Since December 2020, various new strains of the COVID-19 virus have been detected in the US and other parts of the world. The CDC classifies these strains into two groups: variants of concern and variants of interest. Michigan Tech recently sent out an email notifying students of one of these variant’s detection in Houghton county, and encouraged many students to get tested for COVID-19 as soon as possible. In light of these new developments, it is important to be aware of what these variants are and how they compare to the original strain of COVID-19. 

Variants of Concern

The CDC identifies five different variants that have been detected in the US in the past few months that pose concern over their treatability. The first of these is called B.1.1.7, and it was first identified in December 2020. This variant was initially detected in the UK, and has an increased rate of transmission of about 50%. It also has a higher rate of fatality so far and is classified by the CDC as a variant of concern because it has not spiked in cases yet. This variant has a minimal impact on treatability with antibiotics and has little difference from the original strain in regards to treatability with vaccinations. Another strain classified as a variant of concern is B.1.351. This variant is also 50% more contagious, but it resists vaccinations and antibiotics at a more moderate level than B.1.1.7. Additionally, B.1.427 and B.1.429 are 20% more transmissible, and they resist vaccinations at a moderate rate. However, these two similar variants significantly resist any antibiotics previously used to treat COVID-19. Variant P.1 is less common; it is moderately treatable with antibiotics, and it shows the least amount of resistance to vaccinations out of the new variants.

Variants of Interest

These strains identified by the CDC are different because not much is known about their treatability yet. These variants have also been found in significantly fewer cases in the US. Variants identified are Variants P.2, B.1.525, and B.1.526. Variant P.2 was found in Brazil in April 2020, Variant B.1.526 was found in New York in November 2020, and Variant B.1.525 was found in New York in December 2020. All three of these strains can potentially reduce antibiotic treatments and vaccination effectiveness. They are currently being monitored to determine whether they truly are less treatable, and whether they are more severe than variants of concern and the original strain of COVID-19. However, they carry some similar genetic markers to variants of concern that have led the CDC to believe that their spread should be documented just as closely so that more is known about them sooner. 

All information in this article and further details are available at these two sites:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/variant-surveillance/variant-info.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/transmission/variant.html 

The Metric System

In April of 1795, the metric system was established in France. Gabriel Mouton was the first to devise and propose this system of measurement in 1670, and it was refined by French scientists for the next 100 years. A law was passed in 1975 that stated that the metric system would be France’s standard system of measuring lengths and weights. However, it took Great Britain until 1965, almost 200 years later, to adopt the metric system as their standard. Additionally, the United States Congress passed the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act in 1988 that required federal government agencies to use the metric system for business.

Synthesis of Vitamin B6

In 1939, a successful synthesis of vitamin B6 was announced. The synthesis of B6 allowed scientists to research the chemical makeup of the compound and look into its benefits as a vitamin. This vitamin is essential to the body’s functions. It helps haemoglobin form in the bloodstream, which carries oxygen on red blood cells, and aids in using and storing proteins and carbohydrates. Studies have also shown that B6 may reduce symptoms of depression and could help prevent Alzheimer’s later in life. 

The American Chemical Society

The American Chemical Society was founded in 1876 by Professor Charles F. Chandler. Around 70 chemists had traveled to New York to gather at Joseph Priestley’s grave, the man who had discovered the element of Oxygen, to mark 100 years of modern chemistry. This meeting prompted some chemists to join the American Association for the Advancement of Science, but some scientists felt the need to form a group specifically for chemists. After forming the group, Chandler decided that it would be more beneficial to choose a president who was already popular and well-known to attract more members. John W. Draper was chosen on the basis of his many accomplishments. Today, the American Chemical Society is one of the largest scientific organizations in the world and has over 155,000 members.

Discovery of the Electron

In April of 1897, Joseph John Thomson announced his research that had led him to his discovery of the electron. He used cathode rays to “see” incredibly small particles that he labeled “corpuscles” at first. He discovered that they were 1000 times smaller than Hydrogen atoms. Many scientists thought that Thomson’s discovery was a joke at first, believing that there was no possible way something smaller than an atom could exist. It took until Thomson spoke on the subject again in 1899 for many British scientists to believe his findings.

