Fall 2024
In This Issue
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Artificial Reefs by Hosannah Choi
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Where Does Your Poop Go by Hosannah Choi
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Quantum Computing by Alvin Sung
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Global Warming and Skin Caner
by Ashley Sung
What happens when the shield that protects us from the sun’s dangerous rays is broken? The stratospheric ozone layer, known as the Earth’s “sunscreen” protects us from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV radiation is invisible rays that “are part of the energy that comes from the sun” (National Caner Institute). It comprises three types of rays: Ultraviolet A (UVA), Ultraviolet B (UVB), and Ultraviolet C (UVC). UVA has the longest wavelength which is associated with skin aging. UVB has a shorter wavelength that is associated with skin burning. UVC has the shortest wavelength and the highest energy portion of the UV radiation, making it the most harmful. Fortunately, UVC radiation can’t reach the Earth’s surface because it is absorbed by the ozone layer in the atmosphere. What about UVA and UVB radiation that can’t be completely absorbed?
Most of the UVB radiation and some UVA radiation can be absorbed by the ozone layer. However, global warming has been damaging the ozone layer indirectly. The warming can make the atmosphere more damper and “may cause the atmosphere to heat up, speeding the chemical reaction to destroy ozone” (Science Adviser). In other words, rising temperature can cause more water to evaporate, leading to an increase in humidity. The warming of the lower atmosphere can cool down the upper atmosphere because it changes the atmospheric circulation pattern. This condition can become favorable for certain chemical reactions that can destroy the ozone.
A decrease in stratospheric ozone allows more UVB radiation to reach the Earth’s surface. Even though UVB has a shorter wavelength, it has higher energy than UVA. This is why UVB causes most skin cancer. The effects of global warming on the ozone layer then led many scientists to hypothesize that climate change could increase the risk of skin cancer, especially melanoma. Melanoma is a dangerous type of skin cancer that may begin with a mole. It can spread very quickly to any part of your body. An easy way to remember the characteristics of melanoma is the ABCDE’s rule.
A” stands for Asymmetry, as melanoma is often asymmetrical, unlike a normal mole. “B” stands for Border, because melanoma often has irregular edges. “C” stands for Color, since melanoma frequently displays multiple colors or shades. “D” stands for Diameter, as melanoma often grows larger than 6 mm in diameter. “E” stands for Evolution, because melanoma often changes in characteristics, such as color.
Although we can’t 100% prevent skin cancer we can practice sun safety by wearing protective clothing that covers your body, applying sunscreen, warning sunglasses, wearing a hat, and much more!
Citations
Health, Center for Devices and Radiological. “Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation.” FDA, 1 Dec. 2021, www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/tanning/ultraviolet-uv-radiation#:~:text=A%3A%20UVC%20radiation%20is%20the.
National Cancer Institute. “NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms.” National Cancer Institute, Cancer.gov, 2020, www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/ultraviolet-radiation.
“Ozone Layer and Ultra-Violet Radiation | Copernicus.” Atmosphere.copernicus.eu, atmosphere.copernicus.eu/ozone-layer-and-ultra-violet-radiation#:~:text=Ozone%20in%20the%20stratosphere%20protects.
“Protect Your Skin in 5 Ways.” Www.cancer.nsw.gov.au, www.cancer.nsw.gov.au/prevention-and-screening/preventing-cancer/preventing-skin-cancer/reduce-your-skin-cancer-risk/protect-your-skin-in-5-ways.
Skin Cancer Foundation. “UV Radiation.” The Skin Cancer Foundation, Aug. 2021, www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/uv-radiation/#:~:text=Ultraviolet%20A%20(UVA)%20has%20a.
“The Ozone Layer Is Healing, but Schemes to Curb the Heat of the Sun Create New Issues.” Young Post, South China Morning Post, 11 Jan. 2023, www.scmp.com/yp/discover/news/environment/article/3206289/ozone-layer-healing-schemes-curb-suns-heat-could-create-new-problems. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.
“Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation’s Effects on Human Health under the Changing Climate — European Climate and Health Observatory.” Climate-Adapt.eea.europa.eu, climate-adapt.eea.europa.eu/en/observatory/evidence/health-effects/uv-radiation#:~:text=UV%20radiation%20is%20generally%20affected.
US EPA, OAR. “Ozone Layer Protection.” US EPA, 15 Feb. 2013, www.epa.gov/ozone-layer-protection#:~:text=The%20stratospheric%20ozone%20layer%20is.
Vandergriendt, Carly. “What’s the Difference between UVA and UVB Rays?” Healthline, Healthline Media, 12 Sept. 2019, www.healthline.com/health/skin/uva-vs-uvb#about-uvb-rays.
How Our Environment Affects Allergies
by Ashley Sung
Did you know that allergies affect up to 40% of children around the globe? Allergies, also known as allergy rhinitis, are caused by the immune system reacting to harmless substances, such as pollen, food, insect stings, and more. Genetics often plays a role in allergies. Many studies have shown that allergies are hereditary, “or passed down through genes from parents to their children” (verywellhealth). If one of the parents has an allergy, the children are 50% more likely to get it. If both parents have allergies, they are 75% more likely to get it. However, the environment is also a factor in developing and exacerbating allergies.
Environmental allergies occur when the immune system reacts to harmless substances in your environment. Common allergens (substances that cause allergic reactions) include pollen, dust mites, molds, and more. Pollen is one of the most common allergens that cause stuffy nose and coughing. Those yellow particles that come from the trees and flowers are easily seen from late March to July. While pollen season usually ends by the end of September, climate change affects both the concentration of pollen and the length of pollen season.
Climate change alters how much rain or snow occurs which can lead to flood or drought. It can also decrease the number of days that temperature stays below freezing which can cause milder winters and longer growing seasons. This can greatly disrupt the ecosystem and agriculture. Seasonal temperature rises with milder winters and warmer summers. These changes may lead to a higher concentration of pollen and a longer pollen season. Studies have shown the “total pollen amounts increased by 21% between 1990 and 2018” (US Department of Health and Human Service).
Citations
“Allergen: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.” Medlineplus.gov, medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002229.htm#:~:text=An%20allergen%20is%20a%20substance.
“Are Allergies Hereditary?” Verywell Health, www.verywellhealth.com/are-allergies-hereditary-5198808.
Harrington, Samantha. ““In Every Breath We Take”: How Climate Change Impacts Pollen Allergies.” Yale Climate Connections, Yale Climate Connections, 19 Apr. 2023, yaleclimateconnections.org/2023/04/in-every-breath-we-take-how-climate-change-impacts-pollen-allergies/#:~:text=Climate%20change%20is%20making%20pollen. Accessed 21 Aug. 2024.
levo. “5 Most Common Allergies | Northeast Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.” Northeast Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, Sept. 2021, neaai.com/5-most-common-allergies/#:~:text=Pollen. Accessed 21 Aug. 2024.
NowServing PH. “What Is Allergy: Understanding Types and Causes - NowServing Health.” NowServing Health, 19 July 2024, nowserving.ph/blog/allergy/. Accessed 21 Aug. 2024.
“What Is Allergy? - Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA).” Www.allergy.org.au, www.allergy.org.au/patients/about-allergy/what-is-allergy#:~:text=Q%201%3A%20What%20is%20allergy.
“Why Are Seasonal Allergies on the Rise | Bayer.” Bayer.com, 2021, www.bayer.com/en/news-stories/the-pollen-problem.
What can we do for people who are already suffering the prolonged pollen season? One way is to limit the burning of fossil fuels which can trap heat and air pollutants that make people more susceptible to pollen allergy symptoms. Let’s all work together to keep our planet healthy and reduce the impact of climate change!
Artificial Reefs
by Hosannah Choi
As worldwide temperatures rise in our oceans, dolphins and fish aren’t the only affected species. A much bigger problem : the dying off of our coral reefs.
Not only does the temperature work against coral, but the acidification of our oceans lead to bleaching of coral. Coral reefs hold incredible importance, supporting biodiversity, offering coastal protection for animals, serving as a food source, and, play a huge role in carbon cycling. The saddest part about this problem, though, is that coral bleaching has been happening for decades, and yet not enough has been done.
