The Steamology Project https://www.thesteamologyproject.org A global community making STEAM education accessible to all. en The Steamology Project Copyright 2026 Sun, 12 Apr 2026 19:55:40 -0700 The Steamology Project A global community making STEAM education accessible to all. Your Name youremail@example.com clean Neuralink’s “Blindsight” Promises Vision Restoration, Questions Remain https://www.thesteamologyproject.org/podcast/neuralinks-blindsight-promises-vision-restoration-questions-remain/ Mon, 02 Mar 2026 22:00:00 -0800 69c36b616b28a600011d3f10 By Ina Kim

In September 2024, Elon Musk announced Blindsight. It is a brain-implant device that was developed by Neuralink, which is a neurotechnology company that Elon Musk himself founded. Blindsight is aiming to restore vision to people who are blind by sending visual information directly to the brain.

Commonly, retinal implants are used to improve vision loss. However, Blindsight is built to be implanted in the visual cortex of the brain, where it then processes visual data. The device stimulates neurons using patterns from an external camera, enabling visual perception. Already, the chip has been embedded into monkeys as tests and shown great results. Musk stated himself that one of the monkeys had the brain-implant device for around three years. 

While the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) appointed Blindsight as a “breakthrough device,” the FDA claimed that Blindsight is not considered safe or effective. With technology advancing, Blindsight is being pushed into faster production, but the devices are required to go through clinical trials before the FDA comes into full approval. 

Even with the announcement of Blindsight in 2024, there is very little information about Blindsight. There’s not even a mention of Blindsight on the Neuralink Website. There have been many technical hurdles, such as how long Blindsight can last and the surgical and technological risks of inserting a device into the cortex. Overall, with all of the skepticism surrounding the technology, Blindsight may create disappointment from trying to transform the lives of blind individuals. 

To confirm any unanswered skepticism, Musk did announce on X (formerly Twitter): “To set expectations correctly, the vision will be at first be [sic] low resolution, like Atari graphics, but eventually it has the potential be [sic] better than natural vision and enable you to see in infrared, ultraviolet or even radar wavelengths, like Geordi La Forge.” Overall, this explains how Neuralink has the technology to produce a brain-implant device, but provides the answers to concerns, like low initial resolution.

Experts argue that visual prosthetics are assistive technology, not a cure for blindness. Even with today's technology, restoring natural vision could be nearly impossible. This only leads to more skepticism about whether Blindsight could even live up to the hype to change the world. 

Philip Troyk, a biomedical engineer at the Illinois Institute of Technology, states, “Some of the [Neuralink] technology is exciting, and has potential. The way the messaging is being done detracts from that, potentially.”

]]> By Ina Kim

In September 2024, Elon Musk announced Blindsight. It is a brain-implant device that was developed by Neuralink, which is a neurotechnology company that Elon Musk himself founded. Blindsight is aiming to restore vision to people who are blind by sending visual information directly to the brain.

Commonly, retinal implants are used to improve vision loss. However, Blindsight is built to be implanted in the visual cortex of the brain, where it then processes visual data. The device stimulates neurons using patterns from an external camera, enabling visual perception. Already, the chip has been embedded into monkeys as tests and shown great results. Musk stated himself that one of the monkeys had the brain-implant device for around three years. 

While the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) appointed Blindsight as a “breakthrough device,” the FDA claimed that Blindsight is not considered safe or effective. With technology advancing, Blindsight is being pushed into faster production, but the devices are required to go through clinical trials before the FDA comes into full approval. 

Even with the announcement of Blindsight in 2024, there is very little information about Blindsight. There’s not even a mention of Blindsight on the Neuralink Website. There have been many technical hurdles, such as how long Blindsight can last and the surgical and technological risks of inserting a device into the cortex. Overall, with all of the skepticism surrounding the technology, Blindsight may create disappointment from trying to transform the lives of blind individuals. 

To confirm any unanswered skepticism, Musk did announce on X (formerly Twitter): “To set expectations correctly, the vision will be at first be [sic] low resolution, like Atari graphics, but eventually it has the potential be [sic] better than natural vision and enable you to see in infrared, ultraviolet or even radar wavelengths, like Geordi La Forge.” Overall, this explains how Neuralink has the technology to produce a brain-implant device, but provides the answers to concerns, like low initial resolution.

Experts argue that visual prosthetics are assistive technology, not a cure for blindness. Even with today's technology, restoring natural vision could be nearly impossible. This only leads to more skepticism about whether Blindsight could even live up to the hype to change the world. 

Philip Troyk, a biomedical engineer at the Illinois Institute of Technology, states, “Some of the [Neuralink] technology is exciting, and has potential. The way the messaging is being done detracts from that, potentially.”

]]> Methods of the Manic: A Look into Looksmaxxing https://www.thesteamologyproject.org/podcast/methods-of-the-manic-a-look-into-looksmaxxing/ Wed, 17 Dec 2025 22:10:00 -0800 69b790621e59cc00015f0ebb By Alana Tang

Does your jawline define your future? Which is more effective, bone smashing or gua sha? Most importantly, is it possible to attain the status of True Adam with a negative canthal tilt? 

Social media has become saturated with this content, dubbed “looksmaxxing,” which revolves primarily around how its consumers can improve their appearance and employs toxic motivation.

Those with certain facial structures are assigned labels, from being degraded to “sub-human” or “LTN” (low-tier normie) to idolized as “True Adam” or a “Chad.” Many looksmaxxers take desperate measures to avoid negative labels, begging the question: what is too much?

In the looksmaxxing community, procedures such as gua sha, limb lengthening surgeries, or even bone smashing exercises are commonly discussed. Yet to many looksmaxxers, the true efficacy and impact of these techniques are a mystery.

Gua sha stems from traditional Chinese practices, and its main subgroup of facial massages have maintained credibility across millennia and continents. Scraping the face with a smooth object such as a stone is believed to reshape the face over time as the user desires. 

Initially, gua sha may lead to temporary redness or tenderness; however, in the long run, data suggests that gua sha positively impacts facial muscles.

Referring to the study “Comparative Effects of Facial Roller and Gua Sha Massage on Facial Contour, Muscle Tone, and Skin Elasticity: Randomized Controlled Trial” spearheaded by Sun-hee Ahn, the pressure and continuous motion used with gua sha “activates mechanoreceptors in muscle tissue, leading to reduced tone through neuromuscular mechanisms.”

Essentially, the sensation of gua sha on the face registers in facial muscle cells, and that sensation is communicated to the brain. With continued use, the targeted facial muscles are then “trained” to slim down, contouring the face.

Gua sha has a relatively clean track record regarding safety; aside from potential bruising from excessive pressure or infections from dirty tools, there have been few confirmed ramifications.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for limb lengthening surgeries, a looksmaxxing strategy that is used by looksmaxxers to counter a small stature rather than treat any conditions. 

According to the Cleveland Clinic, in a limb lengthening operation, the bone that should be extended is cut into two pieces, and either an external fixator (metal frame that extends outside of the body) or internal rod (device placed inside the bone) is attached to the bone. 

The next phase is called the bone distraction phase, where the bones are pulled apart by the external fixator or internal rod as they heal. This results in new bone growing into the gap, lengthening the limb. 

While the surgery does cause an increase in height, it comes with undeniable health risks outside of the long and painful healing process. The risk of muscle and nerve damage, joint stiffness, or inadequate bone hardness all threaten to render the surgery useless and leave the patient in a wheelchair.

In a similar vein, bone smashing also touts more risk than reward. 

The theory behind bone smashing stems from Wolff’s Law, which in the words of researcher Paul Rowe of St. Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital and his team states that “bones adapt to the degree of mechanical loading, such that an increase in loading causes the architecture of the internal, spongy bone to strengthen, followed by the strengthening of the cortical layer.”

However, this theory does not account for the unpredictable nature of bone fractures or the head trauma that may result from repeated bludgeoning with a blunt object. The healing process is difficult to control precisely, making the chances of a desirable outcome very unlikely.

Bone smashing is confirmed to be a dangerous process with low success rates, just as looksmaxxing creates an incredibly unhealthy environment with little benefit.

As looksmaxxing becomes more prevalent, it is imperative to remind oneself that perfection is a construct. True beauty can be found in everyone, no matter the height of their nose bridge.

]]> By Alana Tang

Does your jawline define your future? Which is more effective, bone smashing or gua sha? Most importantly, is it possible to attain the status of True Adam with a negative canthal tilt? 

Social media has become saturated with this content, dubbed “looksmaxxing,” which revolves primarily around how its consumers can improve their appearance and employs toxic motivation.

Those with certain facial structures are assigned labels, from being degraded to “sub-human” or “LTN” (low-tier normie) to idolized as “True Adam” or a “Chad.” Many looksmaxxers take desperate measures to avoid negative labels, begging the question: what is too much?

In the looksmaxxing community, procedures such as gua sha, limb lengthening surgeries, or even bone smashing exercises are commonly discussed. Yet to many looksmaxxers, the true efficacy and impact of these techniques are a mystery.

Gua sha stems from traditional Chinese practices, and its main subgroup of facial massages have maintained credibility across millennia and continents. Scraping the face with a smooth object such as a stone is believed to reshape the face over time as the user desires. 

Initially, gua sha may lead to temporary redness or tenderness; however, in the long run, data suggests that gua sha positively impacts facial muscles.

Referring to the study “Comparative Effects of Facial Roller and Gua Sha Massage on Facial Contour, Muscle Tone, and Skin Elasticity: Randomized Controlled Trial” spearheaded by Sun-hee Ahn, the pressure and continuous motion used with gua sha “activates mechanoreceptors in muscle tissue, leading to reduced tone through neuromuscular mechanisms.”

Essentially, the sensation of gua sha on the face registers in facial muscle cells, and that sensation is communicated to the brain. With continued use, the targeted facial muscles are then “trained” to slim down, contouring the face.

Gua sha has a relatively clean track record regarding safety; aside from potential bruising from excessive pressure or infections from dirty tools, there have been few confirmed ramifications.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for limb lengthening surgeries, a looksmaxxing strategy that is used by looksmaxxers to counter a small stature rather than treat any conditions. 

According to the Cleveland Clinic, in a limb lengthening operation, the bone that should be extended is cut into two pieces, and either an external fixator (metal frame that extends outside of the body) or internal rod (device placed inside the bone) is attached to the bone. 

The next phase is called the bone distraction phase, where the bones are pulled apart by the external fixator or internal rod as they heal. This results in new bone growing into the gap, lengthening the limb. 

While the surgery does cause an increase in height, it comes with undeniable health risks outside of the long and painful healing process. The risk of muscle and nerve damage, joint stiffness, or inadequate bone hardness all threaten to render the surgery useless and leave the patient in a wheelchair.

In a similar vein, bone smashing also touts more risk than reward. 

The theory behind bone smashing stems from Wolff’s Law, which in the words of researcher Paul Rowe of St. Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital and his team states that “bones adapt to the degree of mechanical loading, such that an increase in loading causes the architecture of the internal, spongy bone to strengthen, followed by the strengthening of the cortical layer.”

However, this theory does not account for the unpredictable nature of bone fractures or the head trauma that may result from repeated bludgeoning with a blunt object. The healing process is difficult to control precisely, making the chances of a desirable outcome very unlikely.

Bone smashing is confirmed to be a dangerous process with low success rates, just as looksmaxxing creates an incredibly unhealthy environment with little benefit.

As looksmaxxing becomes more prevalent, it is imperative to remind oneself that perfection is a construct. True beauty can be found in everyone, no matter the height of their nose bridge.

]]> How Interstellar Created the Most Realistic Black Hole in Film https://www.thesteamologyproject.org/podcast/how-interstellar-created-the-most-realistic-black-hole-in-film/ Wed, 17 Dec 2025 19:08:00 -0800 697d70b3e518bf0001e54e20 By Ina Kim

While special effects could only visualize the impossible, fantastical scenes to life, Christopher Nolan’s “Interstellar” offers a scientifically accurate black hole ever seen on the big screen. 

The sci-fi film “Interstellar” has been praised for its accuracy in scientific elements throughout the film, due to its collaboration with renowned physicist Kip Thorne. These stunning visuals played on the big screen weren’t just to get viewers drawn in, but also to realize that these mass-produced planets are currently located in our galaxy right now. 

So what makes the black hole in “Interstellar” so special? The black hole, Gargantua, took more than 100 hours to render because of the light-bending calculations based on Kip Thorne’s equations. Producing the black hole meant figuring out how light bends around a black hole using real physics, not only visual effects. Thorne’s new equations, which were made just for Garangtua, successfully showed how a real black hole would look.

Black holes are essentially invisible because their gravitational pull is so strong that no light can escape from them. However, the gravitational pull can actually bend light and space around the black hole. In “Interstellar”, we can see Gargantua spinning incredibly fast, pulling matter into a glowing disk around it. Simply put, the gravity caused the light to bend over and under Gargantua, creating a bright halo instead of a flat ring. 

In reality, the 2019 Event Horizon Telescope image is one of the closest versions of Gargantua. Both the 2019 image and Gargantua have a glowing disk. However, Gargantua “ultimately showed a more artistic—bright and more symmetric—rendering of the black hole,” said Sara Issaoun, a member of the Event Horizon Telescope organization.  

Although Gargantua is one of the most realistic black holes ever shown on screen, there were some intentional mistakes to create a more visually stunning black hole. The accretion disk around the black hole should appear brighter and bluer, while the other side should look dimmer and redder due to Doppler and gravitational effects. In “Interstellar”, these effects were toned down so the black hole wouldn’t be confusing to the audience. The accretion disk would also emit deadly X-rays and gamma rays, but in the film, these rays were shown as visible light so the astronauts could survive. 

“Interstellar” has portrayed Gargantua in a balance between scientific accuracy and cinematic storytelling through real physics formulas by Kip Thorne. Because of his equations, “Interstellar” has offered audiences one of the most realistic visualizations of a black hole ever shown in cinema. While certain elements, such as differences in coloring, radiation, and symmetry, were intentionally adjusted for the aesthetics, the elements still show how beautifully made Gargantua is. “Interstellar” has proved itself time and time again to deliver a compelling and fantastic film experience. From emotional storylines to memorable film scores, it's almost like we are actually traveling in a spaceship near Gargantua. 

