The Cell Cycle: January 2024

JANUARY ISSUE 2024

THE CELL CYCLE

In this issue: At The Cellular Level: Parts of the Cell and Chemical Cues The Power of Diet: Salt, Sugar and Meat The Enigmatic World of Subaquatic Wonders: Octopi’s Intelligence and Bioluminescence Understanding Our Body and Health: Lungs, Brains, Burns and Germs A Blast From The Past: The Biological Impact of Warfare

The

Cell Cycle

Exchange and Renew.

“Science means constantly walking a tightrope between blind faith and curiosity; between expertise and creativity; between bias and openness; between experience and epiphany; between ambition and passion; and between arrogance and conviction – in short, between an old today and a new tomorrow.”

Henrich Rohrer

Contents Editor’s Note Head of Department’s Contributors

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At The Cellular Level Decoding Cellular Navigation

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The Animal Cell Cartoon

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Word Search: Easy

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The Power of Diet: Salt, Sugar and Meat Adding More Salt...Without Salt?

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Sweet on the Outside, Mutating on the Inside

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Veganism: An Evaluation

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The Enigmatic World of Subaquatic Wonders 8 Armed, 9 Brained

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Living Light: The Enchanting World of Bioluminescence

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Understanding Our Body and Health The Respiratory System Infographic

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Burns 101

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The Complex Brain: Ways to Study It

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The Hygiene Hoax: Vienna 1847

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A Blast From The Past A Letter from A Survivor

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Acknowledgements Bibliography

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Editor’s Note Anaaya Singhania Founder, Editor-in-Chief I’m very pleased to announce the release of the second issue of The Cell Cycle. The magazine has hit its stride, and the depth of the ideas explored has been thought-provoking and an ode to the beauty of biology.

However, this magazine would be unfathomable without the tireless team of writers, content creators and designers who have selflessly worked day and night to bring you this issue. Their expertise, artistic brilliance and flair for biology have made this magazine a fascinating read, as seen by the overwhelming positive reception and interest our readers have shown.

This issue considers Biology from several perspectives, which range from discussing medical practices to exploring cell mechanisms to enlightening us on exotic aquatic animals to delving into the historical significance of war on health and biology. It will surely be a splendid read and fuel your inner biologist.

Follow us on our Instagram account, @thecellcyclemagazine, to get updates on this journey as we dive deeper into the depths of the magical world of biology and STEM using creativity, precision and knowledge.

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Introducing Head of Content and Writing Aditya Sankar Biology is a fascinating science that can explore anything from the functioning of the mental processes in neuroscience to the wondrously weird ways in which life has evolved. I am eager to dive deeper into all these and more alongside our readers and team through my participation in this magazine, and look forward to many informative editions to come!

Head of Design and Social Media Avanthika Krishnan I have a great love for all aspects of biology, from the tiny cells that make up all living things to the largest fathomable organisms alive. I am super excited to have the opportunity to express my love for this subject in a way that gets other people curious about it, while also being able to use my creativity!

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Contributors

Jahan Jethani Grade 11

Aanika Krishnan Grade 11

Nivrithi Balachandran Grade 6

Tia Shukla Grade 6

Aishani Sinha Grade 10

Jinisha Setiya Grade 11

Aditya Sankar Grade 11

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Contributors

Avanthika Krishnan Grade 11

Anay Chaturvedi Grade 6

Adithi Ponnambalam Grade 11

Jeremiah Robert Schmidt Grade 6

Spraha TS Grade 11

Saanvi Venugopal Grade 11

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At The Cellular Level

JANUARY ISSUE 2024

THE CELL CYCLE

Decoding Cellular Navigation: Understanding How Cells Interpret Chemical Cues Spraha TS, Grade 11

When our bodies face injuries or infections, cells undertake extensive journeys to reach the affected sites, combat invading microbes, or facilitate repair. This migration is guided by local chemical cues, which are inherently irregular, conflicting, and subject to changes over time and space. This suggests that cells possess the ability to choose and maintain a specific direction, even amidst signal disruptions, while still being flexible enough to adjust movement when the signal's location changes. However, the precise mechanisms enabling cells to navigate through this complex field of chemical cues remain poorly understood.

modulated by a network of enzymes called phosphatases.

