by Rideeta Raquib The dilemma of what to eat for dinner is a peculiar evolutionary trait that has enabled human beings to survive for centuries. Culture and our social surroundings are aspects that influence our species when it comes to our preference in food. A recent study from Dr. Zoe Liberman and her team at the University of Chicago has revealed that infants have … Continue reading A Baby’s Association of Food and Environment
by Rideeta Raquib Antioxidants are natural chemicals found in food and tissue that may have beneficial health effects. Although it is a common ideology that antioxidants aid in fighting cancer, pancreatic cancer research at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) begs to differ. In healthy cells, oxidizing and anti-oxidizing agents are maintained at a certain level of balance. The team at CSHL, led by Professor David Tuveson, … Continue reading Reduction of Antioxidants Could Kill Pancreatic Cancer Cells
by Jalwa Afroz Metastasis is the spreading of cancer cells beyond their site of origin and evading immune responses. Specifically, metastasis is the leading cause of cancer deaths (over 90%). It is easier for circulating tumor cells to localize to the lung because of the vast capillary networks that provide constant blood flow to the lungs. In addition, metastasis formation of the primary traveling tumor … Continue reading T-cell Based Therapy of Lung Cancer Metastases
by Jalwa Afroz Developmental biology explores how cells differentiate from a fertilized egg into a complex multicellular organism. Although the idea of marking cells to track their development is not new, scientists at Harvard University and the University of Washington developed a CRISPR genome-editing system that offers far more specificity and versatility by tracing cells with fluorescent proteins. In order for a technology to trace … Continue reading A New Genome-Editing Technique
by Jenna Mallon (’18) Eating behavior, what you eat and how often you eat, plays a large role in your health, and many cognitive factors play a role in a person’s eating habits. Effortful control, the ability to inhibit a dominate response, and working memory, the ability to apply short-term memories to goal-oriented tasks, both play a role in how well a person can manage … Continue reading Cognitive Function and Eating Behavior in Young Women
by Jenna Mallon (’18) Numerous abandoned coal mines exist throughout the US, many of which are consistently spewing toxic drainage, known as Acid Mine Drainage (AMD), into our waters. AMD leads to elevations in sulfuric acid, iron, aluminum, and manganese levels, which leads to extensive environmental damage. Scientists have struggled to find a cost-effective and efficient way of removing these substances. It has been hypothesized … Continue reading The Removal of Coal Mine Contaminates
by Jenna Mallon (’18) Numerous organizations, such as the World Wildlife Fund, exist in order to help protect and save our environment and the animals that live in it. As scientists gain a better understanding of our impact on the world, wildlife conservation has become a more pressing issue. Since scientists must act fast in order to save species and ensure their propagation into the … Continue reading The Effectiveness of Wildlife Conservation
by Amanda Ng (’17) While love for most people is a positive experience, what is often desired above all is to have that love reciprocated. This desire can sometimes be so strong that it can alter perceptions of a platonic encounter to a romantic one. These perceptions can cause individuals to exhibit more romantic behaviors, such as flirting or physical affection, that can change their … Continue reading The Self-Fulfilling Prophecy of Wishful Thinking
by Amanda Ng (’17) Past research has shown that many psychological and developmental disorders can be comorbid, or can occur together. In particular, there has been a connection found between the diagnoses of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and anxiety. Previous work has researchers believing that Autism patients’ inability to interact and communicate socially can lead to heightened levels of social anxiety. It has been theorized … Continue reading The Connection Between Anxiety and Autism
by Sahil Rawal (’19) Parkinson’s disease is a condition that causes lower levels of dopamine in the brain, leading to neurodegeneration. Parkinson’s is commonly seen in older patients, and causes a loss of muscle control. Till now, there was no test for Parkinson’s that would guarantee its diagnosis; rather, physicians analyzed medical histories and conducted neurological tests to look for signs of Parkinson’s. However, Dr. … Continue reading A New Method For Diagnosing Parkinson’s Disease
by Amanda Ng (’17) Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is one of the most common developmental disorders found in children, and while there has been progress in research since its first diagnosis, there is still much that remains to be discovered. Individuals with ASD have trouble communicating and interacting, and even the highest-functioning ASD patients can have trouble picking up social cues or others’ emotions. However, … Continue reading Emotional Self-Awareness in Children with Autism
by Amanda Ng (’17) In terms of their romantic beliefs, people are under a variety of influences, some of which stem from the entertainment industry. Many books, movies, and television shows showing jealous and controlling behaviors as signs of love and commitment in heterosexual relationships have inspired a similar belief in young women. Previous studies have shown that these romantic beliefs can endanger one’s well-being … Continue reading Romanticism May Increase Rates of Partner Violence
