Telomere Times Issue 10

The Telomere Times Issue 10 | Spring 2016

Highlights STANDING UP: A LOOK INTO THE CURRENT STATE OF SPINAL CORD RESEARCH AND THE PRGRESS OF HUMAN TRIALS RADICAL REELS TOUR 2016 THE OUTDOOR ADVENTURE AND TRAVEL SHOW NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE! BRIAN SKERRY’S OCEAN WILD EXPLORING CELL & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY WITH DR. PIEKNY ZIKA VIRUS AND THE BAN ON THE USE OF COTRACEPTIVES CELEBRITIES IN SCIENCE PAST BSA EVENTS

Executive Board

Editor’s Note Beloved peers,

Editor-In-Chief & Graphic Designer Katherine Levasseur

In case you haven’t heard it enough - you’ve made it. The end of the semester and the beginning of endless possibilities. You’ve reached the final, ruddy steps of the yellow brick road, the heaping pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, the softly luminescent light side of the moon, in an epic running-up-the-stairs-like-Rocky fashion. Fine, I admit, I personally had to drag my half-numb, battered body to the top, but I still got here, okay? And just in time for the Telomere Times 10 edition. In this issue, we celebrate the triumphant human spirit. That fiery focus that separates humans from other animals. That indomitable life-force within all of us to push a little further. th

Executive Editor Graphic Designer Zarin Arshy

Writers Daniella LoScerbo Hana Maalaoui Niki Abdollahi Isabella Iasenza Arun Dayanandan

In our final issue of the year, our writers provide a sampling of the various ways in which people have exerted that very determination of pushing all limits. To begin, Daniella LoScerbo describes the optimistic research on spinal cord injury now giving many the hope of walking once again in spite of what was known to be an irreversible tragedy to the body. Then Arun Dayanandan brings back-to-back action packed stories adrenaline as well as non-adrenaline junkies can appreciate. He describes a movie festival showcasing people who void fear and dare to transgress all the constraints set by the body. In a similar vein, he talks about Quebec’s first Outdoor Adventure Show in his second article this month. And in his last piece, he emphasizes the importance of conservation efforts through the work of photojournalist Brian Skerry, comprising another unique and persevering aspect of human motivation: empathy. Bringing it back to the a university setting, Niki Abdollahi inspires us with Dr. Piekny’s journey as a researcher, especially as one of the few women in the STEM field. Isabella Iasenza discusses the sensitive moral debate that has pressed the Pope to consider an alternative to hundreds of years of religious dogma. Finally, Hana Malaaoui amuses us with the unconventional yet impressive careers of “scientists”-turned-actors.

And amidst this fascinating array of examples, let’s not forget that there is nothing as ferocious as the willpower of a student. The fact that we can handle the pressures of a whole semester within a few short weeks, enough to send some of us into existential crises of “why am doing this?,” yet still power through the end and come back the following semester is a highly underrated virtue. Mind you, no matter that our student records may say, we have a drive like no other.

Congratulations to the graduates of 2016. To returning students, we’ll see you in September for a fresh new year of classes and the Telomere Times.

Cordially yours, Zarin Arshy

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STANDING UP: A LOOK INTO THE CURRENT STATE OF SPINAL CORD RESEARCH AND THE PRGRESS OF HUMAN TRIALS ………………………………………...……….1-2 RADICAL REELS TOUR 2016…………………………………………………….…………………….3-4 THE OUTDOOR ADVENTURE AND TRAVEL SHOW………………………..……………………….…..5-6 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE! BRIAN SKERRY’S OCEAN WILD ……………………………………..7-10 EXPLORING CELL & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY WITH DR. PIEKNY ………………………………….....11-13 ZIKA VIRUS AND THE BAN ON THE USE OF COTRACEPTIVES………………………………….….15-20 CELEBRITIES IN SCIENCE…………………………………………………………………………....21-24 PAST BSA EVENTS…………………………………………………………………………………..25-26

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STANDING UP: A LOOK INTO THE CURRENT STATE OF SPINAL CORD RESEARCH AND THE PROGRESS OF HUMAN TRIALS DANIELLA LOSCERBO

Imagine waking up in a chair. There’s been an acci- the hopes of finding a cure2. To patch the wounded spinal cord, dent. You were in it. And the chair you’re sitting in right now olfactory ensheathing cells were removed from one of Fidyka’s will be the chair you will be constrained to for the foreseeable olfactory bulbs and propagated in cell culture. They were then future. This terrifying moment has been shared by 86,000 Ca- transplanted directly onto the spinal cord, above and below nadians so far, as declared by the Rick Hansen Institute (2010), the injury site. These cells self-propagate and act as nerveand will continue to be experienced by the projected 4,300 tissue patches to stitch together the fragmented neurons in the new cases of spinal cord injury each year1. A chronic spinal cord spinal cord. The treatment was followed by intensive physioinjury can occur in many ways, like a car accident, falling off a therapy and exercise to regain muscle and mobility, and facililadder, or even diving into a pool. Regardless of the nature of tate spinal cord activation. Merely six months after this treatthe incident, the mechanics of a spinal cord injury entail a trau- ment, Mr. Fidyka was walking with the aid of supports. matic impact to spinal cord tissue, damaging, fracturing, or completely dislocating vertebrae. Depending on where the

impact occurs, effects can range from back pain, to full quadriplegia, to loss of life. And this was as far as the story went for people living with spinal cord injuries. It was a life-changing reality that had to be accepted, as there was nothing anyone could do about it. That is, up until now.

