. He later could not be taken off life support because a DNR does not mandate removal from life support, only that the patient is not resituated. Though the physicians honored his wishes in the end, the clarity of a DNR order and time-efficient access to written

Ethics | 31

F

OUR YEARS AGO when the National Football League (NFL) signed a lucrative contract extension with its television partners, Mark Cuban—noted entrepreneur, businessman, and television personality—took to Twitter and interviews to prophesize the imminent decline of the NFL, saying, “I think the NFL is 10 years away from an implosion... Just watch. Pigs get fat, hogs get slaughtered. When you try to take it too far, people turn the other way.”

While we have to wait several more years to truly evaluate Cuban’s assessment, there have been a number of troubling indications that portend trouble for the NFL. For two straight seasons, television ratings have declined at an alarming rate. While the numbers are consistent with overall changes in viewership, the league’s alarm bells are ringing. On another front, the controversy surrounding social awareness issues has driven a pick between players and owners as well as between the league office and its noted sponsor— Papa John’s. These controversies reflect a greater national conversation about how we view our nation.

Despite these trials, any one of which could be considered a disaster on their own, many would contend that the greatest issue facing the National Football League is Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain condition that occurs in individuals who have had head injuries. The NFL has wrangled with the spectre of brain trauma for the past decade. The high profile death of former New England Patriot, Aaron Hernandez, and the acclaimed 2015 biography of Dr. Bennet Omalu, M.D., Concussion, have made CTE a national topic of concern. Most recently, Rob Gronkowski, the New England Patriots’ star tight end, flirted with retirement in reaction to the physical toll the sport has on its professional players.

CTE is characterized by ‘Tau’ protein clumps spreading throughout the brain and killing brain cells. The disease typically affects military veterans and athletes—some of the few groups regularly exposed to repeated head trauma. Unfortunately, it can only be diagnosed postmortem. Symptoms usually surface years after the onset of head trauma but steadily worsen over time. CTE initially affects mood and behavior (usually when the patient is in their late 20s or early 30s); however, problems with memory, thinking, and dementia occur as the disease progresses. This second cluster of symptoms usually appears in patients in their 40s and 50s.

While the disease itself cannot be treated yet, symptoms can be targeted to provide relief.

The association between CTE and repetitive hits to the head seems sound since every single person diagnosed with CTE has a history of multiple head traumas. It is particularly interesting that even sub-concussive impacts play a huge factor in the disease. It is not a disease that can be monitored by the number of concussions sustained, but it develops over the course of hundreds or thousands of minor impacts and traumas to the head.

In light of our still evolving understanding of this disease, ultimate caution should be advised. The misconception is that CTE is confined to sports like football and boxing. In reality, it has been linked to many sports from soccer to basketball. At this early stage, the safest route involves a combination of education and precaution. It is unreasonable to upend the fundamental rules of football and other contact sports this early in the disease’s discovery. However, properly warning players and parents—at all levels—should be a mandate. For armed forces around the world, investigation into technology that can mitigate the trauma caused by blasts and other impacts from war should commence.

It is important to understand that CTE is not a disease that will develop after one concussion or even after playing sports or serving in the military for a long time. There is almost certainly a genetic component to the disease that makes some people more likely to develop CTE. We do know that trauma at a young age and a long exposure to head impacts makes it much more likely to develop this disease. As awareness increases and more brains are donated and examined in the brain bank devoted to CTE, it is likely that our understanding and reaction to the condition will take a more concrete form. Where needed, we must make changes to the way we play sports and make new provisions in the rules and gear we use with the ultimate goal to better protect our heads from harm. It is imperative that everyone, from the NFL commissioner to the elected official to the casual fan be receptive to changes that will allow our athletes - at every level--to keep their head in the game.

32 | Memorable Movies

Design by: Caitlin Smith

CTE:

The end of America's favorite sport?