]]> By Ina Kim

While special effects could only visualize the impossible, fantastical scenes to life, Christopher Nolan’s “Interstellar” offers a scientifically accurate black hole ever seen on the big screen. 

The sci-fi film “Interstellar” has been praised for its accuracy in scientific elements throughout the film, due to its collaboration with renowned physicist Kip Thorne. These stunning visuals played on the big screen weren’t just to get viewers drawn in, but also to realize that these mass-produced planets are currently located in our galaxy right now. 

So what makes the black hole in “Interstellar” so special? The black hole, Gargantua, took more than 100 hours to render because of the light-bending calculations based on Kip Thorne’s equations. Producing the black hole meant figuring out how light bends around a black hole using real physics, not only visual effects. Thorne’s new equations, which were made just for Garangtua, successfully showed how a real black hole would look.

Black holes are essentially invisible because their gravitational pull is so strong that no light can escape from them. However, the gravitational pull can actually bend light and space around the black hole. In “Interstellar”, we can see Gargantua spinning incredibly fast, pulling matter into a glowing disk around it. Simply put, the gravity caused the light to bend over and under Gargantua, creating a bright halo instead of a flat ring. 

In reality, the 2019 Event Horizon Telescope image is one of the closest versions of Gargantua. Both the 2019 image and Gargantua have a glowing disk. However, Gargantua “ultimately showed a more artistic—bright and more symmetric—rendering of the black hole,” said Sara Issaoun, a member of the Event Horizon Telescope organization.  

Although Gargantua is one of the most realistic black holes ever shown on screen, there were some intentional mistakes to create a more visually stunning black hole. The accretion disk around the black hole should appear brighter and bluer, while the other side should look dimmer and redder due to Doppler and gravitational effects. In “Interstellar”, these effects were toned down so the black hole wouldn’t be confusing to the audience. The accretion disk would also emit deadly X-rays and gamma rays, but in the film, these rays were shown as visible light so the astronauts could survive. 

“Interstellar” has portrayed Gargantua in a balance between scientific accuracy and cinematic storytelling through real physics formulas by Kip Thorne. Because of his equations, “Interstellar” has offered audiences one of the most realistic visualizations of a black hole ever shown in cinema. While certain elements, such as differences in coloring, radiation, and symmetry, were intentionally adjusted for the aesthetics, the elements still show how beautifully made Gargantua is. “Interstellar” has proved itself time and time again to deliver a compelling and fantastic film experience. From emotional storylines to memorable film scores, it's almost like we are actually traveling in a spaceship near Gargantua. 

]]> How the Big Five Personality Traits Influence the Biological and Behavioral Expressions of Love https://www.thesteamologyproject.org/centralized-focus-how-the-big-five-personality-traits-influence-the-biological-and-behavioral-expressions-of-love/ Fri, 10 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0700 68e9e87bc89fc800012d4d3c
Final_Draft_MadisonLam
Final_Draft_MadisonLam.pdf
249 KB
download-circle

Madison Lam¹, Jalyn Huang¹#

¹ Irvine High School

#Advisor

ABSTRACT

A universal subject, depicted in various forms of media across the centuries is love, yet it is still undefined. There’s infinite expressions of love, it can transcend culture and time, however it is so subjective there is no universal feeling. Understanding love can be tricky and that’s why there is so much mixed media surrounding it, it’s too intricate to fully comprehend. However, every person has their own unique way of interpreting it, and studies can be useful in self improvement and growth. Despite this universal definition dilemma, there is a universal way to ensure love can last. There are global traits that promote longevity in relationships, not just between people but in oneself. Exercising these traits and knowing how to apply them in real life can benefit everyone involved. There are five traits that are said by psychologists to define a person - openness to experience, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. Knowing how to apply them and knowing the effects they bring can be extremely beneficial in people’s relationships. Although not everyone is in a romantic relationship, every person experiences some form of love, whether they give it or take it or if it goes both ways. Understanding the influences the brain has in the expression and motivation for love helps people understand how to love better.

 

References

Bode, A., & S Kavanagh, P. (2023). Romantic Love and Behavioral Activation System Sensitivity to a Loved One. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10669312/

Bühler, J. L., Krauss, S., & Orth, U. (2021). Development of relationship satisfaction across the life span: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Psychological Bulletin, 147(10), 1012–1053. https://doi.org/10.1037/bul0000342 

Chapman, Heather M., "Love: A Biological, Psychological and Philosophical Study" (2011). Senior Honors Projects. Paper 254. https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/srhonorsprog/254 

Esch, T. (2005). The Neurobiology of Love [Review of The Neurobiology of Love, by G. B Stefano]. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15990719/

Fardis, M. (2007). Expression and Regulation of Emotions in Romantic Relationships Expression and Regulation of Emotions in Romantic Relationships. https://scholarworks.umt.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1442&context=etd

G Seshadri , K. (2016). The neuroendocrinology of love. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4911849/

Gomez-Lopez, M., Viejo, C., & Ortega-Ruiz, R. (2019). Well-Being and Romantic Relationships: A Systematic Review in Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood [Review of Well-Being and Romantic Relationships: A Systematic Review in Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood]. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/16/13/2415

K GRAHAM , E., J WESTON, S., GERSTORF, D., B YONEDA, T., BOOTH, T., R BEAM, C., J PETKUS, A., DREWELIES, J., N HALL, A., D BASTARACHE, E., ESTABROOK, R., J KATZ, M., A TURIANO, N., LINDENBERGER, U., SMITH, J., G WAGNER, G., L PEDERSEN, N., ALLEMAND, M., SPIRO III, A., & JH DEEG, D. (2020). Trajectories of Big Five Personality Traits: A Coordinated Analysis of 16 Longitudinal Samples. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7869960/

Koehler, J. (2024). Love and the Big 5 Personality Traits. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/beyond-school-walls/202406/love-and-the-big-5-personality-traits

Larissa Buhler, J. (2022). A developmental perspective on personality–relationship transactions: Evidence from three nationally representative samples. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jopy.12757

M Wirth, M., M Scherer, S., M Hoks, R., & C Abercrombie, H. (2011). The effect of cortisol on emotional responses depends on order of cortisol and placebo administration in a within-subjects design. In National Library of Medicine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3110569/

Mikulincer, M. (2006). Dynamics of romantic love: Attachment, caregiving, and sex [Review of Dynamics of romantic love: Attachment, caregiving, and sex]. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mario-Mikulincer/publication/292779311_Dynamics_of_romantic_love_Attachment_caregiving_and_sex/links/5736e25908ae9f741b2a983c/Dynamics-of-romantic-love-Attachment-caregiving-and-sex.pdf

Minassian, A., R Kelsoe, J., Miranda, A., W Young, J., & Perry, W. (2022). The relationship between novelty-seeking traits and behavior: establishing construct validity for the human Behavioral Pattern Monitor. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9885942/

Novotney, A. (2023). What happens in your brain when you’re in love? https://www.apa.org/topics/marriage-relationships/brain-on-love

Onojighofia Tobore, T. (2020). Towards a Comprehensive Theory of Love: The Quadruple Theory. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00862/full

Oravecz , Z., Dirsmith, J., Heshmati, S., Vandekerckhove, J., & Brick, T. R. (2020). Psychological well-being and personality traits are associated with experiencing love in everyday life. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0191886919305525

R Goldberg, L. (1993). The Structure of Phenotypic Personality Traits. https://projects.ori.org/lrg/PDFs_papers/Goldberg.Am.Psych.1993.pdf

S. Lerner, J., Li, Y., Valdesolo, P., & S. Kassam, K. (2014). Emotion and Decision Making. https://scholar.harvard.edu/files/jenniferlerner/files/emotion_and_decision_making.pdf

Schwartz, R., & Olds, J. (2015). Love and the Brain. https://hms.harvard.edu/news-events/publications-archive/brain/love-brain

Visser, L., Pat-El, R., Lataster, J., van Lankveld, J., & Jacobs, N. (2025). The Relation Between Big Five Personality Traits and Relationship Formation Through Matchmaking. https://www.mdpi.com/2813-9844/7/2/52

]]>
Final_Draft_MadisonLam
Final_Draft_MadisonLam.pdf
249 KB
download-circle

Madison Lam¹, Jalyn Huang¹#

¹ Irvine High School

#Advisor

ABSTRACT

A universal subject, depicted in various forms of media across the centuries is love, yet it is still undefined. There’s infinite expressions of love, it can transcend culture and time, however it is so subjective there is no universal feeling. Understanding love can be tricky and that’s why there is so much mixed media surrounding it, it’s too intricate to fully comprehend. However, every person has their own unique way of interpreting it, and studies can be useful in self improvement and growth. Despite this universal definition dilemma, there is a universal way to ensure love can last. There are global traits that promote longevity in relationships, not just between people but in oneself. Exercising these traits and knowing how to apply them in real life can benefit everyone involved. There are five traits that are said by psychologists to define a person - openness to experience, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. Knowing how to apply them and knowing the effects they bring can be extremely beneficial in people’s relationships. Although not everyone is in a romantic relationship, every person experiences some form of love, whether they give it or take it or if it goes both ways. Understanding the influences the brain has in the expression and motivation for love helps people understand how to love better.

 

References

Bode, A., & S Kavanagh, P. (2023). Romantic Love and Behavioral Activation System Sensitivity to a Loved One. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10669312/

Bühler, J. L., Krauss, S., & Orth, U. (2021). Development of relationship satisfaction across the life span: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Psychological Bulletin, 147(10), 1012–1053. https://doi.org/10.1037/bul0000342 

Chapman, Heather M., "Love: A Biological, Psychological and Philosophical Study" (2011). Senior Honors Projects. Paper 254. https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/srhonorsprog/254 

Esch, T. (2005). The Neurobiology of Love [Review of The Neurobiology of Love, by G. B Stefano]. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15990719/

Fardis, M. (2007). Expression and Regulation of Emotions in Romantic Relationships Expression and Regulation of Emotions in Romantic Relationships. https://scholarworks.umt.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1442&context=etd

G Seshadri , K. (2016). The neuroendocrinology of love. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4911849/

Gomez-Lopez, M., Viejo, C., & Ortega-Ruiz, R. (2019). Well-Being and Romantic Relationships: A Systematic Review in Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood [Review of Well-Being and Romantic Relationships: A Systematic Review in Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood]. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/16/13/2415

K GRAHAM , E., J WESTON, S., GERSTORF, D., B YONEDA, T., BOOTH, T., R BEAM, C., J PETKUS, A., DREWELIES, J., N HALL, A., D BASTARACHE, E., ESTABROOK, R., J KATZ, M., A TURIANO, N., LINDENBERGER, U., SMITH, J., G WAGNER, G., L PEDERSEN, N., ALLEMAND, M., SPIRO III, A., & JH DEEG, D. (2020). Trajectories of Big Five Personality Traits: A Coordinated Analysis of 16 Longitudinal Samples. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7869960/

Koehler, J. (2024). Love and the Big 5 Personality Traits. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/beyond-school-walls/202406/love-and-the-big-5-personality-traits

Larissa Buhler, J. (2022). A developmental perspective on personality–relationship transactions: Evidence from three nationally representative samples. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jopy.12757

M Wirth, M., M Scherer, S., M Hoks, R., & C Abercrombie, H. (2011). The effect of cortisol on emotional responses depends on order of cortisol and placebo administration in a within-subjects design. In National Library of Medicine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3110569/

Mikulincer, M. (2006). Dynamics of romantic love: Attachment, caregiving, and sex [Review of Dynamics of romantic love: Attachment, caregiving, and sex]. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mario-Mikulincer/publication/292779311_Dynamics_of_romantic_love_Attachment_caregiving_and_sex/links/5736e25908ae9f741b2a983c/Dynamics-of-romantic-love-Attachment-caregiving-and-sex.pdf

Minassian, A., R Kelsoe, J., Miranda, A., W Young, J., & Perry, W. (2022). The relationship between novelty-seeking traits and behavior: establishing construct validity for the human Behavioral Pattern Monitor. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9885942/

Novotney, A. (2023). What happens in your brain when you’re in love? https://www.apa.org/topics/marriage-relationships/brain-on-love

Onojighofia Tobore, T. (2020). Towards a Comprehensive Theory of Love: The Quadruple Theory. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00862/full

Oravecz , Z., Dirsmith, J., Heshmati, S., Vandekerckhove, J., & Brick, T. R. (2020). Psychological well-being and personality traits are associated with experiencing love in everyday life. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0191886919305525

R Goldberg, L. (1993). The Structure of Phenotypic Personality Traits. https://projects.ori.org/lrg/PDFs_papers/Goldberg.Am.Psych.1993.pdf

S. Lerner, J., Li, Y., Valdesolo, P., & S. Kassam, K. (2014). Emotion and Decision Making. https://scholar.harvard.edu/files/jenniferlerner/files/emotion_and_decision_making.pdf

Schwartz, R., & Olds, J. (2015). Love and the Brain. https://hms.harvard.edu/news-events/publications-archive/brain/love-brain

Visser, L., Pat-El, R., Lataster, J., van Lankveld, J., & Jacobs, N. (2025). The Relation Between Big Five Personality Traits and Relationship Formation Through Matchmaking. https://www.mdpi.com/2813-9844/7/2/52

]]> To What Extent Does AI Companionship Impact Human Emotional Well-being and Loneliness? https://www.thesteamologyproject.org/to-what-extent-does-ai-companionship-impact-human-emotional-well-being-and-loneliness/ Fri, 10 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0700 68e9e43ec89fc800012d4d10
Final_Draft_NandiniChhibber
Final_Draft_NandiniChhibber.pdf
341 KB
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Nandini Chhibber¹, Aron Elias², Jalyn Huang³#

¹ Van Nuys High School

² Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science

³ Irvine High School

#Advisor

ABSTRACT

Artificial Intelligence has increased in its usage by humans, especially applications such as AI Companionship. AI Companions have been created by humans to support and help humans emotionally and has become one of the most used AI features. The increase in the usage of AI Companionship brings many benefits, but also can have multiple negative consequences. This review paper analyzes studies about the effects of AI Companions on different generations (Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Baby Boomers), different genders, and its overall positive and negative impacts on humans. It shows how AI Companionship mostly impacts all ages in similar ways besides a few differences and how females tend to be more emotionally reliant on it compared to males who are more sexually dependent on it. While AI Companionship can help humans by providing emotional support without judgement, it can also cause them isolation from real-world relationships. Explaining these topics about AI Companionship is important in helping humans understand its characteristics and can be efficiently used by people to decide whether or not having an AI Companion is the best choice for them.