Although this is just one example for the thousands of people affected by diverse spinal cord injuries, it signifies a

tidal realization that the “cure” for spinal injuries is not a dream; it is an in-progress reality. Currently, research centers around the world are seeking human trials for various postspinal-cord-injury treatments. The clinical trials are in varying phases; some are still recruiting participants while others are

In 2014, Darek Fidyka stood up. For most people, this reviewing data on already completed studies. For a complete is a daily occurrence that follows the morning buzz of their review of current trials, visit Unite to Fight Paralysis’ spreadalarm clocks. But for Mr. Fidyka, this hadn’t happened for the sheet3. past 2 years. He had become paralyzed after an attack at knifepoint, leaving him with paraplegia – motionlessness below the waist, with no sign of recovery. A team of researchers at the

Now, imagine standing up from the chair. Feel weight.

Move your toes. Imagine 86,000 Canadians doing this again for the first time.

University College London’s Institute of Neurology in the UK, led by Dr. Geoff Raisman, began treating Mr. Fidyka’s injury in

To learn more about making communities and social spaces accessible to all, as well as finding the resources available for people living with disabilities, contact the Access Center for Students with Disabilities5, as well as QPIRG6, a student-run volunteer group on campus that promotes accessibility and anti-oppression.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF THE TOPICS PRESENTED IN THIS ARTICLE, PLEASE VISIT THESE REFERENCES: 1."REALITY OF SCI: FACTS AND FIGURES ON SPINAL CORD INJURY IN CANADA". RICKHANSENINSTITUTE.ORG. 2013. WEB. 4 MAR. 2016. HTTP://WWW.RICKHANSENINSTITUTE.ORG/RESOURCE/PUBLICATIONS-MEDIA/ FACT-SHEETS

2."PARALYSED MAN WALKS AGAIN AFTER CELL TRANSPLANT - BBC NEWS". BBC NEWS. 2014. WEB. 4 MAR. 2016. HTTP://WWW.BBC.COM/NEWS/HEALTH-29645760

3."CLINICAL TRIALS | UNITE 2 FIGHT PARALYSIS". U2FP.ORG. 2015. WEB. 4 MAR. 2016.

HTTP://WWW.U2FP.ORG/EDUCATE/CLINICAL-TRIALS 4. PHOTO: "EKSO BIONICS - AN EXOSKELETON BIONIC SUIT OR A WEARABLE ROBOT THAT HELPS PEOPLE WALK AGAIN". INTL.EKSOBIONICS.COM. 2016. WEB. 11 MAR. 2016.

HTTP://SITES.PSU.EDU/ERIKASHUMOCK/WP-CONTENT/UPLOADS/SITES/9464/2014/04/EKSO.JPG

5."ACCESS CENTRE FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES". CONCORDIA.CA. 2016. WEB. 11 MAR. 2016.

HTTPS://WWW.CONCORDIA.CA/OFFICES/ACSD.HTML

6. "QPIRG CONCORDIA | COMMUNAUTÉ – RECHERCHE – RÉSISTANCE". QPIRGCONCORDIA.ORG. 2016. WEB. 11 MAR. 2016. HTTP://WWW.QPIRGCONCORDIA.ORG

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Radical Reels Tour 2016 Arun Dayanandan For those of you who have had the pleasure of reading my previous article on the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour, you may be wondering, “Arun, you glorious wordsmith, I NEED MORE!” (on the off chance you haven’t read my life-changing review yet, pick up the previous issue now and check it out. I’ll wait here). Have no fear, my spectacle-clad compatriots, for I bring to you the newest in this ongoing series of peril and adventure – The 2016 Radical Reels Tour, where eleven adrenaline-packed short films showcasing the top tier of adventurers pushing the limit both physically and mentally are screened to a packed house of adventurers and adventurers-to-be. Hope you wore your dark undies, because this is sure to leave a mark.

5. Golden Gate Quiet. Passive. Cautious. None of these are the words one would pick to describe Emily Harrington, one of The North Face team’s top climbers. You can’t help but cheer her on as she tackles the Golden Gate climb of Yosemite’s El Capitan (yes, that IS the one on your MacBook). I didn’t realize a blood sacrifice was a requirement to summit.

4. Showdown at Horseshoe Hell It’s a 21st century cardinal sin to mention climbing without showcasing the talents of Alex Honnold. Like a muddier version of Bloody Mary, if you repeat the 30-year-old world-class climber’s name enough times, he will eventually appear. That is what tagteam Mason Earle and Nik Berry did when they challenged the behemoth at the annual “24 Hours at Horseshoe Hell” competition. Part David vs. Goliath, part National Lampoons, this film will have you laughing, cheering, screaming, and crying. The good kind, like when Tiny Tim gets to celebrate another Christmas with his father.

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3. Home Free Move over Sandals.com, the Isle of Man tourism committee nailed it when they cast Will Sutton in the greatest promotional video of all time. If lushly forested ruins and ancient castles by the sea aren’t enough, the expertly crafted moves of this professional free runner will have you catching the next plane to the UK. Shut up and take my money!