-John Tsatalis

Ethics | 33

It Doesn’t Come From

Animals

But They Say It’s

Meat -Jeremy Garg

34 | Memorable Movies

HERE HAS ALWAYS been one clear characteristic that defines meat; it comes from an animal. Many people enjoy having food from a natural source. People can be very skeptical of changes to the natural order, as demonstrated by some people’s aversion to GMOs. However a field of bold entrepreneurs and scientists are daring to prove the skeptics and luddites wrong.

Clean meat. Cultured meat. In-vitro meat. All terms that mean one thing: the meat is grown in a lab. What this means is that the meat does not come from livestock, but the animal tissue is put in an environment that allows it to grow despite not actually being part of a living animal. The cells come from living animals, and are then put into a growth environment. The environment tricks the cells into behaving as if they are still a part of the animal, and they must be fed oxygen, vitamins, and a serum as normal growth would require.

Society already has a large cost effective and reliable way of obtaining meat. Why try to mimic nature? The most obvious reason is to remedy ethical issues. Clearly animals are not being killed nor mistreated in poor factory conditions using this lab meat alternative, and PETA has long been an investor in the industry.

The other big issue with the livestock industry is its environmental concerns. One clean meat startup claims that widespread use of its meat can reduce livestock emissions by 90 percent. Some estimates suggest that livestock makes up nearly 15 percent of the greenhouse gases emitted worldwide.

the field was founded in 2015 and has been invested in by Bill Gates. Another startup claims it will have products available for purchase by the end of 2018.

Products are not yet available due to the high cost of production, a key issue that multiple firms are racing to alleviate.

Affordability is not the only obstacle. Another challenge is the so-called “uncanny valley.” The uncanny valley is a hypothesis that can be applied to things that are very close replicas, yet somewhat off.

The idea is that the replica is good enough that the brain is fully expecting the real deal. However, when a discrepancy is picked up it causes a negative reaction, which leads to an uncomfortable feeling. This concept applies to lab meat as any discrepancies that it has to meat from livestock can cause an uncomfortable feeling in the consumer.

Design by: Joshua Zahner & Sandy Taboada

T

Another challenge is that a lab grown chicken wing or lambchop is a long way away. The cells can grow into basic muscle or fat; however, the makeup of a true animal’s body parts are far more complex.

For this reason, the meat more closely mimics ground beef than a steak. Food items like sausage or chicken nuggets can be produced more easily as they do not require the meat to have a strongly intact physical structure.

Will there be a market for this product? The startups clearly seem to think so, and they may be right. Consider that in the past three years there has been a stunning 600 percent increase in Americans who consider themselves vegan. Furthermore, if costs and taste are similar, then non-vegans would certainly also consider using these products. It is even possible that environmentally and ethically conscious consumers would be willing to pay slightly more for cultured meat.

Scientists will not be growing perfect animals thighs and body parts anytime soon, but in the near future there will at least be something. It won’t be perfect, but it will be the start.

There are a number of startups attempting to bring clean meat to consumers. One leading company in

Ethics | 35

36 | Memorable Movies

Design by: Sofia Mohammad

Ne

Wr ed a Cr itin edi g t?

Design by: Sandy Taboada

MIC 280: UMIAMI SCIENTIFICA MAGAZINE WRITER

●● Completion will fulfill 1/4 mandatory writing credits

To recEIve credit, one must: ●● Write two 200-300 word articles

●● Learn to communicate science to a general audience

●● Write one 1000-word article (full spread)

●● Publish writing in University of Miami’s Scientifica Magazine

●● Revise articles with Scientifica’s editorial team

●● Looks great on a CV or Resume

●● Submit articles to be graded

by STEM faculty member on Scientfica’s Board of Faculty Advisors

●● Enrollment in the course is free and may be done at any time

For more information, please contact our Editorial Advisor: Mr. Roger Williams, M.S. Ed. (riwill@miami.edu) *Currently, Arts and Sciences is the only school accepting. Some may follow. *Summer session registration may result in charges if this is the only course taken.