References

  1. Understanding generational differences in the age of AI. (n.d.). AEM | Association of Equipment Manufacturers. https://www.aem.org/news/understanding-generational-differences-in-the-age-of-ai 
  2. How are teens using AI companions? (2025, July 24). Benton Foundation. https://www.benton.org/blog/how-are-teens-using-ai-companions 
  3. eSafetyCommissioner. (2025, February 18). https://www.esafety.gov.au/newsroom/blogs/ai-chatbots-and-companions-risks-to-children-and-young-people#:~:text=Children%20and%20young%20people%20are%20particularly%20vulnerable%20to%20mental%20and,emotional%20regulation%20and%20impulse%20control 
  4. Gecker, J. (2025, July 23). Teens say they are turning to AI for advice, friendship and more | AP News. AP News. https://apnews.com/article/ai-companion-generative-teens-mental-health-9ce59a2b250f3bd0187a717ffa2ad21f 
  5. Common Sense Media. (2025, August 26). Social AI companions. Common Sense Media. https://www.commonsensemedia.org/ai-ratings/social-ai-companions?gate=riskassessment 
  6. Artificial intelligence and Relationships: 1 in 4 young adults believe AI partners could replace real-life romance. (n.d.). Institute for Family Studies. https://ifstudies.org/blog/artificial-intelligence-and-relationships-1-in-4-young-adults-believe-ai-partners-could-replace-real-life-romance 
  7. Wei, M., MD JD. (2025, March 7). Why our relationships with AI may change how we interact each other. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/urban-survival/202502/how-ai-could-shape-our-relationships-and-social-interactions  
  8. Emotional risks of AI companions demand attention. (2025). Nature Machine Intelligence, 7(7), 981–982. https://doi.org/10.1038/s42256-025-01093-9 
  9. Grace, A. (2024, October 9). Gen Zs, millennials are using AI for emotional support, calling it “more effective” than a pet: study. New York Post. https://nypost.com/2024/10/09/lifestyle/gen-z-millennials-more-comforted-by-ai-over-emotional-support-pets/ 
  10. Media Culture. (2023, December 15). The Digitally Savvy Generation: How Gen X Embraces Technology | Media Culture. mediaculture. https://www.mediaculture.com/insights/digitally-savvy-generation-how-gen-x-embraces-technology 
  11. AI Companions: Emotional support & future human connection. (2025, February 19). Newo. https://newo.ai/insights/exploring-the-future-of-ai-companions-emotional-support-and-human-connection/#:~:text=Emotional%20Benefits%20and%20Psychological%20Impacts,to%20improved%20mental%20well%2Dbeing 
  12. AI, gender and companionship. (n.d.). https://about.proquest.com/en/blog/2019/ai-gender-and-companionship/ 
  13. Loving a “defiant” AI companion? The gender performance and ethics of social exchange robots in simulated intimate interactions. (n.d.). ScienceDirect. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S074756322200440X 
  14. Counterfeit Connections: The rise of AI romantic companions. (n.d.). Institute for Family Studies. https://ifstudies.org/blog/counterfeit-connections-the-rise-of-ai-romantic-companions-  
  15. Men are twice as likely as women to consider an AI companion in the future. (2022, May 24). Theos Think Tank. https://www.theosthinktank.co.uk/in-the-news/2022/05/24/men-are-twice-as-likely-as-women-to-consider-an-ai-companion-in-the-future 
  16. Kushnir, S. (2024, December 12). Are AI friendships helpful or harmful? Exploring the pros and cons — Meridian Counseling. Meridian Counseling. https://www.meridian-counseling.com/blog/ai-friendships-helpful-or-harmful#:~:text=How%20AI%20Friendships%20Influence%20Real,desire%20to%20engage%20with%20people 
  17. Pak, P. (2025, April 4). Exploring the rise of AI companions and their impact on mental health. Ensora Health. https://ensorahealth.com/blog/exploring-the-rise-of-ai-companions-and-their-impact-on-mental-health/#:~:text=Users%20often%20develop%20a%20profound,dependence%20on%20a%20pliant%20companion 
  18. Friends for sale: the rise and risks of AI companions. (n.d.). https://www.adalovelaceinstitute.org/blog/ai-companions/#:~:text=A%20subset%20of%20AI%20assistants,and%20are%20rapidly%20becoming%20mainstream 
  19. Michigan Technological University. (2025, August 28). What is Artificial intelligence (AI)? https://www.mtu.edu/computing/ai/#:~:text=What%20is%20AI-,What%20is%20Artificial%20intelligence%20(AI)?,you've%20interacted%20with%20AI 
]]>
Final_Draft_NandiniChhibber
Final_Draft_NandiniChhibber.pdf
341 KB
download-circle

Nandini Chhibber¹, Aron Elias², Jalyn Huang³#

¹ Van Nuys High School

² Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science

³ Irvine High School

#Advisor

ABSTRACT

Artificial Intelligence has increased in its usage by humans, especially applications such as AI Companionship. AI Companions have been created by humans to support and help humans emotionally and has become one of the most used AI features. The increase in the usage of AI Companionship brings many benefits, but also can have multiple negative consequences. This review paper analyzes studies about the effects of AI Companions on different generations (Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Baby Boomers), different genders, and its overall positive and negative impacts on humans. It shows how AI Companionship mostly impacts all ages in similar ways besides a few differences and how females tend to be more emotionally reliant on it compared to males who are more sexually dependent on it. While AI Companionship can help humans by providing emotional support without judgement, it can also cause them isolation from real-world relationships. Explaining these topics about AI Companionship is important in helping humans understand its characteristics and can be efficiently used by people to decide whether or not having an AI Companion is the best choice for them.

References

  1. Understanding generational differences in the age of AI. (n.d.). AEM | Association of Equipment Manufacturers. https://www.aem.org/news/understanding-generational-differences-in-the-age-of-ai 
  2. How are teens using AI companions? (2025, July 24). Benton Foundation. https://www.benton.org/blog/how-are-teens-using-ai-companions 
  3. eSafetyCommissioner. (2025, February 18). https://www.esafety.gov.au/newsroom/blogs/ai-chatbots-and-companions-risks-to-children-and-young-people#:~:text=Children%20and%20young%20people%20are%20particularly%20vulnerable%20to%20mental%20and,emotional%20regulation%20and%20impulse%20control 
  4. Gecker, J. (2025, July 23). Teens say they are turning to AI for advice, friendship and more | AP News. AP News. https://apnews.com/article/ai-companion-generative-teens-mental-health-9ce59a2b250f3bd0187a717ffa2ad21f 
  5. Common Sense Media. (2025, August 26). Social AI companions. Common Sense Media. https://www.commonsensemedia.org/ai-ratings/social-ai-companions?gate=riskassessment 
  6. Artificial intelligence and Relationships: 1 in 4 young adults believe AI partners could replace real-life romance. (n.d.). Institute for Family Studies. https://ifstudies.org/blog/artificial-intelligence-and-relationships-1-in-4-young-adults-believe-ai-partners-could-replace-real-life-romance 
  7. Wei, M., MD JD. (2025, March 7). Why our relationships with AI may change how we interact each other. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/urban-survival/202502/how-ai-could-shape-our-relationships-and-social-interactions  
  8. Emotional risks of AI companions demand attention. (2025). Nature Machine Intelligence, 7(7), 981–982. https://doi.org/10.1038/s42256-025-01093-9 
  9. Grace, A. (2024, October 9). Gen Zs, millennials are using AI for emotional support, calling it “more effective” than a pet: study. New York Post. https://nypost.com/2024/10/09/lifestyle/gen-z-millennials-more-comforted-by-ai-over-emotional-support-pets/ 
  10. Media Culture. (2023, December 15). The Digitally Savvy Generation: How Gen X Embraces Technology | Media Culture. mediaculture. https://www.mediaculture.com/insights/digitally-savvy-generation-how-gen-x-embraces-technology 
  11. AI Companions: Emotional support & future human connection. (2025, February 19). Newo. https://newo.ai/insights/exploring-the-future-of-ai-companions-emotional-support-and-human-connection/#:~:text=Emotional%20Benefits%20and%20Psychological%20Impacts,to%20improved%20mental%20well%2Dbeing 
  12. AI, gender and companionship. (n.d.). https://about.proquest.com/en/blog/2019/ai-gender-and-companionship/ 
  13. Loving a “defiant” AI companion? The gender performance and ethics of social exchange robots in simulated intimate interactions. (n.d.). ScienceDirect. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S074756322200440X 
  14. Counterfeit Connections: The rise of AI romantic companions. (n.d.). Institute for Family Studies. https://ifstudies.org/blog/counterfeit-connections-the-rise-of-ai-romantic-companions-  
  15. Men are twice as likely as women to consider an AI companion in the future. (2022, May 24). Theos Think Tank. https://www.theosthinktank.co.uk/in-the-news/2022/05/24/men-are-twice-as-likely-as-women-to-consider-an-ai-companion-in-the-future 
  16. Kushnir, S. (2024, December 12). Are AI friendships helpful or harmful? Exploring the pros and cons — Meridian Counseling. Meridian Counseling. https://www.meridian-counseling.com/blog/ai-friendships-helpful-or-harmful#:~:text=How%20AI%20Friendships%20Influence%20Real,desire%20to%20engage%20with%20people 
  17. Pak, P. (2025, April 4). Exploring the rise of AI companions and their impact on mental health. Ensora Health. https://ensorahealth.com/blog/exploring-the-rise-of-ai-companions-and-their-impact-on-mental-health/#:~:text=Users%20often%20develop%20a%20profound,dependence%20on%20a%20pliant%20companion 
  18. Friends for sale: the rise and risks of AI companions. (n.d.). https://www.adalovelaceinstitute.org/blog/ai-companions/#:~:text=A%20subset%20of%20AI%20assistants,and%20are%20rapidly%20becoming%20mainstream 
  19. Michigan Technological University. (2025, August 28). What is Artificial intelligence (AI)? https://www.mtu.edu/computing/ai/#:~:text=What%20is%20AI-,What%20is%20Artificial%20intelligence%20(AI)?,you've%20interacted%20with%20AI 
]]> Chronic Inflammation With a Focus on CRMO and other Autoimmune Disorders https://www.thesteamologyproject.org/chronic-inflammation-with-a-focus-on-crmo-and-other-autoimmune-disorders/ Fri, 10 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0700 68e9e32cc89fc800012d4d00
Final_Draft_MaritssiaAbdelshiheed
Final_Draft_MaritssiaAbdelshiheed.pdf
291 KB
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Maritssia Abdelshiheed¹, Arushi Gupta², Jalyn Huang³#

¹ Woodbridge High School

² Irvine High School

³ Irvine High School

#Advisor

ABSTRACT

Chronic inflammation is a central feature in many disorders, ranging from autoimmune diseases to autoinflammatory conditions such as Chronic Recurrent Multifocal Osteomyelitis (CRMO).

The main findings emphasize that chronic immune dysregulation plays a critical role in disease development, with CRMO serving as an important example of how innate immune dysfunction manifests clinically. Current diagnostic approaches, such as whole-body MRI, and available treatment options, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and biologic therapies, have improved outcomes but remain limited in scope.

By situating CRMO within the larger framework of inflammation and immune-mediated disease, this research underscores the importance of continued investigation into underlying mechanisms, improved diagnostic strategies, and novel therapeutic approaches.

This paper explores the fundamental components of the immune system, the processes of inflammation, and the progression from acute to chronic states that can drive disease.

References

1. Leuti, A., Fazio, D., Fava, M., Piccoli, A., Oddi, S., & Maccarrone, M. (2020). Bioactive lipids, inflammation and chronic diseases. Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, 159, 133–169. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addr.2020.06.028 

2. Distler, O., Ludwig, R. J., Niemann, S., Riemekasten, G., & Schreiber, S. (2021). Editorial: Precision Medicine in Chronic Inflammation. Frontiers in Immunology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2021.770462

3. Nugent, R. (2019). Preventing and managing chronic diseases. BMJ, 364, l459. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l459 

4. Rafferty, B. A., & Thakrar, P. (2024). Chronic Recurrent Multifocal Osteomyelitis. Medical Clinics of North America, 108(1), 227–239. 

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mcna.2023.05.022 

5. Zhao, D. Y., McCann, L., Hahn, G., & Hedrich, C. M. (2021). Chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis (CNO) and chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO). Journal of Translational Autoimmunity, 4, 100095. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtauto.2021.100095 

6. Vernino, S. (2020). Autoimmune Autonomic Disorders. Continuum, 26(1), 44–57. https://doi.org/10.1212/CON.0000000000000812 

7. Duan, T., Du, Y., Xing, C., Wang, H. Y., & Wang, R.-F. (2022). Toll-Like Receptor Signaling and Its Role in Cell-Mediated Immunity. Frontiers in Immunology, 13, 812774. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2022.812774 

8. Nobs, S. P., Zmora, N., & Elinav, E. (2020). Nutrition Regulates Innate Immunity in Health and Disease. Annual Review of Nutrition, 40, 189–219. 

https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-nutr-120919-094440 

9. Zhang, Q., & Cao, X. (2021). Epigenetic Remodeling in Innate Immunity and Inflammation. Annual Review of Immunology, 39, 279–311. 

https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-immunol-093019-123619 

10. Taguchi, T., & Mukai, K. (2019). Innate immunity signalling and membrane trafficking. Current Opinion in Cell Biology, 59, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceb.2019.02.002 11. Bonilla, F. A., & Oettgen, H. C. (2010). Adaptive immunity. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 125(2 Suppl 2), S33-40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2009.09.017

12. Carroll, S. L., Pasare, C., & Barton, G. M. (2024). Control of adaptive immunity by pattern recognition receptors. Immunity, 57(4), 632–648. 