2. Beat Down Close your eyes, and picture this. You and your best friend have decided to go for an afternoon bike ride. How cute! Naturally, like any good duo, you place a wager on who can hit the trail’s end first. Not too bad, right? Except your bike ride is in the desert heat of Utah, surrounded by rattlesnakes across a barren landscape of P12 sandpaper which shows no mercy to the knees, elbows, heads or any other parts that grace its surface.

And in true Radical Reels fashion, you up the ante and bike off a cliff into the unknown.

Last one down’s a rotten egg. Or dead. You decide.

1. Via Ferrata Since one extreme sport is never enough, adventurer Harald Philipp decided that mountain biking down the Brenta group in Northeast Italy, traditionally a fixed-rope climbing route (read: traditional for us common folk) would be the best course of action to take the sport to the next level. Filmed with the modern marvel that is the drone, I triple dog dare you to watch the whole film without squeaming at the footage of the vertical drop.

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Arun Dayanandan

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On April 2nd and 3rd, Montreal’s Palais de Congrès played host to Quebec’s first Outdoor Adventure Show. A perennial favorite throughout the rest of Canada, this was the first year that the expo showcasing the region’s wide variety of outdoor activities and travel opportunities hit the French-Canadian scene. Over 200 exhibitors satiated the voracious appetite of the eager crowd, with presentations, product demonstrations, and activities for the seasoned traveler as well as those still finding their bearings.

For guests wishing to try their hand at stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking, a full-sized pool in the centre of the hall allowed newcomers to jump in, while the EcoDive SCUBA dive pool allowed those whose thirsts weren’t satisfied by sticking it out on the surface to take the plunge. Visitors were then able to release their inner monkey by clambering through the Arbaska treetop obstacle course, a slightly smaller version of their megastructure in Rawdon. Kicking it in high gear, Reebok’s Spartan Race made certain to push those select few warriors brave enough to step up to the challenge amidst the cheers of envious on-lookers.

Sweaty and satisfied, visitors meandered amongst the hundreds of booths showcasing the best Quebec and it’s surrounds had to offer. Amongst them, Parks Canada, SÉPAQ, Association des Parcs Regionaux du Quebec and Rando Plein Air invited guests to peruse through the gorgeous scenery found right at our front door, while the Fédération de Voile du Quebec, Regroupment QuebecOiseaux and the Société Quebecoise de Spéléologie were ready to get them there.

A wide variety of food vendors were present to feed the hungry expo-goers, but for the more daring foodies uKa Protèine handed out free samples of their gourmet insect bars. Made from ground cricket flour, the Montreal-based company hopes to cure the world’s overdependence on unsustainable protein sources by making entomophagy the new norm Western society. Founder Marie-Loup Tremblay was amongst the many big names giving presentations over the weekend including honourary Governor General mention Frederic Dion, whose tale of sub-zero Antarctic survival filled the seats, floors, and walls around him.

The 21st-century flare was ever-present as Lozeau showed (and sold) the latest in drone technology. Buzzing to-and-fro, TeenyDrones showed that the next generation of unmanned aerial vehicles could fit in your pocket. Tying the new and the old, web-platform Hikster made its debut, aiming to tie together the new face of Quebec hikers with those of yesteryear, creating a database of famous and infamous trails across the province for all to enjoy.

From the northern reaches of Quebec down to the southern tip of the province, the 2016 Outdoor Adventure Show demonstrated that one doesn’t have to travel far to gaze out upon endless ancient valleys or stroll through the pristine wilderness often regaled in countless tales recounted to us as children. There exists a bountiful abundance of journeys to be had in this place we call home - we just have to go.

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National Geographic Live!

Brian Skerry’s Ocean Wild

By Arun Dayanandan

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My

first experience at the Sydney Opera House took place during a brisk afternoon on October 17, 2015 at the “National Geographic Live! Ocean Wild� presentation by marine wildlife photojournalist Brian Skerry. Familiar with his work on the global fishery crisis in the April 2007 issue of National Geographic Magazine, I grabbed myself a spot at the show the moment tickets went on sale.

The presentation started with Mr. Skerry describing his initiation into the field; with being SCUBA certified at 15 (attested to the audience by his Paul McCartney-esque certification photograph) and looking to combine his passion for photography with his drive to change the world, it only made sense for the young diver to pursue the life of a photojournalist. With over 10 000 hours under the surface and a host of awards and accolades to his name, it is safe to say that Mr. Skerry sits exactly where he wants to be. His travels have taken him from studying lizardfish under the arctic sea ice to soaring high above the earth in the Goodyear blimp.

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His work with manatees, the fabled mermaids of the sea who taunted sailors for hundreds of years, showed that as the animals lose their habitat, they are turn to human sources of warmth in an icy world.

Large congregations have been found around power plants whose outflows contain enough heat to maintain the populations. Sadly, as many of these operations are shut down, the manatees will have to seek shelter elsewhere or succumb to cold water shock.

Thankfully, governmental agencies have begun to set up sanctuaries for the marine creatures so they may live peacefully away from human interference.