These enzymes add and remove phosphate groups, switching the receptor between active and inactive states.

To shed light on this mystery, Nandan, Das, and their colleagues explored the study of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signalling network. This network governs the shapechanging and migratory behaviour of certain cells in the body, activated by specific chemical cues binding to EGFR proteins on cell surfaces. The study revealed that the phosphorylation state of EGFRs, a crucial aspect of their activation, is dynamically

Measuring the level of EGFR phosphorylation (overlapping red and green fluorescence) in single cells reveals how cells use a mechanism similar to working memory to navigate. Image credit: Robert Lott

memory within the signalling network. This memory allows cells to sustain migration in a specific direction even when chemical cues are disrupted, and the dynamic nature of this memory state enables cells to adapt their direction when the cue changes location.

The findings of Nandan, Das et al. reveal the underlying mechanism for how cells decipher complex chemical cues to migrate to where they are needed most.

Future steps to take after this will be to understand if other receptors involved in migration work in a similar way.

Through imaging individual human cells over time using a microscope and combining this data with a mathematical model of the EGFR signalling network, Nandan, Das, et al and their team made a noteworthy discovery.

They found that the phosphate groups on EGFRs are not immediately removed when the chemical cue is absent. Instead, the active state is transiently maintained, creating a short-lived

Spraha TS delves into the complicated systems of the building blocks of life

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Jeremiah Robert Schmidt, Grade 6

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Saanvi Venugopal, Grade 11

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The Power of Diet: Salt, Sugar and Meat

JANUARY ISSUE 2024

THE CELL CYCLE

Adding More Salt...

Without Salt?

Adithi Ponnambalam, Grade 11

Salt – we all love it, don’t we?

From being used to make your favorite mouth-watering foods to melting ice in the winter, salt has a wide variety of applications. This article will focus on salt in the context of food.

Unfortunately, too much salt is bad for our bodies; especially the circulatory system. Salt, over time, narrows our blood vessels. The heart must then apply more pressure to push the blood through the vessels, thus increasing blood pressure. High blood pressure is always dangerous, as it increases the chances of developing unwanted heart conditions (such as heart attacks and strokes).

In April 2022, the development of spoons, chopsticks, and bowls that could make food taste saltier without adding any extra salt to it was reported in Japan. These utensils make use of electric currents to enhance the salinity in foods. When electricity passes through the utensils, a specific wavelength of this electricity is sent from the utensil surface to the food. Due to this, more sodium ions, which are responsible for the saltiness of foods, are transmitted from the food to the diner’s mouth. Hence, the food would be perceived as more salty, even though there would be no extra salt added.

First of all, why do we love salt?

Salt causes the hypothalamus (a region of the brain) to release a hormone called Dopamine, also known as the ‘happy hormone’.

This is what makes us feel Does that mean that we can pleasure and satisfaction. never get that sharp, salty taste Hence, we love salt, as it helps we want without any harmful us experience these feelings. side effects? Fortunately, that may not be the case. What if we However, if salt always makes were to make food more salty, us feel happy, then why don’t without adding more salt? we eat large quantities of salt Wonderful, right? What a great every day? way to help our society lean towards healthier lifestyles without missing out on the taste of heaven! Kudos to those Japanese researchers for developing such innovative products!

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Sweet on the Outside, Mutating on the Inside Avanthika Krishnan, Grade 11

Your sweet surroundings may cause your genes to be altered, leading to an all too common disease known as Type 2 Diabetes. This phenomenon is known as epigenetics, an emerging field of study in biology that explores the ways in which our surroundings alter how our genes are expressed and how they work.

What is Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body either doesn’t produce insulin or becomes resistant to it.

Insulin is a hormone secreted by our body that helps us convert the excess sugar - or glucose- in our blood into glycogen for storage. When one is affected by this disease, they have extremely high blood sugar levels, which can lead to multiple complications.

An Eye-Opening Study

RHOT1 - The Wild Card

Recently, Professor Charlotte Ling of Lund University conducted a study in which the genomes of people with diabetes, those with high levels of blood sugar (high risk of developing diabetes), and healthy people were compared. Specifically, they studied the genes of insulinproducing cells, especially the genes prone to epigenetic changes.