Ethics | 37

Design by: Caitlin Smith

the n i cs i n e g Eu ge A n r Mode s

a nth

rt e b o

R

a

m -Sa

E

UGENICS IS THE SCIENCE of utilizing selective breeding to improve a population or demographic of the human race. Sir Francis Galton, an English explorer and anthropologist, coined the term “eugenics” in 1883. His intent for the field was primarily positive and predominantly emphasized the benefits selective parenthood could have on the physical and mental composition of future offspring.

In 1948, the Eugenic Protection Law (EPL) was implemented by the Japanese government to “prevent birth of inferior descendants from the eugenic point of view, and to protect life and health of mother, as well.”

The Japanese government drafted this law to help curtail anticipated population increases following WWII. They were not only concerned with potential overpopulation, but also with the effect that a dramatic influx of offspring would have on the composition of the population.

Under the EPL, eugenic operations such as sterilization were conducted on both voluntary and involuntary subjects. Volunteers could undergo the procedures if they did not have a family history of mental illness, genetic physical deformities, or any potential dangers to their life from the pregnancy. Involuntary victims, however, would be unknowingly subjected to sterilizations or abortions without giving consent.

The EPL not only protected those who conducted involuntary sterilization, it also detailed how it should be performed. Involuntary sterilization was legal if a physician considered it necessary and the Eugenic Protection Commission concurred. Diseases that were listed as acceptable reasons for involuntary sterilization included Huntington’s disease, muscular dystrophy, albinism, and deafness. According to documentation, n=16,520 involuntary sterilizations were conducted between 1994 and 1995.

38 | Memorable Movies

The Eugenic Protection Law existed until 1996, when it was rewritten as the current Maternal Protection Law (MPL). Although the MPL doesn’t directly support eugenics, it still tacitly reflects eugenic principles. It is important to note that abortion in Japan was illegal during the time that EPL was enforced and is still illegal.

Abortions were and are only considered legal when they meet the criteria defined under the previous EPL and current Maternal Protectional Law respectively.

After the EPL was rewritten to the more watereddown MPL, the Japanese government offered no apology or compensation for the victims of EPL. The U.N. Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women has taken action to correct this, and according to the Japan Times in 2016 they pressured Japan to take “specific measures aimed at providing all victims of forced sterilizations with assistance to access legal remedies and provide them with compensation and rehabilitative services.” In addition to this, a lawsuit was recently filed by a victim of forced sterilization to try and receive compensation from the Japanese government, potentially the first of many. This case will set an important precedent for all of the victims of EPL and will demonstrate the Japanese government’s current position on the topic.

With the current volatile political state and conversations centering race in the United States, the issues that are present in Japan may not be as far removed as they appear. It is important to remove personal bias from science, particularly from healthcare and healthcare legislation. Biases hold dangerous potential to negatively and permanently impact a person’s life. While it is impossible to completely remove all bias from science and legislation, vigilant attention must be given in order to prevent the creation of laws that target specific demographics.

Design by: Sandy Taboada

Can Stop Human Trafficking.

Project Unchained is an organization at the University of Miami whose mission is to spread awareness of issues related to human trafficking. We do this through education initiatives and community involvement, as well as through a mentorship program in collaboration with the Kristi House and Project GOLD. If you are interested in getting involved, feel free to email us at: projectunchainedmiami@gmail.com

50 NW 23rd St. #112 Miami, FL 33127 HOURS: Mon: Closed Tues - Fri: 7:30am - 6pm (or sold out) Sat-Sun 8am-6pm (or sold out)

Proud Sponsor of ScientiFIca Magazine

39

Rebuilding Old Bridges Research ProFIle on Grant de la Vasselais -Mahitha Kunamneni