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.immuni.2024.03.014 

13. Zhou, Y., Xu, Z., & Liu, Z. (2023). Role of IL-33-ST2 pathway in regulating inflammation: current evidence and future perspectives. Journal of Translational Medicine, 21(1), 902. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-023-04782-4 

14. Roe, K. (2021). An inflammation classification system using cytokine parameters. Scandinavian Journal of Immunology, 93(2), e12970. https://doi.org/10.1111/sji.12970 15. Leńska-Mieciek, M., Madetko-Alster, N., Alster, P., Królicki, L., Fiszer, U., & Koziorowski, D. (2023). Inflammation in multiple system atrophy. Frontiers in Immunology, 14, 1214677. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2023.1214677 16. Zhong, J., & Shi, G. (2019). Editorial: Regulation of Inflammation in Chronic Disease. Frontiers in Immunology, 10, 737. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2019.00737 17. Schutt, C., & Siegel, D. M. (2023). Autoinflammatory Diseases/Periodic Fevers. Pediatrics in Review, 44(9), 481–490. https://doi.org/10.1542/pir.2022-005635 18. Akiyama, M. (2024). Diseases categorized as autoinflammatory keratinization diseases (AiKDs), and their pathologies and treatments. Nagoya Journal of Medical Science, 86(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.18999/nagjms.86.1.1 

19. Himuro, H., Kurata, S., Nagata, S., Sumi, A., Tsubaki, F., Matsuda, A., Fujimoto, K., & Abe, T. (2020). Imaging features in patients with SAPHO/CRMO: a pictorial review. Japanese Journal of Radiology, 38(7), 622–629. 

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11604-020-00953-1

20. Hofmann, S. R., Kapplusch, F., Girschick, H. J., Morbach, H., Pablik, J., Ferguson, P. J., & Hedrich, C. M. (2017). Chronic Recurrent Multifocal Osteomyelitis (CRMO): Presentation, Pathogenesis, and Treatment. Current Osteoporosis Reports, 15(6), 542–554. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11914-017-0405-9 

21. Shah, A., Rosenkranz, M., & Thapa, M. (2022). Review of spinal involvement in chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO): What radiologists need to know about CRMO and its imitators. Clinical Imaging, 86, 1. 

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinimag.2022.03.001 

22. Moreno-Mateo, F., Perea, S. H., & Onel, K. B. (2021). Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis: diagnosis and treatment. Current Opinion in Pediatrics, 33(1), 90–96. https://doi.org/10.1097/MOP.0000000000000970 

23. Przepiera-Będzak, H., & Brzosko, M. (2021). SAPHO syndrome: pathogenesis, clinical presentation, imaging, comorbidities and treatment: a review. Postepy Dermatologii I Alergologii, 38(6), 937–942. https://doi.org/10.5114/ada.2020.97394

]]>
Final_Draft_MaritssiaAbdelshiheed
Final_Draft_MaritssiaAbdelshiheed.pdf
291 KB
download-circle

Maritssia Abdelshiheed¹, Arushi Gupta², Jalyn Huang³#

¹ Woodbridge High School

² Irvine High School

³ Irvine High School

#Advisor

ABSTRACT

Chronic inflammation is a central feature in many disorders, ranging from autoimmune diseases to autoinflammatory conditions such as Chronic Recurrent Multifocal Osteomyelitis (CRMO).

The main findings emphasize that chronic immune dysregulation plays a critical role in disease development, with CRMO serving as an important example of how innate immune dysfunction manifests clinically. Current diagnostic approaches, such as whole-body MRI, and available treatment options, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and biologic therapies, have improved outcomes but remain limited in scope.

By situating CRMO within the larger framework of inflammation and immune-mediated disease, this research underscores the importance of continued investigation into underlying mechanisms, improved diagnostic strategies, and novel therapeutic approaches.

This paper explores the fundamental components of the immune system, the processes of inflammation, and the progression from acute to chronic states that can drive disease.

References

1. Leuti, A., Fazio, D., Fava, M., Piccoli, A., Oddi, S., & Maccarrone, M. (2020). Bioactive lipids, inflammation and chronic diseases. Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, 159, 133–169. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addr.2020.06.028 

2. Distler, O., Ludwig, R. J., Niemann, S., Riemekasten, G., & Schreiber, S. (2021). Editorial: Precision Medicine in Chronic Inflammation. Frontiers in Immunology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2021.770462

3. Nugent, R. (2019). Preventing and managing chronic diseases. BMJ, 364, l459. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l459 

4. Rafferty, B. A., & Thakrar, P. (2024). Chronic Recurrent Multifocal Osteomyelitis. Medical Clinics of North America, 108(1), 227–239. 

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mcna.2023.05.022 

5. Zhao, D. Y., McCann, L., Hahn, G., & Hedrich, C. M. (2021). Chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis (CNO) and chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO). Journal of Translational Autoimmunity, 4, 100095. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtauto.2021.100095 

6. Vernino, S. (2020). Autoimmune Autonomic Disorders. Continuum, 26(1), 44–57. https://doi.org/10.1212/CON.0000000000000812 

7. Duan, T., Du, Y., Xing, C., Wang, H. Y., & Wang, R.-F. (2022). Toll-Like Receptor Signaling and Its Role in Cell-Mediated Immunity. Frontiers in Immunology, 13, 812774. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2022.812774 

8. Nobs, S. P., Zmora, N., & Elinav, E. (2020). Nutrition Regulates Innate Immunity in Health and Disease. Annual Review of Nutrition, 40, 189–219. 

https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-nutr-120919-094440 

9. Zhang, Q., & Cao, X. (2021). Epigenetic Remodeling in Innate Immunity and Inflammation. Annual Review of Immunology, 39, 279–311. 

https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-immunol-093019-123619 

10. Taguchi, T., & Mukai, K. (2019). Innate immunity signalling and membrane trafficking. Current Opinion in Cell Biology, 59, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceb.2019.02.002 11. Bonilla, F. A., & Oettgen, H. C. (2010). Adaptive immunity. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 125(2 Suppl 2), S33-40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2009.09.017

12. Carroll, S. L., Pasare, C., & Barton, G. M. (2024). Control of adaptive immunity by pattern recognition receptors. Immunity, 57(4), 632–648. 

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.immuni.2024.03.014 

13. Zhou, Y., Xu, Z., & Liu, Z. (2023). Role of IL-33-ST2 pathway in regulating inflammation: current evidence and future perspectives. Journal of Translational Medicine, 21(1), 902. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-023-04782-4 

14. Roe, K. (2021). An inflammation classification system using cytokine parameters. Scandinavian Journal of Immunology, 93(2), e12970. https://doi.org/10.1111/sji.12970 15. Leńska-Mieciek, M., Madetko-Alster, N., Alster, P., Królicki, L., Fiszer, U., & Koziorowski, D. (2023). Inflammation in multiple system atrophy. Frontiers in Immunology, 14, 1214677. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2023.1214677 16. Zhong, J., & Shi, G. (2019). Editorial: Regulation of Inflammation in Chronic Disease. Frontiers in Immunology, 10, 737. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2019.00737 17. Schutt, C., & Siegel, D. M. (2023). Autoinflammatory Diseases/Periodic Fevers. Pediatrics in Review, 44(9), 481–490. https://doi.org/10.1542/pir.2022-005635 18. Akiyama, M. (2024). Diseases categorized as autoinflammatory keratinization diseases (AiKDs), and their pathologies and treatments. Nagoya Journal of Medical Science, 86(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.18999/nagjms.86.1.1 

19. Himuro, H., Kurata, S., Nagata, S., Sumi, A., Tsubaki, F., Matsuda, A., Fujimoto, K., & Abe, T. (2020). Imaging features in patients with SAPHO/CRMO: a pictorial review. Japanese Journal of Radiology, 38(7), 622–629. 

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11604-020-00953-1

20. Hofmann, S. R., Kapplusch, F., Girschick, H. J., Morbach, H., Pablik, J., Ferguson, P. J., & Hedrich, C. M. (2017). Chronic Recurrent Multifocal Osteomyelitis (CRMO): Presentation, Pathogenesis, and Treatment. Current Osteoporosis Reports, 15(6), 542–554. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11914-017-0405-9 

21. Shah, A., Rosenkranz, M., & Thapa, M. (2022). Review of spinal involvement in chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO): What radiologists need to know about CRMO and its imitators. Clinical Imaging, 86, 1. 

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinimag.2022.03.001 

22. Moreno-Mateo, F., Perea, S. H., & Onel, K. B. (2021). Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis: diagnosis and treatment. Current Opinion in Pediatrics, 33(1), 90–96. https://doi.org/10.1097/MOP.0000000000000970 

23. Przepiera-Będzak, H., & Brzosko, M. (2021). SAPHO syndrome: pathogenesis, clinical presentation, imaging, comorbidities and treatment: a review. Postepy Dermatologii I Alergologii, 38(6), 937–942. https://doi.org/10.5114/ada.2020.97394

]]> Anaphylaxis and its Potential Correlation to Anxiety https://www.thesteamologyproject.org/anaphylaxis-and-its-potential-correlation-to-anxiety/ Fri, 10 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0700 68e9e287c89fc800012d4cf1
Final_Draft_KatieTsai
Final_Draft_KatieTsai.pdf
294 KB
download-circle

Katie Tsai¹, Shrishti Harish², Jalyn Huang³#

¹ Arnold O. Beckman High School

² Mountain House High School

³ Irvine High School

#Advisor

ABSTRACT

There has been an increasing trend of reported mental health issues and anaphylaxis in people over the years. The parts of the brain that trigger anxiety or anything in regards to issues similar to it, are the amygdala and mPFC. Usually, the mPFC controls and manages the amygdala. If inflamed, the roles reverse, causing the amygdala to be in charge of the mPFC instead, which research shows leads to mental health issues. This review highlights the mediators which cause inflammation in the mPFC and amygdala are connected to anaphylaxis, as well as ways to combat unwanted stress caused by anaphylaxis.

References

Beloate, L. N., & Coolen, L. M. (2017). Influences of social reward experience on behavioral responses to drugs of abuse: Review of shared and divergent neural plasticity mechanisms for sexual reward and drugs of abuse. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 83, 356–372. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.10.024

Carthy, E., & Ellender, T. (2021). Histamine, Neuroinflammation and Neurodevelopment: A Review. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2021.680214

Dehdar, K., Mahdidoust, S., Salimi, M., Gholami-Mahtaj, L., Nazari, M., Mohammadi, S., … Raoufy, M. R. (2019). Allergen-induced anxiety-like behavior is associated with disruption of medial prefrontal cortex - amygdala circuit. Scientific Reports, 9(1), 19586. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-55539-3

Euston, David R., Gruber, Aaron J., & McNaughton, Bruce L. (2012). The Role of Medial Prefrontal Cortex in Memory and Decision Making. Neuron, 76(6), 1057–1070. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2012.12.002

Gilpin, N. W., Herman, M. A., & Roberto, M. (2015). The Central Amygdala as an Integrative Hub for Anxiety and Alcohol Use Disorders. Biological Psychiatry, 77(10), 859–869. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2014.09.008

Gupta, E., Conway, A. E., Kartha, N., Verdi, M., Madan, J., Anagnostou, A., … Shaker, M. (2025). When life gets complicated: Food allergy, food insecurity, mental health, and substance use disorder. Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology : Official Publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology, S1081-1206(25)002741. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anai.2025.05.030

Hu, P., Lu, Y., Pan, B.-X., & Zhang, W.-H. (2022). New Insights into the Pivotal Role of the Amygdala in Inflammation-Related Depression and Anxiety Disorder. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23(19), 11076. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms231911076

Knibb, R. C., Huissoon, A. P., Baretto, R., Ekbote, A., Onyango‐Odera, S., Screti, C., … Krishna, M. T. (2022). The impact of anaphylaxis on the quality of life and mental health of adults. Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 53(1), 121–125. https://doi.org/10.1111/cea.14249

Lange, L. (2014). Quality of life in the setting of anaphylaxis and food allergy. Allergo Journal International, 23(7), 252–260. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40629-014-0029-x

Lee, Y., Chang, H. Y., Kim, S.-H., Yang, M.-S., Koh, Y.-I., Kang, H.-R., … Ye, Y.-M. (2020). A Prospective Observation of Psychological Distress in Patients With Anaphylaxis. Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research, 12(3), 496. https://doi.org/10.4168/aair.2020.12.3.496

Manassis, K. (2012). Managing Anxiety Related to Anaphylaxis in Childhood: A Systematic Review. Journal of Allergy, 2012, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/316296

Marek, R., Strobel, C., Bredy, T. W., & Sah, P. (2013). The amygdala and medial prefrontal cortex: partners in the fear circuit. The Journal of Physiology, 591(10), 2381–2391. https://doi.org/10.1113/jphysiol.2012.248575

McLendon, K., & Sternard, B. T. (2023). Anaphylaxis. Retrieved from National Library of Medicine website: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482124/

Mirotti, L., Castro, J., Costa-Pinto, F. A., & Russo, M. (2011). Neural Pathways in Allergic Inflammation. Journal of Allergy, 2010, e491928. https://doi.org/10.1155/2010/491928

Navarro-Nolasco, D. A., Chi-Castañeda, D., López-Meraz, M. L., Beltran-Parrazal, L., & Morgado-Valle, C. (2025). The medial prefrontal cortex as a proposed regulatory structure in the relationship between anxiety and perceived social support: a review. BMC Psychology, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-025-02449-x

Nett, K. E., & LaLumiere, R. T. (2021). Infralimbic cortex functioning across motivated behaviors: Can the differences be reconciled. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, 131, 704–721. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.10.002

Palomero-Gallagher, N., Hoffstaedter, F., Mohlberg, H., Eickhoff, S. B., Amunts, K., & Zilles, K. (2018). Human Pregenual Anterior Cingulate Cortex: Structural, Functional, and Connectional Heterogeneity. Cerebral Cortex, 29(6), 2552–2574. https://doi.org/10.1093/cercor/bhy124

Patel, R. H., & Mohiuddin, S. S. (2023, May 1). Biochemistry, Histamine. Retrieved from PubMed website: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557790/

Polloni, L., Ferruzza, E., Ronconi, L., D’Ovidio, G., Bonaguro, R., Lazzarotto, F., … Muraro, A. (2021). Maternal anxiety and previous anaphylaxis are associated with alexithymia in young patients with food allergy. Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, 33(1). https://doi.org/10.1111/pai.13680

Provensi, G., Passani, M. B., Costa, A., Izquierdo, I., & Blandina, P. (2018). Neuronal histamine and the memory of emotionally salient events. British Journal of Pharmacology, 177(3), 557–569. https://doi.org/10.1111/bph.14476