Upon further investigation, it was found that 203 genes were differently expressed in the control group and those who had diabetes. One such gene was RHOT1, which is responsible for insulin secretion in cells. This gene showed epigenetic changes that caused type 2 diabetes when replicated in mice. This confirms that this gene plays a crucial role in the prevention of type 2 diabetes.

This comparison showed that 5584 genome sites had changed between patients with diabetes and healthy volunteers. Further research showed that these same 5584 genome sites had changed in patients who had high sugar levels, suggesting that the change in these genes had a link with the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

This fate can be evaded simply by controlling your environment and ensuring that you follow a healthy diet and lifestyle. Listen to Johnny’s father and do not eat sugar.

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Veganism: An Evaluation Anay Chaturvedi, Grade 6

What is veganism?

Veganism is the practice of abstaining from the use of animal products- particularly in diet- and an associated philosophy that rejects the commodity status of animals. A person who follows the diet or philosophy is known as a vegan.

What is the difference between veganism and non-vegetarianism?

A specific scientific study says that people who do not consume nonvegetarian food live up to 10 years longer than people who consume non- vegetarian food. Studies also say that people who eat vegetarian food have a lower risk of dementia than those who eat meat. Studies also suggest that eating vegetable helps in skin improvement as it keeps skin tight and helps one to look young.

What are the disadvantages of a People come under different non-vegetarian diet? categories: vegetarian, nonvegetarian, eggetarian, vegan, to Health Concerns: name a few. Vegetarian people are who consume plant-based foods Non-vegetarian food may such as fruits, legumes, cereals, contribute to health issues such as and so on. They do not eat meat obesity, diabetes, and certain although vegetarians do consume chronic conditions. Consuming dairy products for protein. high amounts of red meat, particularly processed beef Non- vegetarians are people who products like hamburgers and consume animals-based products sausages, has been linked to an such as. meat, beef, chicken, fish, increased risk of certain health eggs, etc. problems, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some A vegetarian diet is rich in fiber types of cancer. which improves our digestion system. There is Environmental Impact: more health risk for people who consume non- vegetarian food due The production of meat has a to lack of fiber. significant impact on the environment,

including deforestation, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions.

What are the realities of a vegan diet?

Vegan diets tend to be higher in dietary fiber, magnesium, folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E, iron and phytochemicals, and lower in dietary energy, saturated fat, cholesterol, omega-3 fatty acid, vitamin D, calcium, zinc, and vitamin B12. As a result of the elimination of all animal products, a poorly planned vegan diet can lead to nutritional deficiencies that counteract its beneficial effects and cause serious health issues, some of which can only be prevented with fortified foods or dietary supplements.

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The Enigmatic World of Subaquatic Wonders

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8 Armed, 9 Brained Aditya Sankar, Grade 11

The octopus is a creature with more surprises than legs (an impressive feat). One of the most fascinating attributes of this cephalopod is their intelligence. Their problem-solving capabilities (and curious senses of humor, as seen in the many stories of their ‘pranks’ or ‘daring escapes’) are quite wellknown, but what about the reasons behind it?

To understand intelligence, it is typical to consider the brain of the organism. In the case of the octopus, one must consider the brains. Notably, this marvelous creature has nine of them: A central brain and 8 ganglia (clusters of neurons that act as mini-brains) for each of its 8 arms.

This is a highly effective system for the day-to-day activity of the invertebrate, as it means that each arm can function both concurrently and almost independently of the central brain, depending on the needs of the situation. While the main brain focuses on important tasks like memory or looking out for predators, it provides instructions to the ganglia (For example, ‘find food’) With 2/3rds of the octopus’s impressive 500 million neurons (a similar amount to a dog) located in the tentacles, they can gather massive amounts of sensory information. Thus, the arms can fine-tune movements and react quickly to threats.

Aditya Sankar explores the intricacies of one of natures most well known oddities

Since they have so many neurons in the tentacles, they have been noted to be capable of simple motions like reaching or curling even when severed!

The arms may even have their own form of primitive short-term memory, as scientists have noted recurrent connections (or loops) in the neurons.

The communication between the arms is fascinating; the nerve ring present on the neural path to the central brain allows them to communicate without having to overwhelm the control centre with too much information. This means they can co-ordinate movements effectively.