What exactly is coral bleaching? Although there lays much complexity in the exact process of coral bleaching, simply put, coral bleaching happens when the coral expels the algae which reside in the coral’s bodily tissue. This expulsion is triggered by environmental stressors, such as pollution and changes in water temperatures/chemistry. The algae is known as zooxanthellae, and are responsible for photosynthesis and the notorious vibrancy of corals. The coral and zooxanthellae have a symbiotic relationship, and without the zooxanthellae, corals starve and die.
Coral bleaching events have become massive, taking hundreds of corals around the same time. However, in recent years, marine conservationists have increasingly been employing artificial reefs. Although this doesn’t completely restore our natural great reefs, it helps create new reefs and promote growth. So how are they doing it? Using synthetic and natural materials, they form stable/non-toxic structures designed to attract fish and replicate that of natural coral reefs. These structures provide protection for animals, which is attractive as a habitat, and leads to increased biodiversity. Artificial reefs can also utilize shipwrecks and sunken concrete as basis for a reef structure. Artificial reefs have proven to be successful, mimicking natural reefs and creating vibrant habitats, and are continuously improving.
https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/coral_bleach.html
https://www.discovery.com/nature/10-most-stunning-coral-reefs-in-the-world-pictures
https://www.marinebio.org/conservation/artificial-reefs/
https://www.npr.org/2022/03/26/1088886918/australia-great-barrier-reef-coral-bleaching-climate
How Deforestation Spread Illness
by Ashley Sung
Do you know the world has lost a third of its forest due to deforestation? That is twice the size of the United States. The leading cause of deforestation is agribusiness where “huge areas of forest are burned or cleared to make space for crops and livestock” (Greenpeace). While it creates sustainable food production and reduces food costs, modern farming practices overuse natural resources. Farmers cut down trees and burn down forests for land use. A conservation ecologist, Christy Slay claims that these areas will likely never be forests again.
In addition to the loss of forests, we could put ourselves at greater risk of spreading disease through deforestation. When we intrude into forests, we increase the interaction between animals. This could lead to an increased risk of zoonotic disease or animal-to-human disease. For example, COVID-19, the infectious disease that started back in 2020, most likely originated from bats and spread through others by living in travelers’ bodies. This kind of disease is typically isolated in an enclosed habitat like a closed forest which is not a threat to humans. However, the problem arises when their habitat is destroyed which easily triggers an outbreak.
While deforestation is the number one environmental issue, it’s not an unsolvable problem. There are solutions even you can help to save the earth! For example, plant trees, buy and use responsibly, go paperless, recycle, and more!
Citations
“Agribusiness & Deforestation.” Greenpeace USA, www.greenpeace.org/usa/forests/issues/agribusiness/#:~:text=Agribusiness%E2%80%94in%20which%20huge%20areas.
“How Can We Stop Deforestation?” The World Counts, 2014, www.theworldcounts.com/stories/How-Can-We-Stop-Deforestation.
“How Forest Loss Leads to Spread of Disease | Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability.” Sustainability.stanford.edu, 2020, sustainability.stanford.edu/news/how-forest-loss-leads-spread-disease#:~:text=When%20people%20venture%20into%20forested.
NASA. “Sizing up How Agriculture Connects to Deforestation.” Earthobservatory.nasa.gov, 11 Aug. 2021, earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/148674/sizing-up-how-agriculture-connects-to-deforestation.
Ritchie, Hannah. “The World Has Lost One-Third of Its Forest, but an End of Deforestation Is Possible.” Our World in Data, 9 Feb. 2021, ourworldindata.org/world-lost-one-third-forests#:~:text=10%2C000%20years%20ago%2057%25%20of.
Welle (www.dw.com), Deutsche. “How Deforestation Can Lead to More Infectious Diseases | DW | 29.04.2020.” DW.COM, www.dw.com/en/how-deforestation-can-lead-to-more-infectious-diseases/a-53282244.
