Published by the Students of Johns Hopkins since 1896
February 26, 2026 February 26, 2026 | Published by the Students of Johns Hopkins since 1896

Science & Technology

Internet trolls possess Machiavellian-like traits

By SEAN YAMAKAWA | February 28, 2014

Internet trolls: unanimously hated by other web users and virtually unblockable by website administrators. These attention-seeking creatures are a growing problem for websites with commenting platforms. They post inflammatory remarks, for the sole intention of infuriating other users. While seasoned web users have learned to simply ignore these trolls, novice users are victimized by their tactics daily. Who are these mysterious creatures? What are they like in real life, unguarded by the mask of online anonymity?

X chromosome codes for sex-related height differences

By SAMHITA ILANGO | February 21, 2014

In genetics, X marks the spot. The X chromosome, one of the two sex-determining chromosomes in humans, has become increasingly popular for scientists studying chromosome inactivation, the mosaic expression of genes in females and the genetics of sex differences. Researchers at the University of Helsinki, joining this wave of X chromosome investigations, have founding a correlation between the X chromosome and human height. This correlation may explain the height difference in females and males.

Sochi officials bolster security for the long run

By MIKE YAMAKAWA | February 21, 2014

The Sochi Winter Olympics has finally begun to snowball as Norway takes the lead in gold medals after their outstanding performance in the 15 kilometer biathlon. The excitement pulled the viewers’ attention off of something that concerned many before the events started: security.

Adolescent marijuana inhalation proven to affect unexposed progeny

By SOPHIA GAUTHIER | February 21, 2014

The once shy and mellow marijuana plant has been thrust center stage of America’s political arena in the ever-polarizing legalization debate. Everyone and their grandmother is in possession of an opinion; however, the cold hard scientific research with regards to marijuana’s health implications is lacking in comparison to other commonly known recreational drugs. Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai are looking to change that reality.

Black Death altered human genome

By TONY WU | February 21, 2014

Imagine a rapidly spreading disease that kills millions of people with no cure in sight. Families are resigned and yet panicked, alive and yet dying inside.

MIT optimizes cochlear implants for the deaf

By MARK STUCZYNSKI | February 21, 2014

The cochlear implant is a truly miraculous piece of technology. While drugs can alleviate various medical conditions, the cochlear implant can restore a fully missing sense to the deaf. Such devices for sight may be some time away, but the cochlear implant is an incredible device that has brought new perspective to the hard of hearing.

Hopkins apps prepare hospitals for disasters

By Catie Paul | February 21, 2014

When disaster strikes, we expect hospitals and first-response units to react quickly and efficiently. This is a pretty lofty expectation. How do hospitals prepare for emergencies, knowing that lives will be on the line? The answer may soon be, “With the help of Johns Hopkins!”

Yeast are ready shoulder the energy crisis burden

By TONY WU | February 21, 2014

Any amateur baker is familiar with the importance of yeast. This microorganism, which eats sugars and produces carbon dioxide as a byproduct in the process, leavens bread. However, the power of yeast extends far beyond bread-making. Researchers under Hal Alper, an assistant professor in Cockrell School of Engineering of The University of Texas at Austin, have managed to create a new yeast strain that can create enormous amounts of lipid from simple sugars. These lipids can be converted into fuel, potentially alleviating the approaching oil shortage.

Japanese researchers rewind the fate of tissues in stem cell breakthrough

By KELLY CARTY | February 21, 2014

Embryonic stem cells. My mom told me not to treat them like playthings and Bush told me not to use them in my research. Scientifically, embryonic stem cells are the holy grail of developmental biology. These cells are pluripotent, meaning they can adopt any cell type present in an adult organism. This unrestricted potential allows scientists to test developmental processes in ways completely impossible with differentiated cells. Moreover, embryonic stem cells have important medical implications, as they can be used in regenerative medicine.

Is technology running our lives?

By MIKE YAMAKAWA | February 21, 2014

As I do on most mornings, I lay in my bed with my iPhone locked into portrait view so I can go aimlessly through all my social media apps and maybe even read some light-hearted news without lifting my head.

Russian men fail to medal in drinking restraint

By MARK STUCZYNSKI | February 21, 2014

Soviet Russia jokes aside, a recent study demonstrated that the consumption of vodka severely decreases Russian lifespans. Nearly a quarter of Russian men die before the age of 55. Most of these deaths can be attributed to acute alcohol poisoning, liver disease or alcohol-related external conditions, such as suicide, alcohol-related accidents and violence while intoxicated.

Ancient poems found in time for Valentine’s

By MARU JAIME GARZA | February 21, 2014

For better or for worse, Valentine’s Day resonates with all of us. Some use the day for inspiration, searching for that special someone. Others attempt to forget the romantic day’s existence altogether. A select few turn to literature, hunting for poems that will arouse tender feelings in others.

Poppin' diet pop won't cause the pounds to drop

By JOSH SCARALIA | February 21, 2014

To avoid the guilt of downing a regular soda, dieters often grab a diet brand when searching for something to drink. They have less sugar and fewer calories. Therefore, they must be okay for a weight loss regimen.

Entrepreneurs invent a watch with no time

By MIKE YAMAKAWA | February 7, 2014

Take a look at your watch or phone and notice the time. How much time has passed since you last thought about schoolwork, or about your crush? It’s probably hard to pinpoint exactly how long its been since either of these. Maybe you’ve actually been vacantly staring out the window without realizing how much time has passed.

Hopkins team investigates oxygen deprivation

By Catie Paul | February 7, 2014

A newborn baby can suffer from oxygen deprivation for reasons including a blocked airway and a long or difficult delivery, but no matter the cause, this oxygen deprivation can lead to numerous grave problems, such as impaired mobility or cerebral palsy. Interestingly, these problems seem to preferentially arise in males, as male children have a harder time recovering from oxygen deprivation than female children do.

Social status determined by genetics

By SUNNY CAI | February 7, 2014

Imagine a corporation in which the CEO expresses one set of genes and assembly line workers express a completely different set of genes. All employees are born with the same genetic composition, but the genes they express determine their labor role, status in the corporation and quality of life. If the CEO passes away, assembly line workers can adapt to express the “CEO-specific genes” in hopes of assuming the role of CEO.

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