Raam, T., & Hong, W. (2021). Organization of neural circuits underlying social behavior: A consideration of the medial amygdala. Current Opinion in Neurobiology, 68, 124–136. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conb.2021.02.008

Reber, L. L., Hernandez, J. D., & Galli, S. J. (2017). The Pathophysiology of Anaphylaxis. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 140(2), 335–348. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2017.06.003

Russo, S., Aubry, A., Romain Durand-de Cuttoli, Fisher-Foye, R., Parise, L., Flurin Cathomas, … Li, L. (2023). A critical role for cortical amygdala circuitry in shaping social encounters. Research Square (Research Square). https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3015820/v1

Šimić, G., Tkalčić, M., Vukić, V., Mulc, D., Španić, E., Šagud, M., … R. Hof, P. (2021). Understanding Emotions: Origins and Roles of the Amygdala. Biomolecules, 11(6), 823. National Library of Medicine. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom11060823

Sun, Y., Gooch, H., & Sah, P. (2020). Fear conditioning and the basolateral amygdala. F1000Research, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.21201.1

Tedner, S. G., Asarnoj, A., Thulin, H., Westman, M., Konradsen, J. R., & Nilsson, C. (2021). Food allergy and hypersensitivity reactions in children and adults—A review. Journal of Internal Medicine, 291(3), 283–302. https://doi.org/10.1111/joim.13422

Voisin, T., Bouvier, A., & Chiu, I. M. (2017). Neuro-immune interactions in allergic diseases: novel targets for therapeutics. International Immunology, 29(6), 247–261. https://doi.org/10.1093/intimm/dxx040

Wenstrup, J. J., Zahra Ghasemahmad, Hazlett, E., & Shanbhag, S. J. (2020). The Amygdala – A Hub of the Social Auditory Brain. Elsevier EBooks, 2, 812–837. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-809324-5.24194-1

Zhang, S.-R., Wu, D.-Y., Luo, R., Wu, J.-L., Chen, H., Li, Z.-M., … Chen, Y.-H. (2024). A Prelimbic Cortex-Thalamus Circuit Bidirectionally Regulates Innate and Stress-Induced Anxiety-Like Behavior. The Journal of Neuroscience, 44(29), e2103232024. https://doi.org/10.1523/jneurosci.2103-23.2024

]]>
Final_Draft_KatieTsai
Final_Draft_KatieTsai.pdf
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Katie Tsai¹, Shrishti Harish², Jalyn Huang³#

¹ Arnold O. Beckman High School

² Mountain House High School

³ Irvine High School

#Advisor

ABSTRACT

There has been an increasing trend of reported mental health issues and anaphylaxis in people over the years. The parts of the brain that trigger anxiety or anything in regards to issues similar to it, are the amygdala and mPFC. Usually, the mPFC controls and manages the amygdala. If inflamed, the roles reverse, causing the amygdala to be in charge of the mPFC instead, which research shows leads to mental health issues. This review highlights the mediators which cause inflammation in the mPFC and amygdala are connected to anaphylaxis, as well as ways to combat unwanted stress caused by anaphylaxis.

References

Beloate, L. N., & Coolen, L. M. (2017). Influences of social reward experience on behavioral responses to drugs of abuse: Review of shared and divergent neural plasticity mechanisms for sexual reward and drugs of abuse. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 83, 356–372. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.10.024

Carthy, E., & Ellender, T. (2021). Histamine, Neuroinflammation and Neurodevelopment: A Review. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2021.680214

Dehdar, K., Mahdidoust, S., Salimi, M., Gholami-Mahtaj, L., Nazari, M., Mohammadi, S., … Raoufy, M. R. (2019). Allergen-induced anxiety-like behavior is associated with disruption of medial prefrontal cortex - amygdala circuit. Scientific Reports, 9(1), 19586. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-55539-3

Euston, David R., Gruber, Aaron J., & McNaughton, Bruce L. (2012). The Role of Medial Prefrontal Cortex in Memory and Decision Making. Neuron, 76(6), 1057–1070. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2012.12.002

Gilpin, N. W., Herman, M. A., & Roberto, M. (2015). The Central Amygdala as an Integrative Hub for Anxiety and Alcohol Use Disorders. Biological Psychiatry, 77(10), 859–869. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2014.09.008

Gupta, E., Conway, A. E., Kartha, N., Verdi, M., Madan, J., Anagnostou, A., … Shaker, M. (2025). When life gets complicated: Food allergy, food insecurity, mental health, and substance use disorder. Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology : Official Publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology, S1081-1206(25)002741. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anai.2025.05.030

Hu, P., Lu, Y., Pan, B.-X., & Zhang, W.-H. (2022). New Insights into the Pivotal Role of the Amygdala in Inflammation-Related Depression and Anxiety Disorder. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23(19), 11076. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms231911076

Knibb, R. C., Huissoon, A. P., Baretto, R., Ekbote, A., Onyango‐Odera, S., Screti, C., … Krishna, M. T. (2022). The impact of anaphylaxis on the quality of life and mental health of adults. Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 53(1), 121–125. https://doi.org/10.1111/cea.14249

Lange, L. (2014). Quality of life in the setting of anaphylaxis and food allergy. Allergo Journal International, 23(7), 252–260. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40629-014-0029-x

Lee, Y., Chang, H. Y., Kim, S.-H., Yang, M.-S., Koh, Y.-I., Kang, H.-R., … Ye, Y.-M. (2020). A Prospective Observation of Psychological Distress in Patients With Anaphylaxis. Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research, 12(3), 496. https://doi.org/10.4168/aair.2020.12.3.496

Manassis, K. (2012). Managing Anxiety Related to Anaphylaxis in Childhood: A Systematic Review. Journal of Allergy, 2012, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/316296

Marek, R., Strobel, C., Bredy, T. W., & Sah, P. (2013). The amygdala and medial prefrontal cortex: partners in the fear circuit. The Journal of Physiology, 591(10), 2381–2391. https://doi.org/10.1113/jphysiol.2012.248575

McLendon, K., & Sternard, B. T. (2023). Anaphylaxis. Retrieved from National Library of Medicine website: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482124/

Mirotti, L., Castro, J., Costa-Pinto, F. A., & Russo, M. (2011). Neural Pathways in Allergic Inflammation. Journal of Allergy, 2010, e491928. https://doi.org/10.1155/2010/491928

Navarro-Nolasco, D. A., Chi-Castañeda, D., López-Meraz, M. L., Beltran-Parrazal, L., & Morgado-Valle, C. (2025). The medial prefrontal cortex as a proposed regulatory structure in the relationship between anxiety and perceived social support: a review. BMC Psychology, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-025-02449-x

Nett, K. E., & LaLumiere, R. T. (2021). Infralimbic cortex functioning across motivated behaviors: Can the differences be reconciled. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, 131, 704–721. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.10.002

Palomero-Gallagher, N., Hoffstaedter, F., Mohlberg, H., Eickhoff, S. B., Amunts, K., & Zilles, K. (2018). Human Pregenual Anterior Cingulate Cortex: Structural, Functional, and Connectional Heterogeneity. Cerebral Cortex, 29(6), 2552–2574. https://doi.org/10.1093/cercor/bhy124

Patel, R. H., & Mohiuddin, S. S. (2023, May 1). Biochemistry, Histamine. Retrieved from PubMed website: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557790/

Polloni, L., Ferruzza, E., Ronconi, L., D’Ovidio, G., Bonaguro, R., Lazzarotto, F., … Muraro, A. (2021). Maternal anxiety and previous anaphylaxis are associated with alexithymia in young patients with food allergy. Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, 33(1). https://doi.org/10.1111/pai.13680

Provensi, G., Passani, M. B., Costa, A., Izquierdo, I., & Blandina, P. (2018). Neuronal histamine and the memory of emotionally salient events. British Journal of Pharmacology, 177(3), 557–569. https://doi.org/10.1111/bph.14476

Raam, T., & Hong, W. (2021). Organization of neural circuits underlying social behavior: A consideration of the medial amygdala. Current Opinion in Neurobiology, 68, 124–136. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conb.2021.02.008

Reber, L. L., Hernandez, J. D., & Galli, S. J. (2017). The Pathophysiology of Anaphylaxis. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 140(2), 335–348. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2017.06.003

Russo, S., Aubry, A., Romain Durand-de Cuttoli, Fisher-Foye, R., Parise, L., Flurin Cathomas, … Li, L. (2023). A critical role for cortical amygdala circuitry in shaping social encounters. Research Square (Research Square). https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3015820/v1

Šimić, G., Tkalčić, M., Vukić, V., Mulc, D., Španić, E., Šagud, M., … R. Hof, P. (2021). Understanding Emotions: Origins and Roles of the Amygdala. Biomolecules, 11(6), 823. National Library of Medicine. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom11060823

Sun, Y., Gooch, H., & Sah, P. (2020). Fear conditioning and the basolateral amygdala. F1000Research, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.21201.1

Tedner, S. G., Asarnoj, A., Thulin, H., Westman, M., Konradsen, J. R., & Nilsson, C. (2021). Food allergy and hypersensitivity reactions in children and adults—A review. Journal of Internal Medicine, 291(3), 283–302. https://doi.org/10.1111/joim.13422

Voisin, T., Bouvier, A., & Chiu, I. M. (2017). Neuro-immune interactions in allergic diseases: novel targets for therapeutics. International Immunology, 29(6), 247–261. https://doi.org/10.1093/intimm/dxx040

Wenstrup, J. J., Zahra Ghasemahmad, Hazlett, E., & Shanbhag, S. J. (2020). The Amygdala – A Hub of the Social Auditory Brain. Elsevier EBooks, 2, 812–837. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-809324-5.24194-1

Zhang, S.-R., Wu, D.-Y., Luo, R., Wu, J.-L., Chen, H., Li, Z.-M., … Chen, Y.-H. (2024). A Prelimbic Cortex-Thalamus Circuit Bidirectionally Regulates Innate and Stress-Induced Anxiety-Like Behavior. The Journal of Neuroscience, 44(29), e2103232024. https://doi.org/10.1523/jneurosci.2103-23.2024

]]> Suggestibility Across Time: From False Memory to Deepfakes and Their Digital-Age Implications https://www.thesteamologyproject.org/suggestibility-across-time-from-false-memory-to-deepfakes-and-their-digital-age-implications/ Fri, 10 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0700 68e9e196c89fc800012d4cdd
Final_Draft_GuodongWu
Final_Draft_GuodongWu.pdf
569 KB
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Guodong Wu¹, Aron Elias², Jalyn Huang³#

¹ University of Western Ontario

² Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science

³ Irvine High School

#Advisor

ABSTRACT

This paper examines the malleability of human memory through the lens of false memory research, beginning with Loftus’ seminal demonstrations of the misinformation effect. Drawing on both classic and contemporary findings, we explore how post-event information can distort memory at both the perceptual and conceptual levels, and how repeated exposure to misleading suggestions increases source confusion and produces vivid but inaccurate recollections. Real-world examples—including the McMartin Preschool Abuse Trial and Hillary Clinton’s misremembered sniper-fire incident—highlight the pervasive impact of suggestibility beyond laboratory settings. Building on this foundation, we review how memory reconsolidation research reveals a critical period in which reactivated memories become temporarily destabilized and vulnerable to modification. Although this mechanism may pose ethical risks, it also presents opportunities for therapeutic interventions in conditions such as PTSD and substance use disorders. Replication studies of the original Loftus paradigm confirm the robustness of false memory implantation, even in larger and more ecologically valid samples. Recent work on AI-generated misinformation and deepfakes further underscores the urgency of this research, showing that large language models and synthetic media can dramatically increase false memory rates, particularly when people rely on intuitive (System 1) processing. Taken together, the evidence demonstrates that memory is highly reconstructive and susceptible to influence, emphasizing the importance of continued investigation and the development of strategies to enhance critical thinking and source monitoring in an increasingly digital world.

References

Caballar, R. D. (2023, November 2). What are large language models (llms)?. IBM. https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/large-language-models 

Chan, S., Pataranutaporn, P., Suri, A., Zulfikar, W., Maes, P., & Loftus, E. F. (2024). Conversational AI powered by large language models amplifies false memories in witness interviews. CrimRxiv. https://doi.org/10.21428/cb6ab371.6ae390a8 

Coutanche, M. (2021). The link between conceptual and Perceptual Information ... OSFHOME. https://osf.io/e75ks/download 

Douglas, L. (n.d.). The McMartin Preschool Abuse Trial: An Account . UMKC School of Law. https://famous-trials.com/mcmartin/902-home 

Gray, R. M., & Liotta, R. F. (2012). PTSD: Extinction, reconsolidation, and the visual-kinesthetic dissociation protocol. Traumatology, 18(2), 3–16. https://doi.org/10.1177/1534765611431835 

Greene, R. L. (1992). Human memory: Paradigms and paradoxes. Psychology Press. 2025, https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315807195 

Kessler, G. (2016, May 23). Recalling Hillary Clinton’s claim of ‘landing under sniper fire’ in bosnia - The Washington Post. The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/fact-checker/wp/2016/05/23/recalling-hillary-clintons-claim-of-landing-under-sniper-fire-in-bosnia/ 

Kettler, S. (2024, April 29). The mcmartin preschool case: Satanic panic and child sexual abuse allegations. A&E. https://www.aetv.com/real-crime/mcmartin-preschool 

Liv, N., & Greenbaum, D. (2020). Deep fakes and memory malleability: False memories in the service of fake news. AJOB Neuroscience, 11(2), 96–104. https://doi.org/10.1080/21507740.2020.1740351 

Loftus, E. F., & Hoffman, H. G. (1989). Misinformation and memory: The creation of new memories. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 118(1), 100–104. https://doi.org/10.1037//0096-3445.118.1.100 

Loftus, E. F., & Pickrell, J. E. (1995). The formation of False Memories. Psychiatric Annals, 25(12), 720–725. https://doi.org/10.3928/0048-5713-19951201-07 

MacAskill, E. (2008, March 25). Clinton forced to admit she exaggerated tale of Bosnian sniper fire. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/mar/25/hillaryclinton.uselections2008 

McKendrick, G., & Graziane, N. M. (2020). Drug-induced conditioned place preference and its practical use in substance use disorder research. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnbeh.2020.582147 

Minda, J. P. (2021). The Psychology of Thinking: Reasoning, decision-making and problem-solving. SAGE Publications. 

