Design and Testing of a Thermoelectrically-Cooled Portable Vaccine Cooler

Improper handling and the failure to maintain vaccines in a safe temperature range results in significant losses of vaccines in the rural developing world. This issue has reduced the success of immunization programs in the developing world, and consequently confidence in vaccinations. For vaccine refrigeration and delivery at the end stage of the cold chain, active thermoelectric cooling is a potentially viable alternative because the coolers are small and require few or no moving parts. A vaccine cooling system was constructed employing a Peltier-based thermoelectric chip (TEC) affixed to an aluminum block that holds the vaccine vials; a movable copper plate was interposed between the block and the TEC, acting as a thermal diode to prevent backflow of heat from the TEC into the vaccine holder.

Curcumin - Breast Cancer Therapeutic Agent to Replace Allopathic Treatments with Extensive Side Effects

Modern cancer treatments have numerous negative side effects and do not always produce desired outcomes. Herbs and spices represent alternative solutions to modern medicine and provide effective cancer prevention and treatment. They have also been used for generations in treating various ailments. Traditional Ayurvedic herbs and spices provide promising new therapeutic agents for breast cancer treatment due to their anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiviral, and antioxidant properties. Allopathic treatments such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy present several side-effects that affect cell growth and negatively impact human organs. Ayurvedic medicines and herbal remedies slow the growth of breast cancer cells, which improves the patient’s quality of life when an allopathic line of treatment is contraindicated. Turmeric has a long history of use as a traditional Ayurvedic medicine not only due to its antibiotic characteristics but also its ability to improve digestion and strengthen intestinal flora.

The Utility of Psilocybin in Managing Anxiety and Depression in Cancer Patients

Cancer patients experience a higher rate of depression and anxiety which can result in negative healthcare outcomes. With the limited treatment options available, there has been an interest in using psychedelics such as psilocybin to manage such complications. Recently, two studies demonstrated the potential of psilocybin in not only reducing distress, but also increasing positive emotions in cancer patients. It is thus interesting to further examine this issue. This review paper will first provide a brief introduction to psilocybin and proceed to summarize key findings from these two studies.

Undergraduates in Control of a Nuclear Reactor: An interview with the Director of the Reed Research Reactor, Dr. Melinda Krahenbuhl

Nuclear physics involves the study of the fundamental properties of atomic nuclei and has many applications spanning power generation, medicine, and materials engineering. Dr. Melinda Krahenbuhl is particularly concerned with the education, safety, and applications of nuclear reactors. 

Now is the Time to Reassess Stance on HPV Vaccine

Cochrane, a non-profit organization whose research helps individuals make informed health decisions, published a review in May 2018 claiming that the HPV vaccine helps prevent cancer and precancerous changes in the cervix with no serious side effects. The review aimed to increase public confidence in the HPV vaccine – both its efficacy in cancer prevention and its long-term safety. This publication has the potential to affect the opinions of many people regarding the HPV vaccine, possibly reassuring some parents and convincing them to choose it
for their children.