With the global demand for sushi increasing exponentially since the 1970s, the Bluefin tuna populations across the planet have never been in such a devastating state. Though highly efficient, unsustainable fishing practices have driven the species to the brink of extinction. Fetching approximately $1 million dollars per head, the industry has every reason to continue the harvest at any cost. While the fish is able to live for decades and can reach weights comparable to a modern automobile, the overharvesting of tuna has led to a decrease in the average body size of the species. Mr. Skerry made sure to point to

Straying the sustainable alternatives that exist: Canadians have made sure to limit the catch season and use only traditional hook-and-line methods of fishing while fishermen in Spain have used nets attached to coastal buoys to bring straggling groups to shore. Bringing the fishermen underwater to see the beauty of the tuna in their habitat is one of the driving factors that pushes Mr. Skerry to extensively photograph the majestic Bluefin tuna, a way he hopes to restore the industry to a more sustainable path.

from the doom and gloom, Mr. Skerry moved on to what may serve as the saving grace in an industry transitioning away from unsustainable archaic fishing practices. Integrated Multitrophic Aquaculture, a method of polyculture in which fisheries operate as near-closed systems to satisfy the demand for a wide variety of sea food, has been making significant headway in many parts of the world. In western Canada, Atlantic Salmon are being farmed with the goal of using their waste to grow mussels and red sea cucumbers, a delicacy in China. These multi-level natural factories will minimize many of the problems plaguing traditional aquaculture while significantly decreasing the impact of harvesting wild populations.

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{“...overharvesting of tuna has led to a decrease in the average body size of the species”}

Mr. Skerry’s most recent project has been about the communication methods of captive and wild cetaceans. CHAT, or Cetacean Hearing and Telemetry, is a novel apparatus used by scientists to directly communicate with wild dolphins by translating their cues into human language, and then converting prerecorded human cues into a dolphin-based system. Furthering his study of the mammals, Mr. Skerry has captured footage of them collaborating with each other to trap schools of fish and create mud-barriers in order to isolate populations.

Studies in zoos showed that dolphins also made the conscious decision to share food with both humans and other dolphins, as well as translate visual cues into actions. Back in the wild, Mr. Skerry photographed mother Orcas teaching their young to hunt, a maternal behavior once

thought to be isolated to humans. Stressing the emotional component of his message, it was clear that the photographs and stories touched the hearts of many in the audience.

The event closed with Mr. Skerry reinforcing the need to increase awareness of the perils our planet faces in generations young and old. His next book, due in 2016, will showcase his latest work on sharks in South Africa with the hope that one day humankind will be able to treat the oceans and all life within it with the respect and care it truly deserves.

Image sources: 1- http://cdn.konbini.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/4/files/2014/07/Brian-skerry-shark.jpg 2- https://www.brianskerry.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/FirstEncounter_1.jpg 3- https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/668081383760224256/wqITXbLC.jpg

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EXPLORING CELL & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY WITH

DR. PIEKNY

By Niki Abdollahi

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Since March 8th was International Women’s Day, this month we interviewed Dr. Alisa Piekny who is among the few female professors teaching in the Department of Biology at Concordia.

ly, problems could occur during the development of the organism. It also helps in understanding how cancer cells hijack and use the mechanisms of cell division to increase in size. Dr. Piekny’s lab is also collaborating with Dr. Forgione’s lab of Concordia’s Chemistry Department to find a novel anti-cancer drug. Her lab is testing the ability of the drugs, which were made in the chemistry labs, to selectively block cell division in cancer cells versus in healthy cells. Furthermore, Dr. Oh, also from the chemistry department, is collaborating with them to find a way to deliver the drug to the cells.The third part of the research in the lab is looking at how groups of cells migrate during early stages of development, using C.elegans as the model organism. Dr Piekney’s lab is focusing on the formation of the skin and the neuroblast, which develop at the same time.

Although Dr. Piekny, who many of us know from Cell Physiology, has always been interested in biology, she initially wanted to study medicine. She quickly realised that, although medicine fixes the problem, it does not get to its root in order to truly understand it. This is how she ended up doing a biology undergraduate study at Queen's University. It was during the fourth year of her undergraduate degree that she became really interested in cell and molecular biology. Knowing that she wanted to pursue a Master’s degree, she joined the University of Calgary where she did research on a G protein-coupled receptor pathway in the model organism, Drosophila melanogaster, and continued on towards her PhD. Her For students who are thinking of pursuing graduate motivation to become a professor actually came through studies, Dr. Piekny advises them to think carefully about it and only try it if you have an interest in it. As explained her interaction with students while she was a TA. by professor Piekny, ‘’What you are exposed to as an undergrad is entirely different once you transition into a Historically, science has been a man’s world, and the graduate student because there you do start to get ownfew women who could embark on scientific career often ership over a project that you’re going to now see from went through a few challenges along the way. Even start to finish and publish and you gain respect for what though science is open to all in contemporary times, it means to do research and what it entails.” She also there remains the question of whether women still face suggests you choose a research area that is suited to challenges in the field. We turned to Dr. Piekny for some your interests and abilities. Since graduate studies can personal insight on this matter. She remarked, “I didn’t be a long-term commitment and there isn’t a large monnecessarily feel like oh being a woman was a disad- etary gain during the process, she encourages students vantage I was always in environments that were very to choose a topic that they really love. positive… I had a lot of teachers and mentors that were very positive and supportive.” As it is for most women in the workforce, the biggest struggle seems to be balanc- When asked if she could meet any scientist dead or ing one’s work and personal life. She went on to say, “At alive, Professor Piekny states that shw would like to the end of the day, we are still primary caregivers... I meet Barbara Mcclintock, who discovered transposons guess when I’ve struggled the most was when I became or “jumping genes.” She has also in the past met a pioneer in the research of cell fate and C.elegans biology, a mom.” the Nobel Laureate, John Sulston.