“What Are the Disadvantages of Using Modern Farming Methods? Biology Q&A.” Byjus.com, byjus.com/question-answer/what-are-the-disadvantages-of-using-modern-farming-methods/.
Where does your poop go?
by Hosannah Choi
Many people don’t spare a second thought to what goes down the toilet after you flush, whether it’s poop, a dead fish, or a random bandaid. However, what you choose to flush down the toilet holds extreme importance. Thankfully, in the majority of Washington, there are advanced sewage systems. After you flush, the water and whatever you put in the white ceramic bowl of goodness, goes down a series of complex pipes.
This usually reaches a wastewater treatment plant. At the designated wastewater treatment plant, poop and other waste gets separated from wastewater. The water is then goes through multiple treatments to be clean and reusable. Poop can be turned into fertilizer and used for plants!
Some places have yet to adopt efficient sewage systems and often resort to just dumping waste into bodies of water, which is why it’s important to have a sewage system. Waste can have a lot of bad bacteria and diseases. When people dump that into their water sources, they can unintentionally poison themselves. Having a clean water source is imperative to a good standard of living. Although this problem continues today, many people are working towards a global solution.
Climate Change and Food Safety
by Ashley Sung
Climate change leads to devastating natural disasters, but do you know it also makes our food supply more vulnerable to contamination? Long-term shifts in temperature, humidity, and general weather patterns threaten our food security and bring economic loss to the farmers. The elevated temperature brings new pests into agricultural areas and could speed up the plant lifecycle. In other words, the plants would mature too quickly which has less time for photosynthesis (a process where plants turn light energy into chemical energy ). This effect could produce fewer grains and smaller yields. But how does climate change directly affect our health?
Increased temperature and humidity affect the ability of many bacterial foodborne pathogens to survive. For example, Salmonella spp., a bacterium that can cause acute diarrheal disease, can thrive in warmer temperatures. Moreover, with warmer summers and milder winters, the number of insects and rodents increases which can contribute to the spread of foodborne pathogens. Not only do these factors threaten the food supply on land, but they also impact the ocean. Warmer seawater and more nutrients in the water cause the growth of toxic algae, leading to seafood contamination. If we consumed contaminated seafood, we could experience symptoms like fatigue, insomnia (difficulty falling asleep), general malaise (general discomfort/lack of well-being), and more.
Everyone can help limit climate change. There are a couple of ways even you can do it! Reduce energy use, clean up the environment, throw away less food, plant more trees, and more!
Citations
Cho, Renee. “How Climate Change Will Affect Plants.” State of the Planet, 27 Jan. 2022, news.climate.columbia.edu/2022/01/27/how-climate-change-will-affect-plants/#:~:text=In%20addition%2C%20an%20increase%20in.
“Climate Change and Food Safety.” European Food Safety Authority, www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/topic/climate-change-and-food-safety.
“Climate Change and Food Safety Impacts.” Openknowledge.fao.org, openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/0aa558d4-57c7-498d-87f7-b9e37577882f/content/src/html/climate-change-and-food-safety-impacts.html.
“Climate Change: Possible Implications for Food Safety?” Www.eufic.org, www.eufic.org/en/food-production/article/climate-change-possible-implications-for-food-safety.
United Nations. “Actions for a Healthy Planet.” United Nations, 2020, www.un.org/en/actnow/ten-actions.
Newton's Law of Motion
by Alvin Sung
Isaac Newton formulated the three basic laws of physics in 1687. These laws describe the motions of objects and how they relate to mass and acceleration.
The first law is called the law of inertia, which states that an object’s motion stays the same unless it is affected by forces. This basically means that a stationary object will stay at rest unless an external force acts on it. This also means that a moving object will continue to move at a constant speed unless an external force is applied on the object. If a car is moving at 50 mph, it slows down gradually because of the friction between the car’s tires and the road, which is a type of force. The car can accelerate using the force from the engine as well.