A particularly fascinating discovery was that intermuscular nerve cords linked each tentacle of the octopus to another two tentacles away, though scientists remain unsure about its significance .

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The central brain of the octopus is no less fascinating. Shaped like a donut and located between its eyes, it has about 40 lobes to conduct all its complex functions. animal's anatomy means their esophagus goes THROUGH their central brain! So, any time the octopus feeds, its food will be going through the brain as well. If it weren’t for the effectiveness of their radula (teeth-like structures) and the enzymes in their saliva, their nervous system could be seriously damaged during eating!

These are just a few insights into the remarkably complex and intriguing inner workings of our cephalopod friends. Next time you meet an octopus, try waving hello! If you’re lucky enough to get a wave back (as some have been) remember the wondrous mechanics that made every facet of that action possible.

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Living Light: The Enchanting World of Bioluminescence Aishani Sinha, Grade 10

Bioluminescence, a mesmerizing natural phenomenon, has captured the imagination of scientists and nature enthusiasts alike. This captivating display of light produced by living organisms has been observed in various marine and terrestrial ecosystems. From the depths of the ocean to dense jungles, bioluminescence has evolved as an adaptive strategy, serving multiple functions for the organisms that possess this unique ability.

So, what is Bioluminescence? Bioluminescence is the production and emission of light by living organisms.

It is a type of chemiluminescence, which is simply the term for a chemical reaction where light is produced.

The word "bioluminescence" is derived from the combination of "bio," meaning life, and "luminescence," referring to the emission of light without significant heat. This phenomenon is not restricted to a specific taxonomic group but is found across various kingdoms, including bacteria, fungi, insects, and marine organisms. The light produced by bioluminescent organisms is a result of a chemical reaction that involves the enzyme luciferase and its substrate luciferin. This process is oxygen-dependent and generates photons, leading to the emission of light.

The Process: 1. Presence of Luciferin: The bioluminescent process begins with the presence of a light-emitting molecule called luciferin within the specialized cells or organelles of a bioluminescent organism. Different organisms may use several types of luciferins.

2. Involvement of Luciferase: The enzyme luciferase plays a crucial role in the bioluminescent reaction. Luciferase acts as a catalyst, facilitating the chemical reaction between luciferin and oxygen.

3. Interaction with Oxygen: Bioluminescence is an oxygen-dependent process.

The luciferin molecule interacts with oxygen, initiating the chemical reaction.

4. Formation of Excited State: Luciferin undergoes oxidation in the presence of oxygen and luciferase. As this happens, it enters an excited state. This excited state is higher-energy compared to its initial state.

Luciferase Luciferin + O2 Oxyluciferin + CO2 +Light 5. Release of Photons: The excess energy accumulated in the excited state of luciferin is released in the form of photons, which are particles of light. This release of photons is what creates the visible light characteristic of bioluminescence.

6. Return to Ground State: After the emission of light, luciferin returns to its ground state, ready to undergo another cycle of the bioluminescent reaction.

7. Colour and Intensity: The colour of the emitted light can vary depending on the specific type of luciferin and the surrounding environment. The intensity of the light emitted is influenced by factors such as the concentration of luciferin, the efficiency of the enzymatic reaction, and other environmental conditions.

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8. Cellular Compartmentalization: In many bioluminescent organisms, the cells, or organelles where bioluminescence occurs are specialized and compartmentalized.

This compartmentalization helps regulate and control the emission of light.

9. Environmental Factors: The bioluminescent process can be influenced by external factors, such as temperature, pH, and the availability of oxygen. Different organisms may have adapted their bioluminescent systems to function optimally under specific environmental conditions.

10. Ecological Functions: The ability to produce light through bioluminescence serves various ecological functions, including attracting mates, deterring predators, camouflaging in the environment, and luring or capturing prey. In the depths of the ocean, where sunlight struggles to penetrate, bioluminescence serves as a crucial adaptation for many marine organisms. The phenomenon is particularly prevalent in deep-sea environments, where various species of fish and invertebrates employ bioluminescence for counterillumination—matching the ambient light to avoid casting shadows and remain inconspicuous to predators and prey alike.