First Oral Contraceptive

In 1960, the first oral contraceptive, Enovid, was released. Margaret Sanger, Katharine McCormick, Gregory Pincus, and John Rock revolutionized family planning by developing a hormonal birth control pill that changed the way society viewed contraception and women’s rights. Sanger’s interest in developing Enovid peaked as a result of new knowledge on how the female reproductive system operates. Originally intended to decrease poverty, this pill helped prevent unplanned pregnancies and aided the idea of population control. In its early stages of integration into society, Enovid was strictly prescribed to only married women. Prescriptions have since opened up to anyone, regardless of relationship status.

Invention of Pasteurization

Louis Pasteur invented the process of pasteurization in 1862 when he heated wine and beer to 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Maintaining this heat for a few minutes effectively kills any dangerous pathogens that might develop in fermented liquids, and kills off many other potentially dangerous microorganisms. The pasteurization of milk requires a temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit to be held for 30 minutes to achieve the same goal. Pasteurization also prevents milk from spoiling for longer periods of time because it destroys any microorganisms that can contribute to a shorter shelf-life. 

Sequencing DNA

In 1977, Walter Gilbert published a DNA sequencing method. Gilbert began the process of his discovery in biological laboratories by searching for the “messenger” that communicated with different parts of the cell that manufacture proteins. He used chemical treatments to break down the different parts of DNA into their nucleotide bases. Because different chemicals would react differently with the separate pieces of the DNA, Gilbert used formic acid, dimethyl sulfate, and hydrazine to create a more visual display of the different bases. These different chemical treatments, when viewed under a microscope, would display where the different bases were located in the DNA. 

Circadian Rhythm

Michael W. Young conducted research on the circadian rhythm in 1994, where he discovered that animals’ bodies go through a cellular process every 24 hours. He characterized mutated “clock” genes in order to study what mutations can affect or even destroy the body’s natural circadian rhythm. By mutating genes responsible for the circadian rhythm in flies, Young discovered that biological processes would be thrown completely off balance. This suggests that the body’s processes are not solely based on environmental factors, but rather the signals that these cellular clocks send to the rest of the body. Young’s discoveries could contribute to studies of the genetic factors of immunity, metabolism, and mental illness.

Valentine’s Day was this past weekend, and many people were left with flowers, chocolates, and cute cards to remember it by. As a holiday centered around love, this day can evoke lots of warm and fuzzy feelings that can make it memorable and worth celebrating every year. In addition to the gifts you may receive, your brain produces many chemicals when you’re around someone you love or come in contact with them. Hormones like oxytocin, vasopressin, and dopamine can drive you to spend extra time with your partner and fully appreciate the relationship you may be in.

The hormones that are associated with general attraction are dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. These hormones initially motivate you to spend more of your time with someone because their appearance and personality make you happy. Dopamine is the characteristic hormone of happiness. When you’re hanging out with the person you’re attracted to, your hypothalamus, also known as the reward pathway in your brain, releases dopamine to signal that you should spend time with this person more often.Norepinephrine is closely related to dopamine because it is often released alongside high amounts of dopamine. Norepinephrine can be thought of as the “euphoria” hormone. It is specifically used to trigger feelings of intense happiness and energy, so much so that it can lead to decreased appetite and insomnia. Inversely, serotonin can be reduced during the initial stages of attraction to someone. The giddy hormones like dopamine and norepinephrine overshadow serotonin’s calming effect on your brain and decrease the serotonin compounds being released.

Beyond just attraction, your relationship can move to a stage of attachment and commitment. In this stage, hormones like oxytocin and vasopressin are produced. Oxytocin is very similar to dopamine because it is also made by the hypothalamus, but it is more closely linked to aspects of physical touch with your partner. Acts as simple as snuggling with your partner can release large amounts of this hormone, which is why it is referred to as the “cuddle hormone.” Vasopressin, however, is the hormone that may trigger feelings of jealousy and protection. In a closed, committed relationship, vasopressin will be released whenever you feel like your relationship is being threatened by someone or something else that could take your place in your partner’s life. Increased amounts of vasopressin in both partners will most likely lead to a monogamous, long-term relationship. 