Interestingly, even in two-parent households in which both parents are working full-time, the majority of respondents claim that daily parenting responsibilities often fall on the mother, according to recent Pew research1. Although gender was never an issue during her studies, Dr. Piekny did experience a different point of view while furthering her studies in Europe. According to her, there was a lot of stigma around women with young children to work, and most women would choose to raise their children over continuing their studies.

As we all know, research is also a necessary part of the scientific community. Thus we were thrilled to share some of the research currently underway in Dr. Piekny’s laboratory. The first topic of research is about cell division and the underlying mechanisms that decide where the division is going to take place. This is an important aspect of the cell because if it does not function proper-

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For students who are interested in cell and molecular biology, Professor Piekny teaches Biol 364, which is more of an introductory class to cell physiology. She also teaches Advanced Cell Biology, Biol 467. To contact Dr. Piekny or for more information her research, please check out: https://www.concordia.ca/artsci/biology/faculty.html.html?fpid=alisa-piekny.

References 1. "Raising Kids And Running A Household: How Working Parents Share The Load". Pew Research Center’s Social & Demographic Trends Project. N.p., 2015. Web. 19 Mar. 2016.

2. http://explore.concordia.ca/assets/uploads/profiles/fullsizes/

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On November 17 & 18, 2015, the BSA Newsletter team hosted a grand bake sale.

The proceeds from this event were donated to the Jane Goodall Roots and Shoots Foun-

dation in support of Youth-led community action.

A big thank you to everyone who supported us.

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Zika Virus and the Ban o

Use of Contracept Isabella Iasenza Page 15

The

explosive spread of the Zika virus has caused widespread panic throughout South America. The Zika virus has been found to cause severe microcephaly and leads to the development of Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Severe microcephaly is a condition in which children are born with abnormally small heads and improperly developed brains. As a result, newborns with microcephaly suffer from intense seizures, hearing and vision loss and feeding problems1.

These newborns normally cannot survive, and sadly undergo a very a vicious death.

The virus appears to most gravely affect pregnant women, and unfortunately does not just influence the newborns. Women who are infected by the virus, either through the Aedes aegypti mosquito’s bite or through sexual contact, not only undergo abnormalities to their unborn child but also develop Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a terrible disorder which makes the immune system attack parts of the body, specifically peripheral nerves, until certain muscles cannot be used at all and which eventually leads to paralysis and death2. The disastrous effects have caused the virus to be declared a worldwide emergency and therefore the search for a prevention of the

on the

tives

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virus is urgent. Scientists realized that a cure has not yet been developed, but two solutions exist. The first is abortion and the second would be the use of contraceptives. However, since this virus has been mostly affecting Catholic followers, these two solutions are not actually viable based on the beliefs of the Catholic community. This leads to a great dilemma for the Catholic community: should they lift the ban on abortion and the use of contraceptives to help prevent the spread of the Zika virus? If they do, this may create a huge shift in this religious community, and if they do not, this will lead to the continuous spread of the virus. Therefore, their ethical dilemma and subsequent decision to it can influence the entire world for good or for worse.

The

Zika virus, those most pervasive in South America, has actually appeared in other places first. In 1947, it was discovered in Uganda, but was not found to have any harmful or lethal effects3.

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It eventually spread to South America, and its outbreaks in 2013 and 2015 were a lot stronger than in 1947 as the virus had become lethal. How could it be that a virus found in Africa so many years ago, could be found across the world, in another continent and now have the ability to cause such disastrous effects? Infectious disease expert, Michael Osterolm, from the University of Minnesota has stated that “it is unclear how Zika could have evolved since it first emerged in Africa, but that even the minor genetic point mutation might have caused these major consequences.3� Anything as simple as a point mutation could have altered the virus to become deadly.

Unfortunately, no cure or vaccine has been found or made for the virus, which still persists in terrorizing South Americans.

The World Health Organization declared a global emergency over the rapid spread of the Zika virus. They believe that the outbreak will continue to sweep past South America and on to other countries.

The warning issued for the spread of the virus has stressed the Catholic community, more evidently the Vatican and Pope, on issues regarding abortions and the use of contraceptives (birth control). The Zika virus, as mentioned before, leads to severe birth defects and a high possibility of death. The Vatican had been asked to lift the ban to abortion and the use of contraceptives, which if accept-

ed would cause a huge wave of change on long-held religious practices and beliefs within the Catholic Community. Many religions historically viewed abortion as an act of pure evil. As the early Christian writer Tertullian pointed out, the Law of Moses ordered strict penalties for causing an abortion, “If men who are fighting hit a pregnant woman and she gives birth prematurely, but there is no serious injury, the offender must be fined whatever the woman’s husband demands and the court allows. But Page 18