G

RANT DE LA VASSELAIS is a junior majoring in civil engineering. Since his sophomore year he has worked as a research assistant in Dr. Francisco de Caso’s structural engineering lab. The lab’s goal is to better understand the physical basis of concrete bridge deterioration and to develop stronger and more durable building materials. Grant says that a major cause of the deterioration of US infrastructure is the corrosion of steel reinforcements in concrete structures. In Miami, this corrosive process is accelerated by seawater which penetrates the concrete through microscopic pores and corrodes steel reinforcements (Indeed, our own Fate Bridge by the Shalala Center and the Innovation Bridge by the gym are victims of this slow oxidative obliteration). To combat this problem, Vasselais’s and his mentor are testing Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) as an alternative to steel reinforcements; GFRP, a composite material of long glass fibers bound together with a polymer matrix, such as epoxy or polyester resin.

In order to test GFRP’s resistance to seawater corrosion compared to standard reinforcements, rebar samples of the materials are cast in concrete in order to accelerate the materials’ aging. The structural integrity of the “aged” samples is then analyzed using standard tensile tests

40 | Memorable Movies

performed under varying temperatures and durations.

Grant and his team found that the GFRP material did not display any deterioration in tensile strength after exposure to salt water conditions. In addition, the preliminary results suggest that the GFRP rebar is minimally affected by extended exposure to seawater.

Thanks to work done by Grant’s lab, GFRP material is becoming increasingly used in construction applications as an alternative to steel devices. In the College of Engineering’s ongoing project, the Fate Bridge and the Innovation Bridge are monitored by strain sensors to keep up with the bridges’ integrity after GFRP additions.

Vasselais explains that the deterioration rate of concrete is high because concrete’s properties are compressed when pushed on, and are weakened and broken when pulled apart. “Steel, fortunately, does really well when it’s stretched. The goal for any infrastructural material is for the stretching and compressing to work in harmony,” says Vasselais. He also adds that “the one drawback to steel is that places in Miami with a lot of steel also correlate with a lot of corrosion because of the abundance of salt water, where the chlorine within will eat away at the iron.” However, in addition to corrosion of their steel reinforcements, bridges are also subjected to the heavy concentrations of salt water. Grant and his team have been investigating using another alternative for infrastructural material: FRP-fiber reinforcement polymers in order to resolve yet another

Photography by: William Benedict

a service organization that incorporates art into their volunteer trips to Nicklaus Children’s hospital and Downtown Miami Charter School.

Grant’s advice to other students interested in research is to do some basic networking with the professors and graduate students as well as to make connections through student organizations with ties to the greater Miami community. For his future plans, he plans to go to graduate school, but before leaving he learned several valuable lessons. Although Vasselais is doing really well now, he claims to have had failures before, but is now succeeding because of what he learned from them. His transition from high school to college, for example, was difficult.

Though this resulted in some academic setbacks, he had supportive teachers and has learned from his mistakes. He takes away some of the lessons and uses it for personal growth. “Without failure there is no personal growth,” says Grant de la Vasselais. His advice will hopefully inspire UM students to achieve their goals without being stuck on their failures.

Design by: Sandy Taboada

issue. As previously described, GFRP rebar is a glass fiber reinforced polymer, and FRP are long glass tubes bound together in a ploxy tube, so a modification of the older material; they are part of the GFRP rebar. Vasselais explains that the Florida Department of Transportation does testing on products to keep them up to standard. The rebar is an amazing advancement with more tensile durability and is not only restricted to ground transportation, but is available to bowing in lightweight aircrafts for large capacity planes.

Grant traces his earliest interest in science to his childhood in California, where he was fascinated by ecology, animals, and physics. Grant describes first stumbling on the concept of gravitational fields while thinking about how flowing creeks and streams were guided by gravity’s invisible hand. After the age of four, he moved to Jacksonville, Florida, which he describes as a lot quieter and less energetic in comparison to Miami. Eventually, he decided on Miami as his favorite because of its amazing art scene with areas like the Wynwood district, and due to the University appealing to all of his interests. Before making his move to Miami, in Jacksonville, some of his hobbies growing up included swimming, writing and watching documentaries specific to nature and space.