Furthermore, bioluminescent signals are integral to communication and mate attraction. Fireflies, with their intricate aerial displays of light, exemplify how bioluminescence becomes a language of courtship and reproduction in terrestrial environments. In the marine realm, some species of squid use bioluminescent displays for communication, coordinating group movements, or as a response to threats. Additionally, bioluminescence can serve as an effective defence mechanism, acting as a deterrent to predators. For instance, certain species of jellyfish release bioluminescent bursts when disturbed, creating a temporary diversion that allows them to escape from potential threats.

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Marine Bioluminescence 1. Dinoflagellates Dinoflagellates are a diverse group of unicellular, primarily marine protists belonging to the phylum Dinoflagellata. These microscopic organisms play a crucial role in marine ecosystems, contributing to both the primary production of organic matter and the phenomenon of bioluminescence. When dinoflagellates are mechanically or chemically stimulated, the bioluminescent reaction is triggered, leading to the emission of a blue-green light.

Bioluminescence in dinoflagellates serves various ecological purposes. At night, the sparkling display of bioluminescence can be a defence mechanism, distracting or deterring predators. Additionally, the luminescent flashes may attract herbivores that feed on the dinoflagellates, providing a potential dispersal mechanism for these organisms.

2. Jellyfish: Many species of jellyfish exhibit bioluminescence, often as a defense mechanism or to attract prey. For example, the Aequorea victoria jellyfish produces a green fluorescent protein (GFP) that is widely used in molecular biology research.

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3. Squid and Cuttlefish: Some species of squid and cuttlefish use bioluminescence for predation. They have light emitting organs called photophores that can be controlled to create patterns, mimicking the ambient light to avoid detection by predators or prey.

4. Fish Various species of fish, particularly those in the deep sea, utilize bioluminescence for communication, attracting mates, or luring prey. The anglerfish is a notable example, using a bioluminescent lure to attract prey in the dark depths.

Insects - Fireflies (Lampyridae) Fireflies are the most iconic example of terrestrial bioluminescence. The light produced by fireflies is primarily used for communication during mating.

Male fireflies emit characteristic flashes of light, and females respond with specific patterns. This bioluminescent courtship enhances reproductive success.

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Fungi - Mycenae chlorophos Certain species of fungi, particularly in the Mycenae genus, are known for their bioluminescence. The exact purpose of bioluminescence in fungi is still a subject of research, but it is suggested that it may play a role in attracting insects to aid in spore dispersal. The light emission is localized to specific structures such as the mycelium or the undersides of mushroom caps.

Arthropods - Millipedes Some species of millipedes are bioluminescent, with the light produced along their bodies. The purpose of this bioluminescence is not entirely understood, but it may serve as a warning signal to predators or function in intraspecific communication.

Earthworms - Diplocardia longa Certain species of earthworms, such as Diplocercid longa, have been found to produce a blue-green bioluminescence.

The function of this bioluminescence in earthworms remains an area of active research.

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Plants - Luminous Moss: In recent discoveries, certain species of moss have been found to exhibit bioluminescence. This phenomenon is attributed to the presence of luciferin and luciferase in the moss cells. The ecological role of bioluminescence in moss is still under investigation, but it is speculated to be related to defence mechanisms or interactions with insects.

The potential applications of marine bioluminescence in fields such as medicine and technology are emerging.

Bioluminescent proteins, extracted from organisms like jellyfish, have been utilized as biological markers in medical research, shedding light on cellular processes with unparalleled precision. Innovations inspired by the glow of deep-sea organisms may pave the way for new technologies, from bioluminescent streetlights mimicking the natural rhythm of the moon to eco-friendly illumination solutions harnessing the power of light-producing enzymes. As we stand on the shores of discovery, the allure of marine bioluminescence beckons us into a world where science and wonder entwine. The mysteries of the ocean's glowing depths, far from being fully unravelled, continue to illuminate our understanding of life's adaptations and the untold stories hidden beneath the waves.

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Body and Health

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The Respiratory System Tia Shukla, Grade 6

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Burns 101 Nivirithi Balachander, Grade 6

What you need to know before you read this: There are three main layers of skin: The Epidermis (the uppermost layer of your skin) The Dermis (the middle layer of your skin, which contains your hair follicles, blood vessels, nerves, lymph vessels, etc.)