The second law is a math equation F=MA, which means Force = Mass x Acceleration. The force from an object is found by multiplying its mass by its acceleration. If we want to find the force of a 1000 kg car increasing at a rate of 5 m/s per second. The car’s force is 1000 x 5, which is 5000. The unit of force is called newton (as you can tell why), or short for N. We can also find the force from your body, just multiply your mass (in kilograms) by 9.81 meter per second squared (this is the unit for acceleration) because 9.81 is Earth’s gravity.
Newton’s last law is the law of action and reaction, which states that for every force during an interaction, there is an equal and opposite force. For example, if a 1000 kg car is increasing its speed at a rate of 5 m/s per second, and it accidentally hits a palm tree. Both the car and the tree would experience the same amount of force, which is 1000 x 5 = 5000 N.
These laws are the fundamentals of physics, and they have helped us solve numerous physics problems in different fields like designing safety features in cars so passengers feel the least amount of force in an accident or determining how much force a building can support without collapsing.
Citations
“Newton’s Laws of Motion for Kids — 3 Laws in Simple Terms That Any Kid Will Get.” Edcraft.io, edcraft.io/blog/all-articles/3-newtons-laws-with-real-life-examples-for-kids.
Quantum Computing
by Alvin Sung
Quantum computing is an advanced calculation method using the principle of quantum mechanics, a branch of physics that studies the behavior of nature at a subatomic scale. They can perform calculations much faster than traditional computers because quantum computers use qubits to store and process information. In classical computers, a bit is the smallest unit of data they can store, either 0 or 1. However, qubits can be both 0 and 1 simultaneously, which allows quantum computers to consider more possibilities and process information faster. This quantum phenomenon is called superposition.
Another characteristic of quantum computing is entanglement, where two qubits become dependent on each other, no matter how far apart they are. This differs from a classical computer, where each bit is independent and cannot connect with other bits. The linked qubits can work together and allow quantum computers to calculate more efficiently. Although quantum computers can help us solve problems much faster, they still have some disadvantages. For example, they make mistakes easily, and they require a large amount of energy to operate, which could damage the environment.
So what are some of the possible applications of these insanely fast computers?
1. Medicine
Quantum computers can model the behavior of proteins and interactions between molecules to help researchers develop new medicine more effectively. The algorithm can also predict patients’ reactions to drugs more accurately and optimize their safety.
2. Online Privacy
Quantum computing can protect online users’ privacy by making the firewall more complicated and improving cybersecurity.
3. Climate Modeling
Quantum computers can analyze a large amount of climate data to accurately predict climate change impacts and provide effective solutions. They can also optimize the use of energy to prevent waste.
Science-Based Study Methods
by Alvin Sung
Have you ever wondered why some of your classmates can understand the materials faster than you in less time? It is not because they are smarter than you, but because they know more effective study methods. Although there are prodigies like Albert Einstein, those are rare circumstances, and you can use many learning methods to improve your grades. This article will explore the top 3 study tips to help you learn and comprehend materials faster!
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Scan Through the Chapter Before the Lesson
Reading the content before your teacher teaches it can help your brain get used to the materials, and therefore help you learn faster during lectures. To prove this to you, let’s take a look at this passage:
The procedure is actually quite simple. First you arrange things into different groups. Of course one pile may be sufficient depending on how much there is to do. If you have to go somewhere else due to lack of facilities that is the next step; otherwise, you are pretty well set. It is important not to overdo things. That is, it is better to do too few things at once than too many. In the short run this may not seem important but complications can easily arise. A mistake can be expensive as well. At first, the whole procedure will seem complicated. Soon, however, it will become just another facet of life. It is difficult to foresee any end to the necessity for this task in the immediate future, but, then, one can never tell. After the procedure is completed, one arranges the materials into different groups again. Then they can be put into their appropriate places. Eventually they will be used once more, and the whole cycle will then have to be repeated. However, that is a part of life. (pp. 134–135)
*Reference from “Teach Yourself How to Learn” by Mcguire
You might feel confused about this passage, and that’s normal to most people. But what if I tell you that this passage is about laundry? I want you to reread the passage and see if anything changes.
The whole passage makes a lot more sense right? This is why previewing class materials can help you learn faster. Your brain will have time to adapt to the new materials and enhance your learning efficiency!
