E X P L O R E the beauty within science
Growing Trees from
the Dead
Cemeteries full of trees & life after death, P. 3
The Truth About Coffee
The benefits and drawbacks of the world's favorite beverage, P. 1
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table of contents P A G E S
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1 4
THE TRUTH ABOUT COFFEE
GROWING TREES FROM THE DEAD FINDING A CURE TO CANCER?
MOVING YOUR WAY TO SUCCESS
1 - 2
3 - 4
5 - 7
8 - 9
MATH PROBLEM FROM A WISH LIST
10 - 11
GROWING CELLS TO SAVE LIVES
12 - 14
The Truth About Coffee Written By: Jeevitha Niranjan and Keerthana Nukala Designed By: Aarushi Singh
Coffee, something that many across the world rely on to get through the day. In fact, it is the most commonly used drug in the world. Many studies have been conducted on the effects of caffeine on the body, and although the negative effects are well known, the positive effects remain overlooked. Firstly, in order to understand the effects of caffeine on the body, we need to understand how the body works without caffeine. From the time we wake up, the brain produces a molecule called adenosine. Adenosine attaches to receptors in the brain, and slows down the activity of neurons. It builds up at the end of the day, and results in a tired and sleepy state. Caffeine imitates adenosine, and attaches to the receptors, preventing adenine from working. This results in a more energetic and awake state, and also contributes to an increased attention span. By blocking adenosine, caffeine also lets dopamine and glutamine inhibit more receptors, leading to a feeling of increased happiness and an improved mood.
Since adenosine also leads to irregular heartbeats, caffeine could potentially reduce the frequency of irregular heartbeats. This is proven in a recent study by the American College of Cardiology, which found that the frequency of irregular heartbeats decreased in 613% of regular coffee drinkers, and participants that had a heart attack previously had an improved heart rate. For people that aren’t already addicted to caffeine, it can also lead to an improved memory.
The EFSA or the European Food Safety Authority has concluded that caffeine intake leads to increased endurance performance. Studies have found that caffeine intake during or before exercise leads to faster times over set distances in aerobic activities such as running, cycling, etc. However, the results for studies on connection between anaerobic exercise and caffeine intake have inconclusive results. However, alongside coffee's many benefits, it leads to an addiction or creates a continuous over-stimulation which essentially makes it difficult to work without it. Coffee also leads to an increased production of adrenaline, and too much caffeine can leave the user feeling jittery, irritable, and anxious, which could result in no work being done. Some research, however, suggests that the positive effects of coffee could just be the placebo effect. Other research suggests that coffee addicts are the only ones who experience the positive effects. For example, those who are dependant on coffee face fatigue and may seem absent throughout the day. Essentially, one’s performance will only elevate when drinking coffee or consuming caffeine because there body and brain is now dependant on it. Whatever the case, there is no denying that coffee ultimately helps many around the world get through another day.
GROWING TREES Written By: Caroline Sun & Lucy Yin Designed By: Shreya Shettigar
T
he saying “new life after death” takes on a whole new meaning when it is applied to literal terms. New scientific advancements have lead to the creation of the Capsula Mundi, a large egg-shaped capsule that turns human remains into plant fertilizer. The Capsula Mundi, which translates to “World’s Capsule” in Latin, is made up of organic materials and was initially thought of in 2003 by Italian engineers Raoul Bretzel and Anna Citelli; Bretzel and Citelli wanted a way to “create cemeteries full of trees rather than tombstones, reduce waste, and create new life out of death”(Erizanu 5).
“[It would] create cemeteries full of trees rather than tombstones, reduce waste, and create new life out of death”
Essentially, the capsule would replace coffins, as it is able to hold the ashes of the deceased or even an entire human body in a fetal position. As the body inside decomposes, the shell made of biodegradable plastic does as well; the broken down matter from both the human body and the encasing provide vital nutrients, such as nitrogen, to the plant life growing above it. The process of decay typically begins with bacteria in the soil breaking down the bio-plastic outer shell; in this way, the ashes are slowly homogenized with the soil such that the process does not dramatically alter the pH of its surroundings.
