Astra Stem

Research Journal

  • Vibrational Vicissitudes: Understanding the LADEE Spacecraft Test Failures

    By Bryan D. Milstead NASA, despite its prestige and innovation, is no exception to the phenomenon of failure. Failure can be overwhelmingly devastating (such as the 1986 Challenger space shuttle disaster which claimed the lives of seven crew members) (Myers, 2021, slide 3) and sometimes, downright discouraging (i.e. the 1999 Mars Polar Lander software malfunctions…

  • Chemistry Can Kill: Benzene The Cancer-Causing Compound

    By Talita Naveed Fragrances are a combination of organic compounds with a distinct scent. Perfume and cologne are examples of cosmetic fragrances, that have the sole purpose of providing pleasant odors (DermNet, n.d.). In 2023, it was estimated that around 81% of women use perfumes and this vast industry was to make 58 billion dollars…

  • Caffeine, A Miracle Drug

    By Low Xun He Keefe ABSTRACT  Caffeine, a substance that has been highly debated by healthcare professionals and the general public alike on its properties and the impact it has on the human body when consumed. There has been many well-founded research articles published over the years on the positive and negative impacts of caffeine…

  • A Regulatory Perspective on the Ban of Red Dye No. 3

    By Elizabeth Valdes Imagine reaching for your favorite snack, only to find out that one of its key ingredients has just been banned. That’s exactly what’s happening with Red Dye No. 3—a synthetic food colouring long used in candies, snacks, and processed foods. After years of controversy and mounting health concerns, regulators have finally pulled…

  • The Effects of Prayer and Meditative Practices on Neuroplasticity

    By Masooma Hyder Baig Throughout our lives, our brains are constantly changing and adapting to our environments. Neuroplasticity is our brain’s ability to reorganize itself by continually forming new neural connections at all life stages: good and bad. This article explores how prayer and meditative practices act as internal stimuli that impact these abilities, where…