Grant says he’s found a new outlet for his passion for writing with Scientifica Magazine (where he wrote the feature: War & Wildlife, as just a sophomore). Outside of his involvement in Scientifica and his structural engineering lab, he is a board member of Art for Kids,

Profiles | 41

Eyes on the

Flies

Research Profile on Alyssa Laffitte -Alexandria Hawkins

S

OUTH FLORIDA NATIVE Alyssa Laffitte comes from a “close-knit nerdy family that celebrates every March 14th by bringing home a pie.” She was surrounded by science in every aspect of her life, and always had a burning desire to pursue a career in it.

Alyssa’s father, a retired professor and researcher at the College of Engineering at UM, was trained as an aerospace engineer. Growing up, she watched him build robots and find solutions to scientific problems.

42 | Memorable Movies

Additionally, her mother, while not formally trained in STEM, has picked up an interest in the subject through her husband and daughter’s involvement in the field.

Alyssa also states that even her younger sister, who is pursuing a major in graphic design, has developed a curious interest in the field. While passionate about many other things including writing, singing, playing the guitar, and playing with her dog, Alyssa is most passionate about the process of discovery and how

Photography by: William Benedict

problem until one day, something clicked. Alyssa cites this experience as an important lesson in her time as an undergraduate researcher. She realized that perseverance and dedication are an integral part of pursuing a career as a scientist. Alyssa has also gained a great amount of independence from research experience. Spending countless hours in the lab overcoming experimental obstacles has helped Alyssa become confident in her skills as a future scientist.

In addition to gaining new skills, traits, and perspectives, Alyssa formed strong and lasting relationships with her mentors and coworkers. Alyssa gained a great mentor in Dr. Baker after almost four years of working under him; he was an inspirational and helpful guide on her road to graduate school. Alyssa also spoke about the relationships formed with her coworkers and the importance of building good relationships with people you will spend many hours with. She states that she was fortunate enough to work in a lab with many colleagues who were her age and who, along with her mentor, she will definitely keep in contact with after graduation.

Alyssa is extremely grateful for her experiences in research thus far and is excited to take her skills and passion to her first choice graduate school, Yale University.

Alyssa hopes to one day train younger scientists, much like her mentor did for her, as a university professor and researcher.

When asked what advice she had for future scientists who may not know where to begin to gain research experience, Alyssa stated, in a phrase best known as Nike’s slogan, “Just do it”. She elaborated by saying: “It’s scary, but look for an opportunity and take advantage of it - you have to be proactive in finding a research experience”.

Design by: Sandy Taboada

to use what she discovers for the benefit of others.

Though she was first inspired by her father’s work in engineering, Alyssa realized that she herself wanted to work with living systems, leading her to Dr. James Baker’s laboratory.

After paying a visit to the Office of Undergraduate Research and being accepted into the Initiative for Maximizing Student Development Program her freshman year at UM, Alyssa was matched with Dr. Baker’s laboratory. Dr. Baker, a biology professor and cell biologist, is focused on early respiratory system development in Drosophila melanogaster- the common fruit fly. Alyssa states that she was first interested in the project because it integrated many scientific fields: genetics, physiology, cellular and molecular biology, and biochemistry. The project specifically studies the development of the fly’s trachea. Similar to a human’s trachea, the fly’s trachea starts out filled with fluid until embryogenesis, where a gas bubble forms and pushes out the fluid to fill the trachea with air, allowing the organism to breathe. Alyssa explains that although the human and fly respiratory systems are different, they work by many of the same mechanisms. Because of this, the results of her fly research will allow her and other scientists to better understand how the human respiratory system works.

Although Alyssa thoroughly enjoys research and finding solutions to different scientific problems, she expressed that finding the answers is rarely an easy task. She cites her own previous experience with failure as she remembers her first summer involved in research, where she was unable to get a molecular procedure to perform as intended. She said she spent the whole summer working on a solution to her

Profiles | 43

44 | Memorable Movies