if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot” (Ex. 21:22–24).4” Abortion is considered an act of taking a life, and if done, the person who decided to have an abortion should have their life taken as well. This is because the Catholic community views it as an immoral act as that life began the minute a woman’s egg become fertilized by the male’s sperm.5 From then on, anything that puts an end to this precious life is regarded as murder, and results in excommunication, the banning of a person from practicing Catholicism. Catholicism also sees it as a way to use sex for pleasure, and not as a means of reproduction, as they believe that the act of sexual intercourse should only be done when planning on reproducing. Therefore, the church was asked to find a solution to help reduce the spread of the Zika virus by allowing abortion under specific circumstances. The church refused this proposition because they believe that any life, disabled or not, is an important one and should not be terminated. However, there are people, religious and nonreligious, who believe that abortion should be permitted and not viewed as immoral if under specific circumstances with valid reason. The Catholic Church does not agree with exceptions, as they state:

Human rights depend neither on single individuals nor on parents nor do they represent a concession made by the society and the state they belong to human nature and are inherent in the persons by virtue of the creative act from which the person took his origin.

Among such fundamental rights one should mention in this regard every human being’s right to life ... from the moment of conception until death.5

Pope

John Paul II had also declared that “the direct abortion, that is, abortion willed as an end or as a means, always constitutes a grave moral disorder, since it is the deliberate killing of an innocent human being.5� Unfortunately, the conflict between Catholic religious officials and adding an exception to the rule for the Zika virus could not be resolved.

Furthermore, the use of contraceptives is another ethical issue involving the Catholic Church. Many religious as well as nonreligious people who view contraceptives as immoral see it as unnatural, anti-life, and a form of abortion, and believe it separates sex from reproduction.6 The anti-life argument is that the life is a good thing, but those who use contraceptives intend to prevent a new life from being brought into the world.6 They then state that this is morally wrong since it denies the beginning of a new life. The argument on the use of contraceptives leading to abortion is that when contraceptives, such as birth control pills, the morning after pill and IUD, fail, it will lead women have abortions6. They also believe that the use of contraceptives will lead to increased sharing of STDs and make it easier for people to have sex outside of marriage, which could constitute adultery and breaking one of the Ten Commandments for some.

Regardless of these opinions, Pope Francis has permitted of the use of contraceptives in areas that were influenced by the Zika virus, a controversial decision that led to great debate. Even though Pope Francis did mention it would only be in urgent situations and only in the areas affected by the Zika virus, this small decision could be a start to new revolution within the Catholic community. It may startle those who are strong believers of the religion and make them question their faiths, whereas it can also lead non-believers to start having more faith in the Catholic community. Whichever it may be and whoever it may influence, the question still remains if what Pope Francis decided is a moral or immoral decision.

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The

question is left to you now: what would you do if you were in Pope Francis’s shoes?

References (1) Grant, S.M. Zika Virus Alters Catholic Church Policy on Contraception?, 2016.

Huffingtonpost Women Magazine. http://www.huffingtonpost. com/melissa-s-grant/zika-virus-alters-catholic-church-policy-on-contraception_b_9301410.html (Accessed Mar 1, 2016).

(5) AbortionChurch of England, 2009. BBC.co.uk. http://www.bbc. co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/christianethics/abortion_1. shtml (Accessed Mar 1, 2016).

(6) Ethics Guide, 2014. BBC.co.uk. http://www.bbc.co.uk/ethics/ contraception/against_1.shtml (Accessed Mar 1, 2016).

(2) Zika Virus, 2016. WorldHealthOrganization.com. http://www. who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/zika/en/ (Accessed Mar 1,2016).

(7) Image from: https://www.statnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Zika-mosquito.jpg

(3) Cheng, M.Íž Keaten, J. WHO declares Zika virus an international emergency, 2016.

CTV News Go. http://www.ctvnews.ca/health/who-declares-zika-virus-an-international-emergency-1.2759788 (Accessed Mar 1, 2016).

(8) Image from: http://media.npr.org/assets/img/2016/01/19/ img_4086-2a3a5f0f573a8760561ef08e1d5b466b49acfe5d-s900-c85. jpeg

(4) Brom, R.H. Abortion, 2004. Catholic.com. http://www.catholic. com/tracts/abortion (Accessed Mar 1, 2016).

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(9) Image from: http://www.hercampus.com/sites/default/ files/2015/09/24/o-POPE-FRANCIS-ATHEISTS-facebook.jpg

6

stars with

Science Backgrounds

by Hana Maalaoui

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Ashton Kutcher In 1996, the handsome Ashton enrolled at the University of Iowa, majoring in biochemical engineering.

Ashton’s scientific ambition was fed by his desire to find a cure for his brother’s heart ailment. As can be expected, the pretty Ashton was less of a A student and more of the partying kind as he confessed, “I thought I knew everything, but I didn’t have a clue.

I was partying, and I woke up many mornings not knowing what I had done the night before. I played way too hard. I am amazed I am not dead.”[15] Ashton was later approached by a model in a bar who helped him win first prize in the “Fresh Faces of Iowa” modeling competition. Not long after, Ashton dropped out of college and became the “boy toy” that we’ve all come to know and appreciate.

So if you feel school is not your cup of tea, keep working out and take care of yourself and maybe you will find happiness in modelling just as Ashton did!