2. Understand the Material Well Enough to be able to Teach Someone about it
When you are studying for a test, you can pretend you have to give a lecture about the topic to a group of students. This way, you will anticipate questions your imaginary students might have, which could help you realize if there’s anything you don't understand completely. After you are done studying, you can explain what you learned to your friends or just a doll.
3. Use Bloom’s Taxonomy
This pyramid shows the different levels of understanding a topic. In order to be successful in a class, you first need to identify which level of understanding is required in your class. For example, if you have a single-digit multiplication exam, you only need to remember the 9x9 multiplication chart. However, if the tests include word problem, you need to be able to apply the multiplication concepts to the real-world, and therefore requires greater understanding of the topic.
Neuralink
by Alvin Sung
On January 29, 2024, Elon Musk’s company, Neuranlink, implanted a brain chip into Noland Arbaugh, who was paralyzed below the shoulder after a diving incident. After a few months, Neuralink announced that the surgery was a success, and the patient can now play chess on a computer using his mind! Here’s the link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=5SrpYZum4Nk
So how does this whole thing work?
Let’s begin by talking a bit about the vision of Neuralink. Elon Musk started this company to revolutionize the relationship between computers and humans. The device has the potential to accomplish things like enhancing cognitive abilities, allowing humans to communicate more efficiently, or even helping those with paralysis to move their prosthetic limbs with thoughts. This device can impact society significantly.
Here is the picture of the brain chip implanted into Noland. It contains 64 flexible polymer threads, providing 1,024 electrodes to analyze brain activities. These threads are about the size of human hair and are incredibly flexible so they can move with the brain. The electrodes analyze the neurons that flow through the brain and record one’s thoughts. The information is then sent to a computer.
This surgery begins with a surgeon drilling a hole into the patient’s skill. After this, the rest of the procedure is done by this robot because of how precise the surgery needs to be. It has to ensure the threads are inserted at the correct spot. There are endless possibilities with this innovative device. However, Noland did mention there were a few issues he faced during the trials. Therefore, there are steps we need to take to ensure the safety and protection of the patients.
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Citations:
Works Citeddesignboom, juliana neira I. “Elon Musk’s Neuralink Unveils Brain Implant Update and the Surgical Robot to Insert It.” Designboom | Architecture & Design Magazine, 31 Aug. 2020, www.designboom.com/technology/elon-musk-neuralink-surgical-robot-woke-studios-08-31-2020/. Accessed 11 May 2024.First Human Neuralink Recipient Experiences Mechanical Issues - Lowyat.NET. 9 May 2024, www.lowyat.net/2024/322032/neuralink-recipient-mechanical-issues/. Accessed 11 May 2024.
Quantum Computing
by Alvin Sung
Quantum computing is an advanced calculation method using the principle of quantum mechanics, a branch of physics that studies the behavior of nature at a subatomic scale. They can perform calculations much faster than traditional computers because quantum computers use qubits to store and process information. In classical computers, a bit is the smallest unit of data they can store, either 0 or 1. However, qubits can be both 0 and 1 simultaneously, which allows quantum computers to consider more possibilities and process information faster. This quantum phenomenon is called superposition.
Another characteristic of quantum computing is entanglement, where two qubits become dependent on each other, no matter how far apart they are. This differs from a classical computer, where each bit is independent and cannot connect with other bits. The linked qubits can work together and allow quantum computers to calculate more efficiently. Although quantum computers can help us solve problems much faster, they still have some disadvantages. For example, they make mistakes easily, and they require a large amount of energy to operate, which could damage the environment.
So what are some of the possible applications of these insanely fast computers?
1. Medicine
Quantum computers can model the behavior of proteins and interactions between molecules to help researchers develop new medicine more effectively. The algorithm can also predict patients’ reactions to drugs more accurately and optimize their safety.
2. Online Privacy
Quantum computing can protect online users’ privacy by making the firewall more complicated and improving cybersecurity.
3. Climate
ModelingQuantum computers can analyze a large amount of climate data to accurately predict climate change impacts and provide effective solutions. They can also optimize the use of energy to prevent waste.