Thinking back on your Valentine’s Day, you may be able to identify moments when you felt safe, happy, and even euphoric. The majority of these feelings are due to the hormones your body releases in response to being with the person you’re dating. Finding someone to love can be a rare occurrence, so remember to appreciate Valentine’s Day as a day to spend time with your partner and the people you love. This winter, make sure to cuddle up and enjoy the happiness your loved ones can bring you.

The students of Michigan Tech have been lucky this winter, experiencing warmer temperatures than usual and significantly less snowfall. However, the second day of Winter Carnival served as a harsh reminder of the long winters in the UP, with temperatures dropping into the single digits and snow piling onto the ground. As many of us who have our own cars in Houghton may know, dealing with the weather can be frustrating. Digging your car out of feet of snow and trying not to slip around the roads while driving is a challenge, especially if you don’t have a nicer car or tires. It’s important to understand what the cold can do to your car and know how to take care of it despite the harsh conditions. 

Get Frequent Oil Changes

When the temperature drops below zero for a few days, your oil is at risk of becoming thick and syrupy. Your engine’s oil pump will have trouble circulating thicker oil and can damage your car.  Older oil can also become sludgy and fill with sediment, making it more of a risk of damaging the interior of your car. Low-quality oil is at a higher risk of doing this, so spending a little bit more money on high-quality oil can ensure that your car is still functioning properly. If you’ve recently gotten an oil change, your oil may be alright for the next couple of months. However, if you’ve been putting one off for a while now, this may be the time to do it. 

Drive Your Car Regularly

In temperatures below freezing, your battery can also freeze. When your battery isn’t fully charged, the sulfuric acid and distilled water inside is not properly mixed and can risk the chance of freezing. You may not be driving as often to avoid the roads, but driving your car around for a little bit or even just starting it to let it idle can help. This will prevent the battery from fully freezing and keep your car drivable. You may also want to clean the battery connections and make sure that they are free of corrosion. 

Check Your Tires

The freezing temperatures can cause the air inside your tires to contract and have less pressure. This can make it even more dangerous to drive on slippery roads as the tires can’t grip the surface as well anymore. Making sure to check on your tires frequently and fill them with air will ensure that you’re driving as safely as possible in these harsh weather conditions. Checking your tires before and after longer drives is especially important, because extended driving on bad roads can significantly lower your tires’ pressure.

Keep Your Tank at least Half-Full

Having a low amount of gas in your fuel tank can contribute to more condensation forming and then freezing in the tank. The fuel lines can also ice up and cause more major problems. If you don’t plan on driving your car for at least a few days, make sure to fill your tank at least halfway so that less condensation can form and freeze over in your tank. This greatly reduces the chance of your car not being able to start.

Electron Configurations (1925)

In 1925, German physicist Friedrich Hund released his theory on electron configurations, called Hund’s Rules. This theory became the grounds for molecular-orbital theory and revolutionized the way that scientists studied molecules. Hund’s Rules explain many of the reasons for why different elements react in certain ways and how to determine the state of an electron in an ion. His discoveries also contributed greatly to quantum theory and understanding the structure of atoms.

Synthesis of Diamonds (1955)

Francis Bundy, H. Tracy Hall, Herbert Strong, and Robert H. Wentoff, Jr. discovered how to synthesize diamonds, releasing their work in February of 1955. This synthetic form of diamonds is known today as cubic zirconia, and hundreds of factories across the country produce these gems every day. Most of these factories use the high-pressure high-temperature technique to grow cubic zirconia by placing a diamond seed, or small crystal, within a press and heating it above 2552 °F. The solvent metal of the press then melts and dissolves the high purity carbon source, and the high pressure purifies the carbon source into a synthetic diamond. 

