Student Columns

Jan
20
2021
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The Horsehead Nebula

The Horsehead Nebula

Astrophotography
Carl Crum '24 The famous Horsehead Nebula – or Barnard 33 – was officially discovered by Williamina Fleming in 1888 and catalogued by E. E. Barnard in 1894. The Horsehead, which is at the center of the photo, is a dark molecular cloud which sits in front of the bright emission nebula IC 434 and lies directly next to Alnitak, the lowest star in Orion’s Belt. The fiery-looking nebula below Altinak is the Flame Nebula, which is illuminated by an open cluster of stars that’s forming inside of it. Although the Horsehead region seems quite large, it is only a…
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Jan
20
2021
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How B Cells Contribute to COVID Immunity

How B Cells Contribute to COVID Immunity

Science
Kelly Shen '23, Image from Unsplash.com One good thing about SARS-CoV-2 is that there is rarely ever re-infection, though many are still falling ill. This points to a positive aspect about immunity: there might be long-term memory in the immune response to the virus. However, immune response can get extremely complicated, and research is still scarce. We will take a closer look at all the promising reasons as to why we might have long term immunity.  The immune reaction requires the coordinated activity of a variety of cell types. There's an innate immune reaction that's triggered when cells sense they're…
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Jan
17
2021
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Zig Zag: A Bishop Pantoum

Zig Zag: A Bishop Pantoum

Literature
Armin's chess poem is so crazy this morning that we've decided that a PDF might do a better job of preserving the format. Take a look at the incredible zigzags that this piece makes (pun intended). Image from Unsplash.com
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Jan
17
2021
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Let’s Talk Books: Paradise Lost with Mr. Bonnell

Let’s Talk Books: Paradise Lost with Mr. Bonnell

Literature
Adrian's first episode of his Let's Talk Books series is live! Today, he will be discussing Milton's epic poem, Paradise Lost, with Mr. Bonnell. This famous work is filled with timeless themes and fascinating descriptions, and this conversation is definitely worth your time. Sit back and enjoy! Image from Unsplash.com https://youtu.be/WBb9Lu7MX5A
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Jan
13
2021
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Using AI To Predict Mental Illness

Using AI To Predict Mental Illness

Science
Kelly Shen '23, Unsplash.com Facebook is a one of the biggest social media platforms. Users share posts, comment, send messages, go through their feeds, as well as many other things. This makes it a really good place for targeting ads. With an app that has as much data as Facebook, marketers will easily find which ads to give you, tailored to your recent searches or liked posts. However, there also are people out there trying to use Facebook for good—or, at least, to enhance the diagnosis of mental disease.  On December 3, a group of researchers reported that they had…
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Jan
13
2021
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Great Conjunction Between Jupiter and Saturn

Great Conjunction Between Jupiter and Saturn

Astrophotography
We've got a new column coming to the Quad with the start of the semester: Carl Crum's astrophotography! Here is his first photo, and we look forward to seeing the many more that he will share with the community! Carl's description: This is my take on the Great Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn, which I shot with an ASI385MC planetary camera and Celestron C9.25 telescope. On December 21, 2020, the two gas giants Jupiter and Saturn passed within a tenth of a degree from each other, which hadn't happened since 1623 (back when Galileo was still alive). However, in 1623, the conjunction occurred during…
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Jan
10
2021
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Speedy Matchess

Speedy Matchess

Literature
(recycling Pablo Neruda’s Sonnet XVII). Image from Unsplash.com I don’t love you as if you were a classical arena or an untimed casual . I love you as you challenge me and develop my speedy reflexes I love you — as a king loves his mate or a thinker loves pondering, so I give thanks to your haste . From my heartless heart to my mindless mind—————————— I love you — without knowing your deep scar on their thought I love you — wholly without minding my occasional blunders I love you — like this because of your superior matchess…
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Jan
05
2021
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Give Your Eyes a Break: Eyestrain and Prevention

Give Your Eyes a Break: Eyestrain and Prevention

Quad Queries
Alexander Lourdes Medel '23 The 20-20-20 rule may seem familiar to all of us. Though it is simple, it can provide some relief to our sore eyes especially during online learning. According to Healthline, this rule asks people that after twenty minutes spent looking at a screen, one should look at something twenty feet away for twenty seconds before continuing with their work hence the “20-20-20.” This practice can help alleviate the stress our eyes feel during hour-long Zoom lectures or digital work. Though it is easy to do, we often become preoccupied with our work to the point where…
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Jan
05
2021
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Inside a GM’s Mind

Inside a GM’s Mind

Literature
“Chess is life” - Bobby Fischer Because it is our universal language Because it improves mental age by up to 14 years Because it promotes accountability and responsibility Chess is life Because I have been playing since I can first remember Because it has acted as a bridge between cultures for 1500 years Because it evokes concentration, logic, and critical thinking Chess is life Because it absorbs your emotions Because it stimulates the growth of our brain’s dendrites Because it calms us in adverse situations Chess is life Because it keeps Alzheimer's away Because it instills virtues of graceful losing…
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Dec
17
2020
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All in One (A Queen Villanelle)

All in One (A Queen Villanelle)

Literature
Armin Hamrah '23, photo from Unsplash.com A multifaceted mastermind The queen is a supreme tactician More powerful than its factors combined . Forks and pins are easy to find Commander of the mission A multifaceted mastermind . A unique piece, one of a kind Igniting the opponents’ demolition More powerful than its factors combined . Ventures upon spotting a line Regardless of its disposition A multifaceted mastermind . When attacking, trades declined Checks are in its intuition More powerful than its factors combined . Few restrictions, undefined Capable of fianchettos and infiltration A multifaceted mastermind More powerful than its factors…
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