Murphy, G., & Flynn, E. (2021). Deepfake false memories. Memory, 30(4), 480–492. https://doi.org/10.1080/09658211.2021.1919715 

Patel, H., & Zamani, R. (2021). The role of PKMΖ in the maintenance of long-term memory: A Review. Reviews in the Neurosciences, 32(5), 481–494. https://doi.org/10.1515/revneuro-2020-0105 

Schwartz, B. L. (2024). Memory: Foundations and applications. Sage. 2025, https://collegepublishing.sagepub.com/products/memory-5-287857 

Sherqulov, I. (2025). Ai-Induced False Memories: New Research Shows 87% Success Rate in Memory Manipulation. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5142397 

Wade, K. A., Riesthuis, P., Bücken, C., Otgaar, H., & Loftus, E. F. (2025). Still lost in the mall—false memories happen and that’s what matters. Applied Cognitive Psychology, 39(1). https://doi.org/10.1002/acp.70028 

Xue, Y.-X., Luo, Y.-X., Wu, P., Shi, H.-S., Xue, L.-F., Chen, C., Zhu, W.-L., Ding, Z.-B., Bao, Y., Shi, J., Epstein, D. H., Shaham, Y., & Lu, L. (2012). A memory retrieval-extinction procedure to prevent drug craving and relapse. Science, 336(6078), 241–245. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1215070 

Zaragoza, M. S., Mitchell, K. J., Payment, K., & Drivdahl, S. (2011). False memories for suggestions: The impact of conceptual elaboration. Journal of Memory and Language, 64(1), 18–31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jml.2010.09.004 

]]>
Final_Draft_GuodongWu
Final_Draft_GuodongWu.pdf
569 KB
download-circle

Guodong Wu¹, Aron Elias², Jalyn Huang³#

¹ University of Western Ontario

² Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science

³ Irvine High School

#Advisor

ABSTRACT

This paper examines the malleability of human memory through the lens of false memory research, beginning with Loftus’ seminal demonstrations of the misinformation effect. Drawing on both classic and contemporary findings, we explore how post-event information can distort memory at both the perceptual and conceptual levels, and how repeated exposure to misleading suggestions increases source confusion and produces vivid but inaccurate recollections. Real-world examples—including the McMartin Preschool Abuse Trial and Hillary Clinton’s misremembered sniper-fire incident—highlight the pervasive impact of suggestibility beyond laboratory settings. Building on this foundation, we review how memory reconsolidation research reveals a critical period in which reactivated memories become temporarily destabilized and vulnerable to modification. Although this mechanism may pose ethical risks, it also presents opportunities for therapeutic interventions in conditions such as PTSD and substance use disorders. Replication studies of the original Loftus paradigm confirm the robustness of false memory implantation, even in larger and more ecologically valid samples. Recent work on AI-generated misinformation and deepfakes further underscores the urgency of this research, showing that large language models and synthetic media can dramatically increase false memory rates, particularly when people rely on intuitive (System 1) processing. Taken together, the evidence demonstrates that memory is highly reconstructive and susceptible to influence, emphasizing the importance of continued investigation and the development of strategies to enhance critical thinking and source monitoring in an increasingly digital world.

References

Caballar, R. D. (2023, November 2). What are large language models (llms)?. IBM. https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/large-language-models 

Chan, S., Pataranutaporn, P., Suri, A., Zulfikar, W., Maes, P., & Loftus, E. F. (2024). Conversational AI powered by large language models amplifies false memories in witness interviews. CrimRxiv. https://doi.org/10.21428/cb6ab371.6ae390a8 

Coutanche, M. (2021). The link between conceptual and Perceptual Information ... OSFHOME. https://osf.io/e75ks/download 

Douglas, L. (n.d.). The McMartin Preschool Abuse Trial: An Account . UMKC School of Law. https://famous-trials.com/mcmartin/902-home 

Gray, R. M., & Liotta, R. F. (2012). PTSD: Extinction, reconsolidation, and the visual-kinesthetic dissociation protocol. Traumatology, 18(2), 3–16. https://doi.org/10.1177/1534765611431835 

Greene, R. L. (1992). Human memory: Paradigms and paradoxes. Psychology Press. 2025, https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315807195 

Kessler, G. (2016, May 23). Recalling Hillary Clinton’s claim of ‘landing under sniper fire’ in bosnia - The Washington Post. The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/fact-checker/wp/2016/05/23/recalling-hillary-clintons-claim-of-landing-under-sniper-fire-in-bosnia/ 

Kettler, S. (2024, April 29). The mcmartin preschool case: Satanic panic and child sexual abuse allegations. A&E. https://www.aetv.com/real-crime/mcmartin-preschool 

Liv, N., & Greenbaum, D. (2020). Deep fakes and memory malleability: False memories in the service of fake news. AJOB Neuroscience, 11(2), 96–104. https://doi.org/10.1080/21507740.2020.1740351 

Loftus, E. F., & Hoffman, H. G. (1989). Misinformation and memory: The creation of new memories. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 118(1), 100–104. https://doi.org/10.1037//0096-3445.118.1.100 

Loftus, E. F., & Pickrell, J. E. (1995). The formation of False Memories. Psychiatric Annals, 25(12), 720–725. https://doi.org/10.3928/0048-5713-19951201-07 

MacAskill, E. (2008, March 25). Clinton forced to admit she exaggerated tale of Bosnian sniper fire. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/mar/25/hillaryclinton.uselections2008 

McKendrick, G., & Graziane, N. M. (2020). Drug-induced conditioned place preference and its practical use in substance use disorder research. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnbeh.2020.582147 

Minda, J. P. (2021). The Psychology of Thinking: Reasoning, decision-making and problem-solving. SAGE Publications. 

Murphy, G., & Flynn, E. (2021). Deepfake false memories. Memory, 30(4), 480–492. https://doi.org/10.1080/09658211.2021.1919715 

Patel, H., & Zamani, R. (2021). The role of PKMΖ in the maintenance of long-term memory: A Review. Reviews in the Neurosciences, 32(5), 481–494. https://doi.org/10.1515/revneuro-2020-0105 

Schwartz, B. L. (2024). Memory: Foundations and applications. Sage. 2025, https://collegepublishing.sagepub.com/products/memory-5-287857 

Sherqulov, I. (2025). Ai-Induced False Memories: New Research Shows 87% Success Rate in Memory Manipulation. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5142397 

Wade, K. A., Riesthuis, P., Bücken, C., Otgaar, H., & Loftus, E. F. (2025). Still lost in the mall—false memories happen and that’s what matters. Applied Cognitive Psychology, 39(1). https://doi.org/10.1002/acp.70028 

Xue, Y.-X., Luo, Y.-X., Wu, P., Shi, H.-S., Xue, L.-F., Chen, C., Zhu, W.-L., Ding, Z.-B., Bao, Y., Shi, J., Epstein, D. H., Shaham, Y., & Lu, L. (2012). A memory retrieval-extinction procedure to prevent drug craving and relapse. Science, 336(6078), 241–245. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1215070 

Zaragoza, M. S., Mitchell, K. J., Payment, K., & Drivdahl, S. (2011). False memories for suggestions: The impact of conceptual elaboration. Journal of Memory and Language, 64(1), 18–31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jml.2010.09.004 

]]> The Neuroscience and Healing Powers of Music https://www.thesteamologyproject.org/the-neuroscience-and-healing-powers-of-music/ Fri, 10 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0700 68e9e107c89fc800012d4cca
Final_Draft_ClaraDelesalle
Final_Draft_ClaraDelesalle.pdf
319 KB
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Clara Delesalle¹, Jalyn Huang¹#

¹ Irvine High School

#Advisor

ABSTRACT

Neurological Music therapy refers to the use of the components of music such as rhythm and tone in a medical setting for patients suffering problems in their brain after a trauma or other source. Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) is a neuroscientifically motivated model of music practice and consists of 20 research-based music therapy techniques (Heyse et al., 2022). For the sake of this review, only 3 will be covered and 1 primary example of what each helps with. Overall, the findings have all demonstrated to have positive impacts on patients which proves the significance of the use of music in medical settings.

References

Beschin, N., & Robertson, I. H. (1997). Personal versus extrapersonal neglect: A group study of their dissociation using a reliable clinical test. Cortex, 33(2), 379–384. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0010-9452(08)70013-5 

Cleveland Clinic. (2020). Ear anatomy and hearing. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15485-ear-anatomy-and-hearing 

Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Music therapy: What it is, benefits & types. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/8817-music-therapy 

Europe PMC. (2016). Music and brain plasticity. Europe PMC. https://europepmc.org/article/med/26872703 

Fulman, A. (2023). Auditory cortex: Anatomy and function. Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/auditory-cortex-5198249 

Guilbert, A., Clément, S., Moroni, C., & Fattapposta, F. (2014). Hearing and music in unilateral spatial neglect neuro-rehabilitation. Frontiers in Psychology, 5, 919. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00919 

Heyse, K., Reiser, C., & Thaut, M. H. (2022). Neurologic music therapy: Evidence-based practice and neuroscience foundations. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 835234. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.835234 

Intermountain Health. (2019). How music can affect your mood. Intermountain Health. https://intermountainhealthcare.org/blogs/topics/live-well/2019/02/how-music-can-affect-your-mood 

Kang, K., & Thaut, M. H. (2019). Musical neglect training for chronic persistent unilateral neglect after stroke. Frontiers in Neurology, 10, 118. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2019.00118 

Kasuya-Ueba, Y., & Maeda, T. (2025). Music-based interventions for spatial neglect: Recent advances and clinical implications. Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences, 6, 112345. https://doi.org/10.3389/fresc.2025.112345 

Koshimori, Y., & Thaut, M. H. (2023). Rhythmic auditory stimulation in rehabilitation of movement disorders: Neurological mechanisms and clinical outcomes. Frontiers in Neurology, 14, 112233. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2023.112233 

Logue, J. (2024). 4 types of music therapy approaches. MedRhythms. https://www.medrhythms.com/blog/types-of-music-therapy 

Melodic Intonation Therapy. (n.d.). Melodic intonation therapy for aphasia. Tactus Therapy. https://tactustherapy.com/melodic-intonation-therapy/ 

Moreno-Morales, C., Calero, R., Moreno-Morales, P., & Pintado, C. (2020). Music therapy in the treatment of dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Medicine, 7, 160. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2020.00160 

Music Therapy Tales. (2016). What is musical neglect training?. Music Therapy Tales. https://musictherapytales.com/what-is-musical-neglect-training 

Neurotransmitter release—An overview. (n.d.). ScienceDirect Topics. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/neurotransmitter-release

Nombela, C., Hughes, L. E., Owen, A. M., & Grahn, J. A. (2013). Into the groove: Can rhythm influence Parkinson’s disease? Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 37(10), 2564–2570. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2013.08.003 

Perception/Unilateral spatial neglect – Strokengine. (n.d.). Albert’s test for neglect. Strokengine. https://strokengine.ca/en/assessments/alberts-test 

Posner, M. I., Walker, J. A., Friedrich, F. J., & Rafal, R. D. (1984). Effects of parietal injury on covert orienting of attention. Journal of Neuroscience, 4(7), 1863–1874. https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.04-07-01863.1984 

Stanford Children’s Health. (2019). How the ear works. Stanford Medicine Children’s Health. https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=how-the-ear-works-90-P02066 

Tactus Therapy. (2020). Aphasia: What it is, types & treatments. Tactus Therapy. https://tactustherapy.com/aphasia/ 

The University of Queensland. (2019). The limbic system. Queensland Brain Institute. https://qbi.uq.edu.au/brain/brain-anatomy/limbic-system 

Toader, C., Vasiliu, O., & Popescu, R. (2023). The effects of music on the limbic system: A systematic review. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 117656. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.117656 

Vandermosten, M., Vandenbulcke, M., Peeters, R., Vandenberghe, R., & Boets, B. (2012). Neural plasticity of white-matter tracts in aphasia: Evidence from melodic intonation therapy. Brain and Language, 122(1), 22–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bandl.2012.04.004 

Zhang, X., Li, J., & Wang, M. (2022). Melodic intonation therapy on non-fluent aphasia after stroke: A systematic review. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 16, 834157. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2022.834157 

Zhang, X., Wang, M., & Li, J. (2023). Neural plasticity effects of melodic intonation therapy in post-stroke aphasia patients: A DTI study. NeuroImage: Clinical, 38, 103357. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nicl.2023.103357

]]>
Final_Draft_ClaraDelesalle
Final_Draft_ClaraDelesalle.pdf
319 KB
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Clara Delesalle¹, Jalyn Huang¹#

¹ Irvine High School

#Advisor

ABSTRACT

Neurological Music therapy refers to the use of the components of music such as rhythm and tone in a medical setting for patients suffering problems in their brain after a trauma or other source. Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) is a neuroscientifically motivated model of music practice and consists of 20 research-based music therapy techniques (Heyse et al., 2022). For the sake of this review, only 3 will be covered and 1 primary example of what each helps with. Overall, the findings have all demonstrated to have positive impacts on patients which proves the significance of the use of music in medical settings.