Nuclear Fission (1938)

Fritz Strassmann discovered the process of nuclear fission in 1938 alongside physicists Lise Meitner and Otto Robert Frisch and chemist Otto Hahn. During fission, the nucleus of an atom splits into two smaller nuclei, and produces gamma rays and a large amount of energy. Strassmann and Hahn found that, when bombarded with slow neutrons, an atom of uranium would produce barium. After reporting their research to Meitner and Frisch, they found that the uranium’s nucleus had actually been split into the smaller nuclei, thus producing barium. Nuclear fission is an energy source that is semi-renewable because the energy is renewable but the uranium needed to perform nuclear fission is nonrenewable. However, nuclear fission is still a clean, efficient alternative to many energy sources. 

Protein Synthesis (1964)

Mary Locke Petermann was the first to isolate animal ribosomes, where protein synthesis occurs. Protein synthesis is the process of DNA and RNA synthesis, which causes certain genes to be expressed. She isolated the ribosomes by using a technique called analytical ultracentrifugation, in which a solution is placed in a test tube and spun at a high velocity to cause certain particles to sediment, or separate, from the other particles. Once Petermann had separated the ribosomes from the rest of the solution, she was able to study them individually from the rest of the organelles. Her discoveries were monumental in the realms of biochemistry and genetics.

As the COVID-19 crisis continues to be an issue for Americans to deal with, many aspects of our yearly traditions have changed to fit social distancing guidelines. Families have met over video calls rather than gathering in person for holidays, and  college campuses have created new plans to continue with activities rather than simply cancelling them in an attempt to keep the college experience alive. This applies to Michigan Tech as well, as administrators have curated a new way to enjoy Winter Carnival together while staying separate.

Traditions like snow statues have remained in place, while keeping outdoor gatherings for building them to a maximum of 25 people in one location. However, broomball has been postponed until there is little to no risk of the spread of the virus while people are playing. Other activities have also been moved online to give people an opportunity to enjoy spending time with their friends in a socially distanced way. The university has also put an emphasis on e-sports this year to replace intramurals. It may not be the same Winter Carnival that many of us are used to, but Tech has made an effort to create a memorable experience for its students. 

This year’s Winter Carnival serves as a reminder of just how important technology has become in today’s world. While social media and text messaging has always been a way to keep in contact with friends and family wherever we go, Zoom has become an essential part of keeping in contact with the people we can’t see, attending classes, and being active in meetings. In 2019, 10 million people attended Zoom meetings daily. In 2020, more than 300 million people were attending meetings through Zoom every day. In 2019, 10 million people attended Zoom meetings daily. In 2020, more than 300 million people were attending meetings through Zoom every day.   This shows the steps that universities and workplaces have taken to ensure that work still gets done and students can still take classes. Staying safe away from large groups and crowds while being able to carry on with work and classes was a challenge at first, but online options have eased the effect that lockdowns and social distancing have had on society.

Other ways to have fun with your friends during Winter Carnival are abundant. Jackbox Games is a great way to blow off steam and make memories rather than hanging out in person. More options are making fun Kahoots to play through, playing games like Among Us, and playing a Cards Against Humanity clone online. There are tons of online resources to keep your friend group entertained while staying safe from large gatherings.

Despite the importance of staying within your social bubble and distancing yourself from the outside world, people have shown resilience in finding ways to connect with others. Finding social outlets in 2020 and 2021 may be more difficult now than ever before, but online applications have made it easier to meet with people and socialize with friends. While we may not be able to celebrate Winter Carnival in person this year, Michigan Tech’s online options have given us the opportunity to still enjoy this time together as a student body.

Detonation of a Thermonuclear Fusion Bomb (1952)

The first detonation of a thermonuclear fusion bomb, also known as a hydrogen bomb, occurred at Elugelab Atoll, Marshall Islands. The device was named “Mike” and was tested by the United States. Despite its appearance, the device was not meant to be used as a weapon, as it was 20 feet tall and weighed over 150,000 pounds. The explosion yielded 10.4 megatons of energy and completely destroyed the island, leaving a crater over 6,000 feet deep in its wake. The energy released was over 450 times that of the bomb dropped on Nagasaki. Despite President Truman’s efforts to keep the test under the radar, news eventually seeped out into the press, forcing him to announce the testing of the world’s first functional hydrogen bomb. 