FROM THE DEAD
H
owever, cremation always poses an environmental risk, primarily from unnatural substances in the body such as dental fillings, which “can release polluting mercury, which is why some crematoriums have installed mercury filters”(Erizanu 12). Since most of the Capsula Mundis planned on being released are engineered to encapsulate human ashes, the original goal of improving the environment may soon be counterintuitive. Additionally, though the pods are designed to aid in oxygen maintenance within the soil,
“cremation always poses an environmental risk, primarily from unnatural substances in the body”
the excessive release of nitrogen from the body may result in a chemical imbalance of the dirt matter around it, requiring carbon to stabilize the soil. These small yet significant issues result in debate on whether or not these burials should ultimately be legalized, as certain countries, such as Italy, have not yet done. Though the entirety of North America is willing to accept this new idea, the rest of the world is yet to be convinced that the overall benefits outweigh the environmental and possibly economical consequences.
Finding a Cure to Cancer?
Written By: Jeevitha Niranjan and Keerthana Nukala Designed By: Aarushi Singh One of the main trademarks of cancer is that they can divide unchecked, unlike many other cells. These cancer cells have a ‘switch’ that allows them to do this. Scientists have found a way to short-circuit this switch to halt the reproduction of over 50 kinds of cancer cells, which could be a potential cure to cancer. Cancer cells get their ability to divide endlessly through regenerating telomeres. Telomeres, or caps at the end of chromosomes, set the lifespan of cells. These caps get shorter through cell division, and eventually get too short to protect chromosomes, and cell division stops. Cancer cells turn on a mutation in a gene called TERT, or telomerase reverse transcriptase, to regenerate telomere, which allows endless cell division. Unfortunately, cancer drugs block telomerase which are proven to be too toxic for patients, and seem to limit the patient’s production of new blood cells.
Glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive brain cancers, which was also the cause of the deaths of Vice President John McCain and Beau Biden, was removed from a patient to be examined by researchers. It was found that GABP, a protein, was the switch that enabled the cells to multiply or regenerate the telomerase. After removing this protein, scientists found that cancer cells stopped reproducing and started to behave like other cells. Joseph Costello, a neuro-oncology expert teamed up with a group of researchers with the goal of developing a drug that would inhibit GABP to deprive cancer cells of the switch, while avoiding causing harm to other cells. By depriving the cancer cells of the “switch,� other cells can remain safe. Costello and his group discovered a way to prevent the cancer cells from turning on the switch. It was found that the protein, GABP beta 1 L was being used by cancer cells to activate the switch. However, the researchers found that by essentially inhibiting the GABP protein entirely, the body was being harmed, so they used the CRISPR, a gene editing tool to remove only the GABP beta 1 L. It was established that the removal of the beta 1 L had deathly effects only on the cancer cells, but caused no harm towards other cells.
Costello claims that “beta 1 L subunit is a promising new drug target for aggressive glioblastoma and potentially the many other cancers with TERT promoter mutations.” He teamed up with GlaxoSmithKline, a pharmaceutical company, to search for more molecules that have the same potential as beta 1 L to be a drug. However, one exception to this process was the stem cells, who divided throughout an organism’s life to help replenish other cells who are dying. To continue this task, the stem cells use an enzyme called telomerase to rebuilds telomere, the compound at the end of the chromosome. In the same way, cancer cells, who are able to divide indefinitely, are able harness mutations in the TERT, or telomerase reverse transcriptase. Since the cells are already GABP beta 1 L deficient, Costello and his group realized that it was important to replicate the same experiment in other tumor models directly from cancer patients Researches were determined to design an experiment to determine if the cancer that was already developed in mice can potentially be stopped by blocking or removing GABP beta 1 L. One approach that was taken to achieve the necessary results was the creation of a new drug that targets the GABP beta 1 L . The second approach, the development of a CRISPR-based therapy that alters human genes to halt the production of GABPbeta1L, was taken when experimenting on human brain cells transplanted in mice. Taking everything into account, it is apparent that with this tool, a form of genetic engineering, scientists can edit a genome -alter a set of genes among the tens of thousands contained in the organism’s DNA. With CRISPR, scientists may have the ability to correct or even remove disease-causing genes, or insert new ones that could theoretically cure diseases, such as cancer.