Natalie Portman Since high school, Natalie Portman exhibited a great interest in science. While collecting awards for her impressive acting performances, she pursued her studies in science at Harvard University and graduated in 2003 with an Honours degree in Psychology. She has also published as a co-author with scientists Ian Hurley and Jonathan Woodward a paper entitled “A simple Method to Demonstrate the Enzymatic Production of Hydrogen from Sugar.”

Believe it or not, Natalie told the New York Post “I’d rather be smart than a movie star.”

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Dr. Oz That Dr. Mehmet Oz uses and shares his scientific knowledge in his Hollywood career is nothing less than admirable. The Dr.Oz Show demonstrates that science can be for everyone. He addresses his viewer’s personal health and medical issues in his daily show. Nonetheless, what most viewers considered to be science was certified as pseudo-science by many scientists. In fact, Popular Science and The New Yorker describe Dr.Oz’s as being a professional who gives “non-scientific” advice. Furthermore, his outrageous “non-scientific” advice earned him three Pigasus Awards (the awards are in fact silver flying pigs and are awarded for claims that are so doubtful that they could only occur “when pigs fly”). He won his first silver flying pig in 2009, for promoting energy therapies such as Reiki. His great support of psychic communication with the dead and faith healing helped him win his second silver flying pig in 2010. Furthermore, he received a third silver flying pig in 2012 that was called “The Pigasus Award for Refusal to Face Reality”.

He also promotes and supports homeopathy. Nonetheless, we can all agree that his misuse of science brought him a lot of fame.

Mayim Bialik Mayim played the role of a neuroscientist in The Big Bang theory, but who would believe that she actually graduated with a PhD in Neuroscience from UCLA in 2007. Her Ph.D thesis on the role of oxytocin and vasopressin in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in adolescents with Prader-Willi syndrome gave her the required scientific background to assume the role of Amy in The Big Bang Theory. Thus her interest in science is perceivable both from her Hollywood career as well as in her real life.

To be, or not to be a pseudo-scientist: that is the question…

Who said that a career in science and Hollywood are mutually exclusives?

Page 23 References

“Ashton Kutcher Biography”. Filmreference.com. Retrieved October 29, 2008.

Hollywood.com”. Profile: Ashton Kutcher Contemplate. Archived from the original on April 14, 2005. Retrieved October 6, 2007.

The Private Life of Natalie Portman » [archive], surnatalieportman.com [archive], Rolling Stones Magazine,‎ juin 2002 (consulté le 13 juin 2010)

https://books.google.com.ph/books/about/Hypothalamic_regulation_in_relation_to_m.html?id=SZhJAQAAIAAJ&redir_esc=y ttp://www.jpost.com/Arts-and-Culture/Entertainment/Q-and-A-with-Mayim-Bialik-An-observant-Jew-in-Hollywood Bialik, Mayim C. “Hypothalamic regulation in relation to maladaptive, obsessive-compulsive, affiliative, and satiety behaviors in Prader-Willi syndrome” (PhD Diss., UCLA, 2007).

Natalie Portman Biography » [archive], sur natalieportman.com [archive](consulté le 9 juin 2010).

« Streep Meets Chekhov, Up in Central Park » [archive], sur The New York Times [archive],‎ 13 août 2003 (consulté le 10 juin 2010)

Rowan Atkinson There is one thing upon which everyone can agree: the face and eccentricities of Rowan Atkinson are unmistakable. This British funnyman is known internationally for portraying the very cunning yet foolish oddball Mr. Bean as well as other equally silly roles.

Yet behind the barely-able-to-function characters he takes on, did you know is an educated electrical engineer? That’s right! Rowan Atkinson completed a Masters of Science from The Queen’s College, Oxford.

He also has two children from a long-held marriage, is politically vocal and has a great interest in cars.

If Bean can redeem himself as being a fully-functioning member of society, so can you and I…

Lisa Kudrow Lisa Kudrow, also known as Phoebe in the hit sitcom Friends, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Vassar College. While pursuing her study on the comparative likelihood of left-handed individuals developing cluster headaches, she showed off her acting skills through her participation in the sitcom Mad About You. Like others, she definitely fought for her place in the Hollywood jungle. After a successful nose job and an excellent interpretation of Ursula Buffay in Mad About You , she finally seized her chance at becoming the funny and dynamic Phoebe of Friends.

After obtaining a degree in Biology, if you still feel that science is not for you, your work ethic from your Biology degree and a successful nose job can always help you find your place among the stars…

Page 24 Real Magazine interview with Colin Firth (août 2002) [archive] « Could Colin Firth be the Great British Actor of our time? » [archive], sur The Guardian,‎22 février 201 http://www.gala.fr/stars_et_gotha/colin_firth “The Experiments of Dr. Oz”. The New York Times. Retrieved 2010-05-12 “Faces of America: Dr. Mehmet Oz”. Faces of America series, with ProfessorHenry Louis Gates, Jr. 2010.

Ratner, Lizzy (2007-08-14). “The Great and Powerful Dr. Oz”. New York Observer. Archived from the original on October 20, 2007.