References

Beschin, N., & Robertson, I. H. (1997). Personal versus extrapersonal neglect: A group study of their dissociation using a reliable clinical test. Cortex, 33(2), 379–384. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0010-9452(08)70013-5 

Cleveland Clinic. (2020). Ear anatomy and hearing. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15485-ear-anatomy-and-hearing 

Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Music therapy: What it is, benefits & types. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/8817-music-therapy 

Europe PMC. (2016). Music and brain plasticity. Europe PMC. https://europepmc.org/article/med/26872703 

Fulman, A. (2023). Auditory cortex: Anatomy and function. Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/auditory-cortex-5198249 

Guilbert, A., Clément, S., Moroni, C., & Fattapposta, F. (2014). Hearing and music in unilateral spatial neglect neuro-rehabilitation. Frontiers in Psychology, 5, 919. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00919 

Heyse, K., Reiser, C., & Thaut, M. H. (2022). Neurologic music therapy: Evidence-based practice and neuroscience foundations. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 835234. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.835234 

Intermountain Health. (2019). How music can affect your mood. Intermountain Health. https://intermountainhealthcare.org/blogs/topics/live-well/2019/02/how-music-can-affect-your-mood 

Kang, K., & Thaut, M. H. (2019). Musical neglect training for chronic persistent unilateral neglect after stroke. Frontiers in Neurology, 10, 118. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2019.00118 

Kasuya-Ueba, Y., & Maeda, T. (2025). Music-based interventions for spatial neglect: Recent advances and clinical implications. Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences, 6, 112345. https://doi.org/10.3389/fresc.2025.112345 

Koshimori, Y., & Thaut, M. H. (2023). Rhythmic auditory stimulation in rehabilitation of movement disorders: Neurological mechanisms and clinical outcomes. Frontiers in Neurology, 14, 112233. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2023.112233 

Logue, J. (2024). 4 types of music therapy approaches. MedRhythms. https://www.medrhythms.com/blog/types-of-music-therapy 

Melodic Intonation Therapy. (n.d.). Melodic intonation therapy for aphasia. Tactus Therapy. https://tactustherapy.com/melodic-intonation-therapy/ 

Moreno-Morales, C., Calero, R., Moreno-Morales, P., & Pintado, C. (2020). Music therapy in the treatment of dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Medicine, 7, 160. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2020.00160 

Music Therapy Tales. (2016). What is musical neglect training?. Music Therapy Tales. https://musictherapytales.com/what-is-musical-neglect-training 

Neurotransmitter release—An overview. (n.d.). ScienceDirect Topics. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/neurotransmitter-release

Nombela, C., Hughes, L. E., Owen, A. M., & Grahn, J. A. (2013). Into the groove: Can rhythm influence Parkinson’s disease? Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 37(10), 2564–2570. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2013.08.003 

Perception/Unilateral spatial neglect – Strokengine. (n.d.). Albert’s test for neglect. Strokengine. https://strokengine.ca/en/assessments/alberts-test 

Posner, M. I., Walker, J. A., Friedrich, F. J., & Rafal, R. D. (1984). Effects of parietal injury on covert orienting of attention. Journal of Neuroscience, 4(7), 1863–1874. https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.04-07-01863.1984 

Stanford Children’s Health. (2019). How the ear works. Stanford Medicine Children’s Health. https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=how-the-ear-works-90-P02066 

Tactus Therapy. (2020). Aphasia: What it is, types & treatments. Tactus Therapy. https://tactustherapy.com/aphasia/ 

The University of Queensland. (2019). The limbic system. Queensland Brain Institute. https://qbi.uq.edu.au/brain/brain-anatomy/limbic-system 

Toader, C., Vasiliu, O., & Popescu, R. (2023). The effects of music on the limbic system: A systematic review. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 117656. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.117656 

Vandermosten, M., Vandenbulcke, M., Peeters, R., Vandenberghe, R., & Boets, B. (2012). Neural plasticity of white-matter tracts in aphasia: Evidence from melodic intonation therapy. Brain and Language, 122(1), 22–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bandl.2012.04.004 

Zhang, X., Li, J., & Wang, M. (2022). Melodic intonation therapy on non-fluent aphasia after stroke: A systematic review. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 16, 834157. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2022.834157 

Zhang, X., Wang, M., & Li, J. (2023). Neural plasticity effects of melodic intonation therapy in post-stroke aphasia patients: A DTI study. NeuroImage: Clinical, 38, 103357. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nicl.2023.103357

]]> Synaptic Pruning in Adolescence: Mechanisms, Environmental Influences, and Behavioral Outcomes https://www.thesteamologyproject.org/synaptic-pruning-in-adolescence-mechanisms-environmental-influences-and-behavioral-outcomes/ Fri, 10 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0700 68e9e04dc89fc800012d4cbb
Final_Draft_AshleyKim
Final_Draft_AshleyKim.pdf
320 KB
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Ashley Kim¹, Aron Elias², Jalyn Huang³#

¹ Leonia High School

² Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science

³ Irvine High School

#Advisor

ABSTRACT

Synaptic pruning is a developmental process that eliminates weaker synapses while strengthening essential connections, optimizing brain function across regions such as the hippocampus, sensory cortex, and prefrontal cortex (Rowden, 2023; Faust et al., 2021; Hathaway & Newton, 2023). This process is shaped by both experience-expectant inputs, like vision and hearing, and experience-dependent events unique to each individual (From Neurons to Neighborhoods, 2000). Disruptions caused by early-life stressors, including neglect, poverty, and violence, alter microglial activity and complement protein regulation, resulting in either excessive or impaired pruning and distinct patterns of connectivity (Teicher & Samson, 2016; Zhang et al., 2024). Molecular mechanisms such as microglial engulfment, complement cascades, and dopamine signaling are essential in maintaining pruning balance, and errors in proteins like C4 and Drd2 have been linked to schizophrenia, autism, and anxiety (Sheridan et al., 2022; Zhang et al., 2023; Ju et al., 2017). Current research highlights therapeutic strategies, including complement inhibition, gene editing, and anti-inflammatory treatments, though these approaches must address ethical and developmental challenges to preserve normal brain maturation (Mansur et al., 2021; Dayananda et al., 2022). Together, these findings underscore the complexity of synaptic pruning and its central role in cognition, emotion, and the emergence of psychiatric disorders.

References

Andero, R., Choi, D. C., & Ressler, K. J. (2014). Molecular Basis of Memory. Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science, 122, 169-192. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-420170-5.00006-4

Dayananda, K., Ahmed, S., & Wang, D. (n.d.). Early life stress impairs synaptic pruning in the developing hippocampus. Brain Behavior, 107, 16–31. 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.09.014

Deshpande, O. A., & Wadhwa, R. (2023). Phagocytosis. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556043/

Ebrahimi, M., Teymouri, K., & Chen, C. (2024). Association study of the complement component C4 gene and suicide risk in schizophrenia. Schizophrenia (Heidelberg), 10(1), 14. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41537-024-00440-w#:~:text=The%20complement%20component%20C4%20gene%2C%20an%20immune%20gene%20involved%20in,strongly%20associated%20with%20schizophrenia%20risk

Faust, T., Gunner, G., & Schafer, D. P. (2021, November). Mechanisms governing activity-dependent synaptic pruning in the mammalian CNS. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 22(11), 657–673. 10.1038/s41583-021-00507-y

F.G., A. (2001). Categorization and Similarity Models: Neuroscience Applications. ScienceDirect, 1535-1538. https://doi.org/10.1016/B0-08-043076-7/00623-9

Gonzalez-Burgos, G., Miyamae, T., Nishihata, Y., Krimer, O. L., & Lewis, D. A. (2024, August 15). Strength of excitatory inputs to layer 3 pyramidal neurons during synaptic pruning in the monkey prefrontal cortex: Relevance for the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Biology Psychiatry, 94(4), 288-296. 10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.01.019

H.-C, K. (2009). Postsynaptic Density/Architecture at Excitatory Synapses. Encyclopedia of Neuroscience, 809-815. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-008045046-9.01227-4

Hippocampus: What It Is, Function, Location & Damage. (2024, May 14). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved September 15, 2025, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/hippocampus

Johnson, J. (2024, June 26). Effect of emotions on learning, memory, and disorders associated with the changes in expression levels: A narrative review. Brain Circulation, 10(2), 134-144. 10.4103/bc.bc_86_23

Kirkland, J. M., Edgar, E. L., Patel, I., Feustel, P., Belin, S., & Kopec, A. M. (2024, April). Synaptic pruning during adolescence shapes adult social behavior in both males and females. Developmental Psychobiology, 66(3), e22473. 10.1002/dev.22473

Lee, S. W. (2023, July 26). What is synaptic pruning? Medical News Today. Retrieved September 15, 2025, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/synaptic-pruning#definition

Lepeta, K., Lourenco, M. V., Schweitzer, B. C., Martino Adami, P. V., & Banerjee, P. (2016, September). Synaptopathies: synaptic dysfunction in neurological disorders – A review from students to students. Journal of Neurochemistry, 138(6), 785–805. 10.1111/jnc.13713

Mordelt, A., & Witte, L. (2023, April). Microglia-mediated synaptic pruning as a key deficit in neurodevelopmental disorders: Hype or hope? Current Opinion in Neurobiology, 79. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conb.2022.102674

National Research Council (U.S.). Committee on Integrating the Science of Early Childhood Development. (2000). From Neurons to Neighborhoods: The Science of Early Childhood Development (J. P. Shonkoff, D. Phillips, & D. A. Phillips, Eds.). National Academies Press.

Paolicelli, R. C., Bolasco, G., Pagani, F., & Laura Maggi. (2011, September 9). Synaptic pruning by microglia is necessary for normal brain development. Science, 333(6048), 1456-1458. https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1202529

Zhang, Y.-Q., Lin, W.-P., & Huang, L.-P. (2021). Early life stress impairs synaptic pruning in the developing hippocampus. Brain Behavior, 12. 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.09.014

]]>
Final_Draft_AshleyKim
Final_Draft_AshleyKim.pdf
320 KB
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Ashley Kim¹, Aron Elias², Jalyn Huang³#

¹ Leonia High School

² Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science

³ Irvine High School

#Advisor

ABSTRACT

Synaptic pruning is a developmental process that eliminates weaker synapses while strengthening essential connections, optimizing brain function across regions such as the hippocampus, sensory cortex, and prefrontal cortex (Rowden, 2023; Faust et al., 2021; Hathaway & Newton, 2023). This process is shaped by both experience-expectant inputs, like vision and hearing, and experience-dependent events unique to each individual (From Neurons to Neighborhoods, 2000). Disruptions caused by early-life stressors, including neglect, poverty, and violence, alter microglial activity and complement protein regulation, resulting in either excessive or impaired pruning and distinct patterns of connectivity (Teicher & Samson, 2016; Zhang et al., 2024). Molecular mechanisms such as microglial engulfment, complement cascades, and dopamine signaling are essential in maintaining pruning balance, and errors in proteins like C4 and Drd2 have been linked to schizophrenia, autism, and anxiety (Sheridan et al., 2022; Zhang et al., 2023; Ju et al., 2017). Current research highlights therapeutic strategies, including complement inhibition, gene editing, and anti-inflammatory treatments, though these approaches must address ethical and developmental challenges to preserve normal brain maturation (Mansur et al., 2021; Dayananda et al., 2022). Together, these findings underscore the complexity of synaptic pruning and its central role in cognition, emotion, and the emergence of psychiatric disorders.

References

Andero, R., Choi, D. C., & Ressler, K. J. (2014). Molecular Basis of Memory. Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science, 122, 169-192. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-420170-5.00006-4

Dayananda, K., Ahmed, S., & Wang, D. (n.d.). Early life stress impairs synaptic pruning in the developing hippocampus. Brain Behavior, 107, 16–31. 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.09.014

Deshpande, O. A., & Wadhwa, R. (2023). Phagocytosis. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556043/

Ebrahimi, M., Teymouri, K., & Chen, C. (2024). Association study of the complement component C4 gene and suicide risk in schizophrenia. Schizophrenia (Heidelberg), 10(1), 14. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41537-024-00440-w#:~:text=The%20complement%20component%20C4%20gene%2C%20an%20immune%20gene%20involved%20in,strongly%20associated%20with%20schizophrenia%20risk

Faust, T., Gunner, G., & Schafer, D. P. (2021, November). Mechanisms governing activity-dependent synaptic pruning in the mammalian CNS. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 22(11), 657–673. 10.1038/s41583-021-00507-y

F.G., A. (2001). Categorization and Similarity Models: Neuroscience Applications. ScienceDirect, 1535-1538. https://doi.org/10.1016/B0-08-043076-7/00623-9

Gonzalez-Burgos, G., Miyamae, T., Nishihata, Y., Krimer, O. L., & Lewis, D. A. (2024, August 15). Strength of excitatory inputs to layer 3 pyramidal neurons during synaptic pruning in the monkey prefrontal cortex: Relevance for the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Biology Psychiatry, 94(4), 288-296. 10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.01.019

H.-C, K. (2009). Postsynaptic Density/Architecture at Excitatory Synapses. Encyclopedia of Neuroscience, 809-815. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-008045046-9.01227-4

Hippocampus: What It Is, Function, Location & Damage. (2024, May 14). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved September 15, 2025, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/hippocampus

Johnson, J. (2024, June 26). Effect of emotions on learning, memory, and disorders associated with the changes in expression levels: A narrative review. Brain Circulation, 10(2), 134-144. 10.4103/bc.bc_86_23

Kirkland, J. M., Edgar, E. L., Patel, I., Feustel, P., Belin, S., & Kopec, A. M. (2024, April). Synaptic pruning during adolescence shapes adult social behavior in both males and females. Developmental Psychobiology, 66(3), e22473. 10.1002/dev.22473

Lee, S. W. (2023, July 26). What is synaptic pruning? Medical News Today. Retrieved September 15, 2025, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/synaptic-pruning#definition

Lepeta, K., Lourenco, M. V., Schweitzer, B. C., Martino Adami, P. V., & Banerjee, P. (2016, September). Synaptopathies: synaptic dysfunction in neurological disorders – A review from students to students. Journal of Neurochemistry, 138(6), 785–805. 10.1111/jnc.13713

Mordelt, A., & Witte, L. (2023, April). Microglia-mediated synaptic pruning as a key deficit in neurodevelopmental disorders: Hype or hope? Current Opinion in Neurobiology, 79. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conb.2022.102674

National Research Council (U.S.). Committee on Integrating the Science of Early Childhood Development. (2000). From Neurons to Neighborhoods: The Science of Early Childhood Development (J. P. Shonkoff, D. Phillips, & D. A. Phillips, Eds.). National Academies Press.