Moving Your Way To Success Written By: Ankita Jain Designed By: Aarushi Singh
In recent years, several studies have been conducted to show that sitting in a single position for hours at a stretch is not the most beneficial to one’s health. Before this discovery, several companies believed that cramming large numbers of employees in a single space would increase collaboration, and therefore lead to a higher rate of efficiency. However, recent studies hav shown that instead of increasing efficiency, such layouts of buildings only create more problems. David Lathrop, a researcher at Steelcase states that while privacy is a key aspect to a more efficient working space, “team spaces” such as couches, standing tables, etc. may prove to be beneficial as well. Some of the new designs entail a larger amount of area for collaboration (such as standing tables), while simultaneously providing the employees with privacy at soundproof phone booths, lounges, isolation rooms, etc. In a brief interview, two juniors were asked if they preferred private workplaces over a more collaborative workspace.
“ I’d definitely say that I’m more efficient in private workplaces”, said Shraddha Khanna, grade 11. “ Working in a more secluded area helps me concentrate on the task at hand and enables me to complete my task more efficiently”.
Sahithi Yeturu, grade 11, said, “I’d say that recreational rooms should definitely be a part of companies since they can be used to relieve stress for employees. By relieving stress, companies will be more efficient in accomplishing their goals”.
Currently, several powerful companies are setting the new standard of work space and recreation. Salesforce’s towering office in San Francisco, for instance, has established meditation rooms on every floor. In fact, one of the most radical makeovers is currently happening at Microsoft. The company has renovated 10 building without offices in an attempt to increase collaboration. While many Microsoft employees enjoyed this layout, several others found this openness to be distracting. Microsoft then established privat spaces which held 8-12 people each. While many may believe that these new workspace layouts are simply for decorative purposes, they are actually created solely for the purpose of greater efficiency. More over, many companies believe that recreating their office to look like a local Starbucks may appeal more to new recruits.
“Office geography matters, and it can be a key managerial lever to increase communication and the crossfertilization of ideas,” said Christopher Liu, an assistant professor at the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto.
Math Problem From a Wishlist
The Fields Medal is the most celebrated award in mathematics. It’s only awarded every four years, and it’s only awarded to mathematicians and physicists under age forty. Princeton University maintains a database of unsolved problems in mathematics and theoretical physics. Partially solving just one of these problems lead to two Fields Medals. Recently, one of them has been solved entirely.
The problem related to the quantum Hall effect, an effect only understood after experiments over a hundred years apart. Overall, the quantum Hall effect is shown when a perpendicular magnetic field deflects an electric current running through a piece of metal. The effect is not changed when the metal has impurities. That, however, is not the interesting part. As the strength of the magnet increases in that scenario, and when the temperature decreases, the conductivity of the metal does not change gradually or linearly, as both common sense and classical physics would dictate. Instead, it changes in a series of steps-- and under extreme conditions, the steps get even smaller. But as freshman Hannah Batterson noted, “Proving why something happens is always the hardest part of math.”
The process to actually solve the mystery of the quantum Hall effect was arduous. According to Spiro Michalakis, one of the researchers who cracked the case, “There was a mountain of research that already existed... Most of it required an advanced knowledge of physics.” Coming from a mathematical background, Michalakis was at a large disadvantage. He overcame it with a unique approach-meshing his math background with physics. In order to solve the problem, he seemingly had to assume electrons did not interact with each other, or that a global view of the mathematical space was equivalent to a more zoomed-in view. Somehow, he had to remove both of these assumptions from his math.
In a novel solution, Michalakis and his partner Hasting used topology, the mathematical study of geometric and spatial properties unaffected by pushing, pulling, or any other distortion besides tearing. According to mathematics writer Rachel Crowell, “In the wacky world of topology, a donut can be stretched until it becomes a coffee cup. However, it can't become, say, a sphere, because that would require tearing.” Hasting and Michalakis used topology to, in effect, find a clear path of the metal that displayed the Hall effect. They found a portion of the objects which behaved the same as the zoomedout view, and from this united their two non-assumptions. They discovered that the quantum Hall effect is exactly proportionally equivalent to the number of times that “clear path” wraps around the object. Although the path there was arduous, and the following write-up was shockingly complex, Michalakis and Hastings solved the mystery of the quantum Hall effect. There are, of course, implications for the future-- better quantum technology and computing, for one. The quantum Hall problem has also been removed from Princeton University’s wish list. Here’s hoping for many more!
Growing Cells to Save Lives Written By: Ankita Jain & Lauren Hong Designed By: Aarushi Singh Have you ever wondered how medicines are made? Medicines, while benefiting humans, may prove to be life threatening to animals. One of the most ethical issues in today’s world of medicine is the concept of animal testing. The concept of animal testing has definitely proven to be a topic of great controversy. When two Tino juniors were interviewed and asked what their thoughts were on the issue, they seemed to be on the same side.
