Issue 55: Deviant

Solar geoengineering: An uncharted climate solution or human interference?

Environment, Technology / /

Global warming and its detrimental impacts on society and Earth’s natural systems have become an ever-urgent issue for humanity to confront. According to the U.N.’s World Meteorological Organization, there is a 50–50 chance we will reach 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming within the next five years with the likelihood continuously increasing. As the reality of […]

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Viruses vs. cancer: A bacteriophage approach to gene therapy

Biology, Health / /

Viruses can be catastrophic. Their natural purpose is to infect and replicate, hijacking hosts regardless of the consequences. They can be deadly and are a large source of suffering, even in our modern society. Smallpox, influenza, and COVID-19 are clear examples of viruses that have had widespread, devastating public health effects. Therefore, it seems counterintuitive

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Harmful or helpful?: Using toxic algae blooms for cystic fibrosis treatment

Biology, Health / /

For such a tiny microscopic organism, the algae behind the Gulf of Mexico’s toxic red tides inflicts a mighty force. Characterized by discolored water, dying marine life, and the release of respiratory irritants, red tides have plagued the Gulf since the 1800s and have since increased in intensity and frequency. Karenia brevis, the dominant algae

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Harvard Medical School’s next step into broadening exposure to STEM-based careers

World / /

Specialized and high-quality education is a hard-earned privilege, not a necessity. Here in the United States, there are many examples of barriers that have prevented students from enjoying hands-on opportunities to grasp valuable knowledge from a young age. Racial discrimination, poverty, and other disparities all represent prominent problems when it comes to providing kids with

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The dark side of dreams

Psychology / /

Almost everyone can recall a particularly weird nightmare they have had, ranging from being late to having an exam to being chased by a monster. They often leave us with feelings of anxiety, confusion, distress, and fear after waking up, wondering how our brains could have conjured such a narrative. Around 85% of people report

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Going where no drug has gone before: A difficult journey through the blood-brain barrier

Health / /

When functioning optimally the human brain poses one of the largest challenges encountered in medicine. For the past 50 years, scientists have struggled to find methods to bypass the blood-brain barrier (BBB), a vital immunological barrier responsible for the transport of select molecules into the brain. Solving this problem would allow for the development of

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Opinion: Alternatively, medicine can do harm too

Health, Opinion / /

Advancements in medicine have undeniably revolutionized the quality of life in society today. Unfortunately, even medicine can be faulty — side effects, drug resistance, or simple ineffectiveness are just a handful of the risks patients face when seeking medicinal aid. Anti-obesity medication (AOM) is one of many drug categories that carry a host of side

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