The Subcutis layer (the deepest layer of your skin.)

The functions of the skin are: To provide a protective shield against heat, light, injury, and infection To regulate body temperature To store water and fat for the body To act as a sensory organ To prevent water loss To prevent the entry of germs and bacteria.

Background: Burns There are 3 main types of burns. In order of increasing danger, they are: First-degree burns, Second-degree burns, and Third-degree burns.

There are numerous ways you can get a burn. Some of them are: Scalding from hot liquids Chemical burns Electrical burns Fires (from matches, lighters, candles, stoves ect.)

Excessive exposure to sun.

The type of burn is not dependent on the source, rather the duration of exposure.

Level One, First-Degree Burns: First-degree (or Superficial) burns are considered to be minor damage as they only cause harm to the outmost layer of skin. Key signs are: Redness Slight inflammation or sometimes swelling Immediate pain Peeling of skin when healing.

Since First-Degree burns only affect the epidermis, the symptoms go away as the skin cells shed and the burnt skin cells are replaced by new, fresh ones.

So, in around 7-10 days, burn symptoms subside and the scar disappears.

However, a visit to the doctor is recommended if: The burn is larger than 3 inches The burn is on your face or a major joint (e.g. the Knee, Ankle , Foot , Spine , Shoulder, Elbow , or Forearm) How do you attend to a First-Degree burn?

Soak the wound in cold water for 5 or more minutes Use an antibiotic ointment and loose gauze to protect the affected area.

All of the above can lead to severe burns that may injure or even kill you.

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Remember: Avoid using ice, as this may make the damage worse.

Don’t use cotton, since the fibers may stick to the wound and may cause additional damage.

It is also not advised to use home remedies such as butter and eggs as they are not effective.

Level Two, Second-Degree burns: Second-Degree burns are more dangerous and serious than first-degree burns because the damage extends beyond the top layer of skin. This causes the skin to blister, becoming red, weak, painful, and sore.

Many of the blisters pop open, giving the wound a wet and weeping appearance. Later on, a thick, soft, scab-like tissue--called fibrinous exudate--is formed over the wound.

Since these damaged areas are delicate, it is necessary to maintain hygiene by keeping the burnt area clean and bandaging it properly to prevent infection.

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Level Three, Third-Degree burns: Save only for Fourth-dDgree burns, Third-Degree burns are the most deadly as they penetrate through every layer of skin.

A common misconception is that Third-Degree burns are the most painful. Shockingly, the damage goes so deep into your skin that it damages your nerves, causing them to stop sending pain signals.

Depending on various scenarios, the symptoms of Third-degree burns may vary. Some notable signs include: Waxy white/ Dark Brown in colour Char Raised, leathery texture Blisters do not develop Never try to treat a Third-Degree burn yourself. Call an ambulance immediately. While waiting, stay calm, make sure that no clothing is sticking or touching the burn, and avoid undressing.

Many Second-Degree burns take over three weeks to heal, although, with proper care, some heal within two to three weeks.

If the blister becomes more severe, it will take longer to heal. In extreme cases, skin grafting is required to fix the damage.

As said before, avoid using home remedies, cotton, and ice as they may cause more harm. You should: Run the skin under cold water for 15 minutes.

Take pain medications Apply antibiotic medicine/cream to blisters.

Seek emergency treatment if the burn has affected the following areas: Face, Hands, Buttocks, Groin, Feet.

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The Complex Brain: Ways to Study It Jinisha Setiya, Grade 11

Studying the brain is critical for understanding the deep complexity of human cognition, behavior, and general well-being. The brain is the epicenter of our ideas, emotions, memories, and decision-making processes, making it a critical organ to comprehend for breakthroughs in many areas. Exploring the brain's complex network of neurons and synapses can shed light on neurological illnesses, opening the door for novel treatments and cures.

Furthermore, studying the neuroscience of the brain can provide a thorough understanding of how we learn, adapt to, and interpret our environment.

Understanding the brain mechanics underpinning diverse mental processes allows us to improve educational procedures, resulting in more effective learning settings. Insights into the brain’s architecture contribute to the creation of artificial intelligence that can mimic cognitive functions.

1. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) A brain scanner that detects increased blood flow to brain regions when people are asked to undertake cognitive/physical activities. Increased blood flow suggests a higher demand for oxygen in the region.

This generates 3D pictures that illustrate where areas of the brain are involved in a certain mental activity, which is useful for understanding function localization. As a result, fMRI can aid in the development of a brain localization map. An fMRI scan, for example, may reveal brain areas that receive more oxygen when a subject is required to solve arithmetic problems.

Finally, understanding the brain is critical for managing mental health issues that impact millions of people globally. Unraveling the biochemical roots of disorders like depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia can lead to more focused and personalized treatments. In short, brain research is an investment in unraveling the secrets of human nature, with ramifications ranging from medical discoveries to the improvement of educational approaches and the production of cutting-edge technology. Therefore, some of the ways to study the brain are listed below:

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2. Electroencephalogram (EEGs) Electrodes placed on the scalp assess electrical activity in the brain and how it fluctuates over time/in different states (e.g., waking vs. sleeping).

EEG measurements are capable of detecting epilepsy and Alzheimer's. The four main brain wave patterns are alpha (awake and calm), beta (awake and highly aroused or in REM), delta (deep sleep), and theta (light sleep).

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4. Event-related potentials (ERPs) ERPs are extremely minute voltage changes in the brain, caused by specific events or stimuli, and monitored using an EEG. Small voltages of electrical activity are measured when a stimulus is provided.

Because these tiny voltages are difficult to distinguish from other electrical signals in the brain, the stimulus must be shown repeatedly, and only signals that occur every time the stimulus is presented are termed ERPs. ERPS are classified into two types: (i) sensory ERPS, which occurs within 100 milliseconds after stimulus presentation; and (ii) cognitive ERPS, which occurs 100 milliseconds or longer after stimulus presentation. Sensory ERPs represent the brain's initial detection of stimuli. Cognitive ERPs indicate the processing and assessment of stimuli.

3. Post-mortem examinations Brains from deceased individuals who demonstrated cognitive abnormalities while alive can be dissected to look for structural abnormalities/damage: for example, Broca's area was discovered after dissections of patients who displayed speech abnormalities, and HM's (an important case study in research about memory) inability to store new memories was linked to lesions in his hippocampus.

Neurological anomalies have been related to depression, schizophrenia, antisocial personality disorder, and other conditions.

Jinisha Setiya provides an in depth understanding of how we can learn more about our brains

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The Hygiene Hoax: Vienna 1847 Aanika Krishnan, Grade 11

It is the 19th century in Vienna, Austria. You hear about circulations of puerperal fever at a local hospital. A pregnant woman’s worst nightmare? A doctor – one who refuses to wash his hands out of elitism.

Ignaz Semmelweis was a Hungarian physician and health official who observed notably high maternal death rates in one of his hospitals. It was a primary clinic – one where babies were delivered by doctors and medical students, instead of midwives. Over here, mothers had an 18% chance of dying on their childbed – 6% more likely than in a secondary clinic run by midwives.

The culprit? After some investigation, Semmelweis deduced that the infections were transmitted via the birth attendants’ unclean hands. Once he implemented the rule that his students must use a chlorine hand wash between deliveries, the maternal mortality rate reduced to just 2%. You would think his fellow practitioners would commend such a radical evolution, but instead, he was ostracised by the medical community. In fact, some doctors were offended by the suggestion that their hands would be dirty at all. Obstetrician Charles Meigs argued, ‘Doctors are gentlemen, and a gentleman’s hands are clean’.

Unfortunately for the ‘Saviour of Mothers’, Semmelweis’s behaviour after years of struggle led him to his admittance into a mental asylum, where he died 14 days later. He was only vindicated (though on his deathbed) when the works of Louis Pasteur killed the hand-washing controversy shortly afterward. The public finally accepted the notion that germs carry disease, and we carry germs. We have the ‘Father of Handwashing’ to thank for championing such an integral part of our daily lives today.