“In my opinion, animal testing for cosmetics is completely harmful and selfish since it can be done in a safer way”, said Keerthana Nukala, grade 11. “I agree”, said Shreya Nene, grade 11. “Setting up trials in which animals that feel pain the same way humans do, are used to test the unknown effects of various chemicals is both unethical and inhumane.” While several argue that this is a crucial aspect to discovering new pharmaceutical drugs, turns out that these medicines can still be produced without having to test them on animals. Researchers have discovered stem cells, which can essentially do the same as animal testing without all the pain and blood. Stem cells can not only help with regenerative diseases, but are known to also produce human tissue & model disease.
Stem cells, also known as iPS cells, have the capability to self renew. The US National Institutes of Health have recognized over 350 types of embryonic human cell tissue. But how exactly do these cells replace animal testing? In most clinical studies, animals are tested for toxicity of a certain drug. Unfortunately, the drug is toxic nearly 70% of the time, which is harmful to the researcher’s time and effort, as well as posing a threat to the animal’s life. In an attempt to address this issue, a team at GE Healthcare is looking to run a toxicity trial without the use of a live animal. By employing this method of testing, researchers are able to yield results with a higher rate of accuracy and efficiency. In fact, researchers from the John Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center have already described a cell model of medulloblastoma, a cancerous tumor that starts in the region of the brain at the base of the skull called the posterior fossa, that was able to produce a more accurate depiction of a patient’s response to drugs compared to testing the drugs on mice. Another major issue in the current medical field is the concept of animals genetically engineered to develop a certain disease. However, with the use of stem cells, harmless creatures no longer have to develop hepatic disorders, diabetes, cardiac syndromes, neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s, etc. The very first disease-specific iPS cells were derived from patients with an autosomal-dominant health disorder. These cells were discovered in 2010, and are proving to be beneficial to this day. These cells have been used to model organs, and may even lead to a creation of an artificial human brain that could be used in clinical tests. Steps have already been taken to achieve this goal: in 2013, Austrian researchers had successfully built a cerebral organoid, an artificially grown mass of cells and tissues that resembled the structure of the fetal brain.
Stem cells could replace animal testing
One of the main advantages of iPS cells is the fact that they can design models specific to individual patients. In other words, because iPS cells come from a diverse variety of genetic backgrounds, scientists and doctors can personalize treatments to each patient’s unique genetic and cellular composition. Moreover, studying iPS cells can be used to determine whether successful treatments for one type of cancer can be applied for another type of cancer with a similar genetic composition. A team at John Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center was able to sequence the RNA (or ribonucleic acid, a nucleic acid present in all living cells, whose principal role is to carry instructions from DNA for controlling the synthesis of proteins) of tumors and compare it to large databases of cell lines, which are a cell culture consisting of cells with a uniform genetic makeup. By doing so, they were able to match patients with specific conditions of a cancer with established successful treatments. However, this method is not limited to cancers but is in fact applicable to all types of diseases. In 2015, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), a British pharmaceutical company, evaluated an antiepileptic drug in ALS patients by using the brain cell of patients to predict which individuals will respond favorably to the drug.
IPS Cell
Despite the bounding leaps made in stem cell research, many obstacles remain to completely replace animal testing with stem cell models. For instance, stem cells can only show the reaction of one particular tissue or organ to a drug, rather than of the entire body. However, numerous developments already in progress bring hope for the future of stem cells. For example, iPS cells have allowed researchers to create systems of gastrointestinal and metabolic tissues, which, in turn, will be used to study the effectiveness and toxicity of potential drugs on the gut. Furthermore, leading cosmetic corporations such as L’Oreal have begun replacing testing on animals with skin grown in laboratories. Additionally, competition among pharmaceutical companies have increased the funding for research and development of iPS cells. The hope is to one day completely replace animal testing with stem
Editors-in-chief: Ritu Chatterjee, Meera Suresh Main Editors: Caroline Sun, Cecilia Radaelli, Aarushi Singh Staff: Jeevitha Niranjan, Keerthana Nukala, Lucy Yin, Shreya Shettigar, Ankita Jain, Lauren Hong, Caroline Sun, Aarushi Singh, Juliet Shearin ,