Retrieved 2007-09-24

“Mehmet Oz | Professor, Columbia University”. Big Think. Retrieved 2010-05-2 Family Tree Legends According to the State of California. California Birth Index, 1905–1995. Center for Health Statistics, California Department of Health Services, Sacramento, California Harris, Rob. (June 26, 2012) Oh, what a tangled ‘Web’ Lisa Kudrow weaves. The Times of Israel. Retrieved on 2012-07-25 isa Kudrow Biography Hollywood Auditions.com https://www.theguardian.com/technology/gallery/2014/apr/07/secret-scientists-natalieportman

Past BSA Events BIODOME FIELD TRIP

Annual Wine & Cheese

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Beyond Books: Alumni Panel Discussion for Community Building and Career Development in Biology On March 16, 2016, the Concordia Centre for Structural and Functional Genomics hosted the inaugural Concordia University Biology Student Association Alumni Panel Discussion and Community Building Event MC’d by Aphrodite Salas of CTV News Montreal. Through a partnership with the Concordia Biology Graduate Student Association, as well as the faculty and staff of the Concordia Biology department, seven speakers from a variety of biology-related fields shared their expertise and advice for current biology undergraduate students looking to use their degree in both an academic and non-academic setting. In addition to direct funding from the Concordia Biology department, this was the first Concordia event to receive financial support through the new Concordia Graduate Community Building Fund under the Concordia 9 Strategic Directions initiative. Direct support was received from the Concordia School of Graduate Studies through Associate Dean Amir Aghdam, as well as from the Faculty of Arts and Science Research and Graduate Studies division through Vice-President of Research and Graduate Studies Dr. Graham Carr and Associate Dean Kim Sawchuk. The event was a monumental success, and the first of its kind within the Concordia Biology Department, with an attendance of well over one hundred keen Concordia Biology students, staff, faculty and alumni. The event continues to receive praise from all who have attended, and we are currently in the process of building a website with professional coverage of the event as well as an interactive component to continue the aim of the panel – to bring together Concordia undergraduate and graduate biology students with faculty, staff, and alumni in order to increase the exchange of knowledge and guide students toward a successful career in biology that will pay dividends to the Concordia Biology community for years to come. We hope to build upon the success of the Alumni panel in the upcoming year with the continued support of the Faculty of Arts and Science.

Arun Dayanandan Chair, ‘Beyond Books’ Organizing Committee Vice-President Internal Affairs, Concordia Biology Student Association

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Meet Our Writers Daniella LoScerbo My name is Daniella and I'm in my third year of Biology. I flew here from the pebbley coasts of Vancouver Island to become bilingual, immerse myself in the unfamiliar, and challenge my world and self-view. Once I started at Concordia, I realized Biology is what I've always wanted to focus on, even if I hadn't let myself admit it, or felt capable of pursuing. And so, here I am, with all cares behind me, studying what I believe is the raddest subject out there. I'll be writing here every now and then, hoping to perk up your day with some tantalizing research and alternative viewpoints.

Hana Maalaoui Hana Maalaoui is a second year Biology major and a Loyola College member at Concordia. She is a literature lover and hope she will one day publish a Novel while pursuing her studies in Science. Despite her down-to-earth devotion to Sciences she is passionate about literature and hides an artist heart. Furthermore, she would like to create an escape where every Scientist exhausted brains could rest and sidestep the educational anxiety. The desire of Hana is to make the students life more whimsical and exciting while cogitating throughout the academic year.

Niki Abdollahi Hey I’m Niki, I am currently a third year student in the biology program. I am a writer for the Telomere Times. I like to read and I would like to travel around the world someday

Arun Dayanandan Arun Dayanandan is a biology student at Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The son of two biologists, his passion for the science began in the womb. After an inspiring conservation-focused trip to the Galapagos Islands, followed by a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study biology in Australia, he continues his mission of studying the biological world in all its forms. Web: arundayanandan.wordpress.com

Isabella Iasenza I am currently in my second year at Concordia University completing a bachelor’s in Specialization of Biochemistry and I am also a newly member of the Science College, undergoing a minor in multidisciplinary studies. I have a passion for the biological sciences which relate to the functions of the human body and the sciences that relate to the environment.

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Alexandra Baird

Susannah Selber-Hnatiw

Jamie Allan

President

VP Finance

VP Academic

The Biology Student Association Executives

Yara Maalouf

Katherine Levasseur

Charles Plaisir

Arun Dayanandan

VP Social

VP Communications

VP External

VP Internal

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Volunteer with us!

Come and volunteer with the BSA!    

Become involved in your department; Looks great on your CV Have fun and meet new people!

Get a reference letter from the BSA president.

Did you forget your LAB COAT or your GOGGLES at home?

Biology students are eligible to free rental of CLEAN lab coat and goggles if you catch us in our office or during hours.

Just provide name and I.D.

Office Hours Monday: 11:30AM-1:00PM 4:00-6:00PM Tuesday: 1:00-4:00PM

Wednesday: 10:00AM-1:00PM

Have some COFFEE with us!

Thursday:

Drop by during our office hours for a FREE BSA reusable mug and enjoy some FREE coffee!

11:45AM-1:00PM Friday: 10:00AM-1:00PM

Feel free to stay and chat!

Contact Info Room SP-375.21 Phone (+1) 514-848-2424 Ext: 5499

communications @bsaconcordia.com

Concordia Biology Student Association Page 29

www.bsaconcordia.com

Biology Student Association

@concordiabsa

concordiabsa

Enjoy a safe summer!

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