Discovery of X-Rays (1895)

In 1895, Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen discovered the electromagnetic wavelength that he would eventually name “X-rays.” He learned through his research that if the X-ray discharge tube was in a sealed, black carton, and he worked in a dark room, the rays would turn a plate covered in a compound of barium platinocyanide a bright fluorescent color. By passing these rays through objects of varying thicknesses, he found out that he could use the rays to essentially see through different things to see what was inside. This eventually led to the usage of X-rays to view bone fractures and other various injuries under the skin and revolutionized health sciences.

Studying Honey Bees (1973)

Karl Von Frisch, a renowned zoologist, won a Nobel Prize for his study of the behaviors of honey bees in 1973. He uncovered a lot of information about the intelligence of bees. Although he was met with skepticism at first, his discoveries were eventually recognized as a huge contribution to Melittology (the study of bees). He discovered that bees can distinguish different blossoming flowers by using their sense of smell., and tend to focus their efforts on one chosen flower throughout their lives. He also studied the various dances that bees perform to communicate with each other, some of which are the round and waggle dances. The round dance is used to show where nearby feeding places are located, and the waggle dance is used to give directions to farther away feeding places. He also studied the pheromones that the queen bee releases and how that regulates the social order of the hive.

As the pandemic has taken its toll on society, masks have become integrated into our daily lives. Masks with various patterns and even rhinestones have become popularized to add another level to your outfit and provide a little more fashion sense while still helping to keep yourself and others safe from the spread of COVID-19. In the working world, face shields have become popularized as they provide protection during your shift while still allowing for easy breathing. Reducing the stifling effects of a cloth mask can help employees perform better under these new circumstances and keep up the same expectations for productivity. 

Michigan Tech’s Contribution

Michigan Tech has even become involved in the idea of using face shields instead of masks in order to make long-term protection a little bit easier. By August, more than 850 face shields were 3D printed in the Van Pelt and Opie library. These masks are specifically designed for professors that are teaching face-to-face to allow them to speak more clearly and stay safe at the same time. They are adjustable, headset compatible, and direct exhalations behind the professor and away from the students. The design has been modeled after the face shields used commonly by health care workers and first responders with modifications to make them more comfortable and effective in a closed classroom environment. 

They haven’t stopped there. Michigan Tech has paired with the Western UP Health Department (WUPHD) to start printing out thousands of face shields for the health care workers. As soon as more are printed, they are distributed by the WUPHD to health care facilities desperately in need of more supplies. Face shields have also been distributed to law enforcement organizations, hospital laboratories, and even dental offices. Michigan Tech plans to keep up the good work in printing more face shields for the community as long as they need to, but production will most likely slow down once face shields are distributed throughout the community where they are needed and demand begins to decline.

Face Shields in the Workplace

But what about the regular face shields that have been used by employees for months now? This new technology has not been implemented for long. While the new face shields are a dramatic improvement to the current situation, the majority of the pandemic was spent with employees using the old design. The CDC states that common face shields are not an effective substitute for the usual face masks. The design of the face shields commonly used already does not provide enough protection to stop your breath from traveling underneath the bottom of the plastic shield, while a face mask stops the breath directly in front of your face. The open gap at the bottom provides an easy escape and can let the particles in your breath, some even being COVID-19, to spread into the air around you. 

This creates a difficult situation. How do we ensure people’s safety in the workplace while reducing the stifling conditions a face mask can have when wearing it long-term in a hot environment? Michigan Tech’s new face shields hold the answer in redirecting air flow from inside the shield, but these new engineered shields are not widespread enough to be used by more than health care workers, law enforcement, and professors at the moment. Unfortunately, minimum wage workers will more than likely have to wait until hospitals and other essential workers receive their face shields before they can have access to them. This is the only way to ensure that COVID-19 does not spread as easily, while also practicing social distancing guidelines.