Author: astrastem

By Jeevanjot Parmar “We are the first generation to feel the impact of climate change and the last generation that can do something about it” (Barack Obama). The last decade was the hottest in the last 125,000 years, CO2 levels are rising each year and are at their highest, we lose about 1.2 trillion tons…

By Elizabeth Valdes What is a Calorie?A calorie is a unit of energy. It is not a measure of weight, nutrient density, or a number to fear when viewing food labels. In actuality, the calories printed on the back of goods are scientifically known as kilocalories (kcals). According to Grace Derocha, a registered dietitian, one…

By Aanya Tomar Few developments in the constantly changing field of genetic engineering have sparked much interest, alongside the potential to bring about revolutionary change such as CRISPR-Cas9 technology. CRISPR-Cas9 is an innovative method that has evolved from the complex web of biological mechanisms, offering previously unheard-of levels of precision, efficiency, and versatility in genome…

By Sofia Oural Of all the vital life processes, the birth of ideas and thought stands as one of the most mysterious yet less acknowledged ones. Although the science behind brain cell communication is well understood, processes are not greatly comprehended due to their extreme complexity. Diving into the world of neural circuits, synaptic transmissions,…

By Jamie Su Beta-thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder caused by mutations in the production of beta-globin that reduce the production of hemoglobin. If left untreated, beta-thalassemia can result in organ failure and death. Most patients with this disease do not live over the age of 30.  Current treatments for beta-thalassemia all have moderate to…

By Fathanah Kharian The heart, one of the most irrevocable and important organs in the body. More than 5000 heart transplants occur annually around the world and up to 50,000 people are waiting to receive a heart donor. An artificial heart is a pump used to replace damaged heart ventricles and valves. It acts as…

By Mariyah Asad Like a creeping vine, it weaves its tendrils through the fabric of our society, branching out with insatiable curiosity and boundless potential. An unstoppable force. Permeating every aspect of our mere existence. An era of human dominance ends, the reins of power gradually slip from our grasp in which we are left…

By Ella Sanchez Dreams have enthralled individuals for generations because they provide us with intimate insights into our innermost thoughts. But visions are not just mysterious; they play vital roles in our psychological and physiological wellness.  They provide substantial insights into our mind and support cognitive functions like retaining memories, resolving problems and processing emotions. …

By Jamie Su Young athletes today demonstrate remarkable levels of talent and athleticism, surpassing previous generations and pushing the boundaries of sport to new heights. Their progress is limited by a single factor – their physical growth. Osgood-Schlatter disease (OSD) is an injury of the knee that causes painful swelling on the shinbone below the…

By Elizabeth Valdes A common misconception about sugar is that there is “good” sugar and “bad” sugar. When it comes to defining what’s best for your body, it isn’t that black and white. Most food manufacturers will promote their goods by “sugarcoating” the amount and source of their sugar content, thus tricking the public eye.…