Samia's Article Summary Page
Global Warming "Our Greatest Threat"
Sir David Attenborough has brought climate change to many people's attention, for he believes it is ought to be a "man-made disaster of global scale". During Attenborough speech, he stated that climate change can lead to the extinction of our natural world, and the collapse in civilizations. Things such as pollution from cars, factories, and other factors can lead to a low carbon economy. Due to less carbon, areas in the world are exposed to flooding in areas, extinction of animal and plant species, rising in sea levels, loss of land, famine, and drought. It is scientifically proven that the Earth is 1℃ warmer than it was 160 years ago. Although it doesn't sound like much, warmer climates can easily harm areas of land, as well as living organisms on Earth. As a solution, scientists suggest that if we can keep the global temperatures rising no more to half a degree by the end of this century, our situation and problems with climate change will be less critical then it is now. Simultaneously, scientists believe that if we pass the 1.5℃ mark of increase in temperature within the next 12 years, our problems won't come to end. For this, scientists suggest we use more renewable sources of energy, and plant more trees to create more Oxygen in our air if we want to preserve our planet and everything on it. Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-46398057
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”China Touched The Moon’s Far Side”
China has finally made the robotic mission to reach the moon’s far side to historical reality. They have debated on whether or not to send astronauts to the lunar surface. From this, there is a large possibility that women could be sent to space. Chinese officials realized all 12 astronauts were sent to space from 1969-1972, yet none of them had stayed for more than 75 hours. Pursuing this, they believed that it should change. At first, China’s satellite didn’t orbit until 13 years later. In 2003, China became the third nation to launch astronauts into the orbit (after the Soviet Union and the U.S) Since 2007, Dean Chang delivered 2 robotic spacecraft to the Lunar orbit. As well as rover-lander duos onto the moon’s surface. Additionally, China placed 2 relay satellites in a stable Lagrange print beyond the moon’s surface. China’s spacecraft officials has made many improvements in the past few years. Which later resulted in their success in conducting 39 orbital launches, leaving the U.S. with only 31 launches. On top of all these accomplishments, China’s Yutu , 2 rover rolls has landed onto the moon’s far side, shortly after the touchdown in January 2nd. The Chinese space officials has left an extraordinary and historical mark in our space history. Source: www.space.com
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"Opioids Critically Hijack The Brain"
The opioid epidemic has spread across America. resulting to many car accidents and gun violence. Overdose is now the typical resort to why people under 55 are to be out to death. Such a monstrosity has taken away the lives of more people than those who are victims of HIV. Although it does have a negative impact towards mankind, no one is immune to the nature of this addiction and many people experience different levels of it. Obviously, people are oblivious to the plan of getting addicted to a death toll like this. Dr. Pedro Matev, one of the nation's top opioid researchers says the it brings "an emotional understanding without glamorizing or over sympathizing" Source: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/us/addiction-heroin-opioids.html?module=inline
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"What will you Tax Refund Be?"
Tax refunds are coming in smaller amounts than they did last year. The IRS recieved 12.4 percent fewer returns from taxpayers. Simoutaneasly, the tax refunds went down by 24.3 percent. Tax profesionals say this might be because people don't adjust their paychecks withholding after the new tax law alteration.
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"Measles Outbreak-Update"
As many acknowledge, the measles is a very contagious virus which is ultimately targetted to young children or babies. According to the New York Times, the measles killed "110,000 people globally in 2017, mostly children under 5". Measles can be spread from an ill person's nose or mouth and can create a rash after approximately 4 days. Also, symptoms aren't visible for the first week or two of getting the disease, but once weeks pass, you start to develop high fevers, sore throat, runny nose, etc. this can later turn into red dots that start to appear on the face, and makes its way to the rest of the body. As for now, the measles has no cure that we know of. However, the measles vaccine is extremely safe and effective. It is proven to be 93% effective and so those who do take the vaccine have a lower risk of contracting measles. With that being said, although the measles is a very contagious disease, there are ways that can prevent people from getting it. Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/20/us/measles-outbreak.html
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"Can Anxiety Affect the Way Patients Handle Side Effects of Treatment"?
Many treatments often come with side effects. Because of the side effects, the treatment might have, many patients tend to refuse to take it. As a result, patients can lose their lives or suffer for a longer period of time with their condition. A group of researchers at Standford University wanted to figure out whether or not the mindset a patient has can alter the way they handle the side effects of their treatment. This can come into many benefits for our society, like a medical advancement and a lower ric=sk of lost lives for those who are diagnosed with a disease or condition. The researchers at Standford gathered two groups of families to test their hypothesis. Both families have a child with a peanut allergy- they were given a survey every day to collect their data and create observations. Towards the end of this experiment, the parents were able to distinguish the difference between a positive sign- which shows the treatment is working- or a negative sign- calling 911 or reaching out to get help. Source: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2019/03/01/699399504/could-your-mindset-affect-how-well-a-treatment-works
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”Can Blueberries Protect Heart Health?
Recent studies have suggested that consuming blueberries can lower the risks of heart disease. This may be because blueberries are high in a compound called anthocyanins. This is a solvable pigment that comes in red, blue, purple and black. Research has provided the connection between anthocyanins and cardiovascular disease and how it helps reduce the mortality risk. Although this is great news, studies have been concluded after only observing a single portion size of blueberries. Scientists state that in the lower intestines, the body metabolizes anthocyanins which later produces several chemicals that provide the nourishment to gut bacteria. Further studies need to be taken place to confirm the abilities blueberries are capable of and whether or not they have a significant importance to people suffering from cardiovascular disease. As of now, people believe that blueberries can, indeed reduce risks of heart disease. Source: Medicalnewstoday.com
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"The state cancels the computer-based exam due to a software glitch"
This year, the state canceled the virtual state test on Tuesday due to software glitches. Approximately, 25% of the students who took the computer-based examination were able to successfully submit their tests. At first, when the problem was recognized, students were asked "to wait 10 minutes before trying to submit tests again". Of course this didn't help the dilemma which later led to the state calling to prospone the standardized test to Wednesday morning. The department officials told the districts that the problem was due to an overload of students across the sate sumbitting their work at times that were very close to each other. The Questar software had issues with the software last year too, and in 2017, some students' personal information was exposed in the data branch. Teachers from all around the state described how they felt about the process as "disgusted". With tecnological advancements come with mistakes and casualties. Other problems led to difficulty of proctruing the test. The 2019 New York statewide test was an experience that many parents, districts and teacher hope the state learn from. Source: https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.democratandchronicle.com/amp/3340618002