Aanika Krishnan recounts the horrific events surrounding the deaths of mothers in Vienna

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A Blast From The Past

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A Letter from A Survivor of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki Attacks At the intersection of History and Biology Jahan Jethani. Grade 11

Dear Sir, I hope this letter finds you well and in high spirits. My name is Yoshiko Ohara, formerly known as Chen Lan Ying, a survivor of the atomic bombing in Nagasaki, Japan, during World War II. I am writing to you today with a heavy heart, burdened by recollections of the tragic events that unfolded on August 9, 1945.

In revisiting the painful echoes of that fateful day, I implore you to reflect upon the consequences of war, not just for the Japanese people but for humanity. Furthermore, this bombing being one of the first instances of biological warfare adds another layer of gravity to the narrative. The ravaging effects of the atomic bombings extended beyond the confines of national borders; it reached across continents, impacting people regardless of ethnicity. Approximately 74,000 lives were lost in Nagasaki, and among the victims were overseas Chinese residents like my family.

My grandfather, Chen Chang Dai, moved to Nagasaki from China's Fujian province before the war to run a Chinese sweets shop. The Chinese population in Nagasaki had a long history, but it was marked by discrimination and animosity, especially during the volatile years leading up to World War II. The Manchurian Incident and the Second Sino-Japanese War had a negative impact on Nagasaki's overseas Chinese, who were subjected to monitoring, ostracism, and exclusion from local air raid shelters.

On that dreadful day in 1945, I, then Chen Lan Ying, was playing near the air raid shelter on the grounds of Fukken Kaikan hall, about 3.8 km from the bomb's hypocenter. The explosion threw my surrounds into darkness, followed by an encompassing loud roar. The resulting dust cloud was beyond anything I'd seen before. Panic ensued as adults urged me into the shelter, and when I emerged, the hall was packed with critically injured people asking for water.

The lasting effects of such an event, both physically and psychologically, continue to resonate through generations. High doses of nuclear radiation are often considered deadly. They tend to kill cells, while low doses tend to damage or change them. High doses can kill so many cells that tissues and organs are damaged. This in turn may cause a rapid whole-body response often called the Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS). It can also result in long- term health effects such as cancer and cardiovascular diseaseswhich my family experienced firsthand.

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Despite the tragedy, my family survived and successfully navigated it through the difficult postwar years.

My father, Chen Yi Fen, started Horaiken Restaurant, in the hopes of feeding people who were in need.

However, my affectionate grandfather, who had showed me enormous love, died of hunger in 1946.

The emotional scars of war and discrimination continue to this day. The grief of losing loved ones and facing bigotry remains with me, and it is a burden I bear in my heart. As a survivor, I feel compelled to share my story, not to spread hatred, but to promote understanding and peace.

War causes anguish for everyone, regardless of ethnicity. I ask you to remember that war victims are not nameless beings; they are people with dreams, families, and a common humanity. I hope that as a global community, we can work to ensure that such tragedies are a thing of the past.

The evolutionary impact of such a devastating act serves as a stark reminder of the responsibility we bear as a global community to prevent the recurrence of such atrocities.

I hope this letter resonates with the shared responsibility we all bear in promoting peace and understanding.

Sincerely, Yoshiko Ohara.

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Acknowledgements Thank you for your time! Our goal is to enable content creators to create articles and illustrations which inspire curiosity and a hunger for knowledge in the readers. We hope this issue introduced you to new ideas in Biology and gave you some food for thought.

Once again, this magazine is the result of the unending hard work and ingenuity of the team of contributors. Their profound interest in this subject is reflected through the high quality and calibre of content produced. Thank you for your time and effort in making contributions to The Cell Cycle!

Thank you to the newly appointed HODs for the immaculate editing and designing of this issue. Thank you to the SLT at TISB for your support of The Cell Cycle, and to Ms. Deepa L for being our teacher mentor.

Thank you to you, our readers! You make this magazine possible. Your feedback is priceless; please let us know of any opinions, advice or questions you might have for the team. We would love to hear what you have to say. You can now reach out to us on Instagram @thecellcyclemagazine or on email at sanaaya@tisb.ac.in. Please do share this magazine with your friends and family, and on social media as well. This will help us tremendously in expanding our reach and spreading knowledge to as many people as possible.

Thank you, and until next time!

Yours sincerely, Anaaya Singhania, Editor-in-Chief.

Coming up soon: Hindi and Korean Translations and a hard copy of The Cell Cycle!

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