Paolicelli, R. C., Bolasco, G., Pagani, F., & Laura Maggi. (2011, September 9). Synaptic pruning by microglia is necessary for normal brain development. Science, 333(6048), 1456-1458. https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1202529

Zhang, Y.-Q., Lin, W.-P., & Huang, L.-P. (2021). Early life stress impairs synaptic pruning in the developing hippocampus. Brain Behavior, 12. 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.09.014

]]> The Role of Microglia in Alzheimer's Disease https://www.thesteamologyproject.org/the-role-of-microglia-in-alzheimers-disease/ Fri, 10 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0700 68e9de6fc89fc800012d4c98
Final_Draft_AananditaMahavadi
Final_Draft_AananditaMahavadi.pdf
385 KB
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Aanandita Mahavadi¹, Arushi Gupta², Jalyn Huang²#

¹ Mountain House High School

² Irvine High School

#Advisor

ABSTRACT

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is the leading cause of dementia worldwide. It is marked by memory loss, behavioral changes, and cognitive decline, driven by the accumulation of amyloid beta plaques and tau tangles in the brain. While these specific protein abnormalities have been the focus of research, increasing evidence has shown that chronic neuroinflammation also plays a big role in the disease's progression. Microglia is a resident immune cell in the central nervous system and a key contributor to the process. Although it normally protects the brain, microglia shifts into an overactive state in Alzheimer's as it releases pro-inflammatory molecules that damage neurons and increase symptoms. Genetic factors like mutations in TREM2 and CD33 can further influence microglial function, linking these cells to the onset and progression of Alzheimer's. . Current treatments remain limited to symptom management as there is no permanent cure to Alzheimer's Although emerging therapies are starting to look into ways to regulate microglial activity, as they aim to restore microglia's protective role in the brain without harming too much. This paper will review the role of microglia in Alzheimer's pathology and highlight their potential as a promising target for future therapies. 

References

Leng, F., & Edison, P. (2020). Neuroinflammation and microglial activation in Alzheimer disease: where do we go from here? Nature Reviews Neurology, 17(3). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41582-020-00435-y

‌Melika AmeliMojarad, & Mandana AmeliMojarad. (2024). The neuroinflammatory role of microglia in Alzheimer’s disease and their associated therapeutic targets. CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics, 30(7). https://doi.org/10.1111/cns.14856

Miao, J., Ma, H., Yang, Y., Liao, Y., Chen, L., Zheng, J., Yu, M., & Lan, J. (2023). Microglia in Alzheimer’s disease: pathogenesis, mechanisms, and therapeutic potentials. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 15(15). https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2023.1201982

Gouras, G. K., Olsson, T. T., & Hansson, O. (2014). β-amyloid Peptides and Amyloid Plaques in Alzheimer’s Disease. Neurotherapeutics, 12(1), 3–11. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13311-014-0313-y

Hansen, D. V., Hanson, J. E., & Sheng, M. (2017). Microglia in Alzheimer’s disease. Journal of Cell Biology, 217(2), 459–472. https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201709069

National Institute on Aging. (2024, January 19). What happens to the brain in Alzheimer's disease? National Institute on Aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-causes-and-risk-factors/what-happens-brain-alzheimers-disease

Colonna, M., & Butovsky, O. (2017). Microglia Function in the Central Nervous System During Health and Neurodegeneration. Annual Review of Immunology, 35(1), 441–468. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-immunol-051116-052358

Familial Alzheimer’s Disease. (2024). Memory and Aging Center.  https://memory.ucsf.edu/genetics/familial-alzheimer-disease

How microglia contribute to Alzheimer’s disease. (n.d.). MIT News | Massachusetts Institute of Technology. https://news.mit.edu/2022/microglia-apoe4-alzheimers-0804

Qin, Q., Teng, Z., Liu, C., Li, Q., Yin, Y., & Tang, Y. (2021). TREM2, microglia, and Alzheimer’s disease. Mechanisms of Ageing and Development, 195, 111438. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mad.2021.111438

Arcuri, C., Mecca, C., Bianchi, R., Giambanco, I., & Donato, R. (2017). The Pathophysiological Role of Microglia in Dynamic Surveillance, Phagocytosis and Structural Remodeling of the Developing CNS. Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnmol.2017.00191

Wang, C., Zong, S., Cui, X., Wang, X., Wu, S., Wang, L., Liu, Y., & Lu, Z. (2023). The Effects of microglia-associated Neuroinflammation on Alzheimer’s Disease. Frontiers in Immunology, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2023.1117172

Cosker, K., Mallach, A., Limaye, J., Piers, T. M., Staddon, J., Neame, S. J., Hardy, J., & Pocock,J. M. (2021). Microglial signalling pathway deficits associated with the patient derived R47H TREM2 variants linked to AD indicate inability to activate inflammasome. Scientific Reports, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-91207-1

Gao, C., Jiang, J., Tan, Y., & Chen, S. (2023). Microglia in neurodegenerative diseases: mechanism and potential therapeutic targets. Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy, 8(1), 1–37. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41392-023-01588-0

Ren, S., Yao, W., Tambini, M. D., Yin, T., Norris, K. A., & D’Adamio, L. (2020). Microglia TREM2R47H Alzheimer-linked variant enhances excitatory transmission and reduces LTP via increased TNF-α levels. ELife, 9. https://doi.org/10.7554/elife.57513

Guan, Y., Zhang, L., Wang, S., Deng, Y., Zhou, H., Chen, D., & Zhang, L. (2022). The role of microglia in Alzheimer’s disease and progress of treatment. Ibrain, 8(1), 37–47. https://doi.org/10.1002/ibra.12023

Keren-Shaul, H., Spinrad, A., Weiner, A., Matcovitch-Natan, O., Dvir-Szternfeld, R., Ulland, T. K., David, E., Baruch, K., Lara-Astaiso, D., Toth, B., Itzkovitz, S., Colonna, M., Schwartz, M., & Amit, I. (2017). A Unique Microglia Type Associated with Restricting Development of Alzheimer’s Disease. Cell, 169(7), 1276-1290.e17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2017.05.018

Merighi, S., Nigro, M., Travagli, A., & Gessi, S. (2022). Microglia and Alzheimer’s Disease. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23(21), 12990. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232112990 

]]>
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Aanandita Mahavadi¹, Arushi Gupta², Jalyn Huang²#

¹ Mountain House High School

² Irvine High School

#Advisor

ABSTRACT

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is the leading cause of dementia worldwide. It is marked by memory loss, behavioral changes, and cognitive decline, driven by the accumulation of amyloid beta plaques and tau tangles in the brain. While these specific protein abnormalities have been the focus of research, increasing evidence has shown that chronic neuroinflammation also plays a big role in the disease's progression. Microglia is a resident immune cell in the central nervous system and a key contributor to the process. Although it normally protects the brain, microglia shifts into an overactive state in Alzheimer's as it releases pro-inflammatory molecules that damage neurons and increase symptoms. Genetic factors like mutations in TREM2 and CD33 can further influence microglial function, linking these cells to the onset and progression of Alzheimer's. . Current treatments remain limited to symptom management as there is no permanent cure to Alzheimer's Although emerging therapies are starting to look into ways to regulate microglial activity, as they aim to restore microglia's protective role in the brain without harming too much. This paper will review the role of microglia in Alzheimer's pathology and highlight their potential as a promising target for future therapies. 

References

Leng, F., & Edison, P. (2020). Neuroinflammation and microglial activation in Alzheimer disease: where do we go from here? Nature Reviews Neurology, 17(3). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41582-020-00435-y

‌Melika AmeliMojarad, & Mandana AmeliMojarad. (2024). The neuroinflammatory role of microglia in Alzheimer’s disease and their associated therapeutic targets. CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics, 30(7). https://doi.org/10.1111/cns.14856

Miao, J., Ma, H., Yang, Y., Liao, Y., Chen, L., Zheng, J., Yu, M., & Lan, J. (2023). Microglia in Alzheimer’s disease: pathogenesis, mechanisms, and therapeutic potentials. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 15(15). https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2023.1201982

Gouras, G. K., Olsson, T. T., & Hansson, O. (2014). β-amyloid Peptides and Amyloid Plaques in Alzheimer’s Disease. Neurotherapeutics, 12(1), 3–11. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13311-014-0313-y

Hansen, D. V., Hanson, J. E., & Sheng, M. (2017). Microglia in Alzheimer’s disease. Journal of Cell Biology, 217(2), 459–472. https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201709069

National Institute on Aging. (2024, January 19). What happens to the brain in Alzheimer's disease? National Institute on Aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-causes-and-risk-factors/what-happens-brain-alzheimers-disease

Colonna, M., & Butovsky, O. (2017). Microglia Function in the Central Nervous System During Health and Neurodegeneration. Annual Review of Immunology, 35(1), 441–468. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-immunol-051116-052358

Familial Alzheimer’s Disease. (2024). Memory and Aging Center.  https://memory.ucsf.edu/genetics/familial-alzheimer-disease

How microglia contribute to Alzheimer’s disease. (n.d.). MIT News | Massachusetts Institute of Technology. https://news.mit.edu/2022/microglia-apoe4-alzheimers-0804

Qin, Q., Teng, Z., Liu, C., Li, Q., Yin, Y., & Tang, Y. (2021). TREM2, microglia, and Alzheimer’s disease. Mechanisms of Ageing and Development, 195, 111438. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mad.2021.111438

Arcuri, C., Mecca, C., Bianchi, R., Giambanco, I., & Donato, R. (2017). The Pathophysiological Role of Microglia in Dynamic Surveillance, Phagocytosis and Structural Remodeling of the Developing CNS. Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnmol.2017.00191

Wang, C., Zong, S., Cui, X., Wang, X., Wu, S., Wang, L., Liu, Y., & Lu, Z. (2023). The Effects of microglia-associated Neuroinflammation on Alzheimer’s Disease. Frontiers in Immunology, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2023.1117172

Cosker, K., Mallach, A., Limaye, J., Piers, T. M., Staddon, J., Neame, S. J., Hardy, J., & Pocock,J. M. (2021). Microglial signalling pathway deficits associated with the patient derived R47H TREM2 variants linked to AD indicate inability to activate inflammasome. Scientific Reports, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-91207-1

Gao, C., Jiang, J., Tan, Y., & Chen, S. (2023). Microglia in neurodegenerative diseases: mechanism and potential therapeutic targets. Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy, 8(1), 1–37. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41392-023-01588-0

Ren, S., Yao, W., Tambini, M. D., Yin, T., Norris, K. A., & D’Adamio, L. (2020). Microglia TREM2R47H Alzheimer-linked variant enhances excitatory transmission and reduces LTP via increased TNF-α levels. ELife, 9. https://doi.org/10.7554/elife.57513

Guan, Y., Zhang, L., Wang, S., Deng, Y., Zhou, H., Chen, D., & Zhang, L. (2022). The role of microglia in Alzheimer’s disease and progress of treatment. Ibrain, 8(1), 37–47. https://doi.org/10.1002/ibra.12023

Keren-Shaul, H., Spinrad, A., Weiner, A., Matcovitch-Natan, O., Dvir-Szternfeld, R., Ulland, T. K., David, E., Baruch, K., Lara-Astaiso, D., Toth, B., Itzkovitz, S., Colonna, M., Schwartz, M., & Amit, I. (2017). A Unique Microglia Type Associated with Restricting Development of Alzheimer’s Disease. Cell, 169(7), 1276-1290.e17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2017.05.018

Merighi, S., Nigro, M., Travagli, A., & Gessi, S. (2022). Microglia and Alzheimer’s Disease. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23(21), 12990. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232112990 

]]> Physics and Fouettés: The Science Behind the Black Swan https://www.thesteamologyproject.org/podcast/physics-and-fouettes-the-science-behind-the-black-swan/ Mon, 06 Oct 2025 16:23:00 -0700 6924f645e3468c00016a6589 By Alana Tang

At their core, science and art feed into one another as the cornerstones of life. Processing colors, creating patterns and even moving with grace require mastery in both fields.

Physics and dance intertwine onstage in the sequence of 32 fouettés performed by the Black Swan in the ballet Swan Lake, where one of the most complicated sciences supports ballet’s arguably most famous turn sequence. 

A fouetté, related to the word “whipped” in French, refers to a type of turn in which a dancer maintains their momentum due to the whipping motion of their free (non-supporting) leg. In order for the Black Swan to achieve 32 of these turns, she must first build sufficient energy to begin rotational motion.

This is done in her turn preparation, as she goes from first position (feet turned out and pointing to opposite sides), then to a tendu (one leg slides out to the side while the other remains in first), then rond de jambs (slides one leg along the floor, around and behind the dancer) into a fourth position (feet turned out with one foot behind the other) and pliés (bends her legs).

The primary focus of the preparation is her plié, which stores spring potential energy for her turn. Her legs function similarly to a spring in this context, non-ideal due to the mass of her legs. Even so, bending her legs roughly represents compression of a non-ideal spring, and bending creates distance from the equilibrium of straight legs, allowing for the accumulation of spring potential energy. 

As the Black Swan springs up onto relevé (the tips of her toes) and spins to the side, this stored energy allows her to continue turning for longer, and her supporting foot exerts a torque against the floor as she rises up and to the side.

Dance instructor Kendall Auti, owner of the dance channel BodyKinect by Kendall, 

Kendall Auti notes that during a fouetté, dancers should “neutralize the pelvis” as they prepare for and complete their turn.

This refers to maintaining a straight line through the head, spine and pelvis instead of tilting the pelvis to the back or front. A neutral pelvis results in a more even center of mass that is perpendicular to the floor, enabling better balance and more stable turns for the dancer.

While turning, the Black Swan must engage her non-supporting leg for the iconic whipping motion of the fouettés.

“Make sure that your fouetté goes front, side, passé,” Auti says. 

This refers to the dancer’s non-supporting leg extending straight out as she turns to face the front, moving her leg to her side and then pulling it back towards her body in a passé (bent with her foot near the knee of her supporting leg). 

The complex motion of the Black Swan’s leg whipping in and out leans heavily on the principle of conservation of angular momentum. When the Black Swan extends her leg, she distributes weight farther from her center of mass, which is at her core. This increases her moment of inertia and causes her to slow down when she faces the audience (as her leg should be extended when she turns to the front). 

Moving her leg to the side and then folding it back to a passé position closer to her center of mass reduces her moment of inertia and allows her to speed back up as she rotates away from the front of the stage. The manipulation of her moment of inertia allows the Black Swan to add rhythm and intentionality to her fouettés, making the tense scene more dramatic and satisfying for the viewers. 

Physics is embedded not only in the role of the Black Swan but dance as a whole, a shining example of the intersection of art and science. As both fields continue to expand and bleed into one another, the question to answer becomes not if they blend but how they do so.

]]> By Alana Tang

At their core, science and art feed into one another as the cornerstones of life. Processing colors, creating patterns and even moving with grace require mastery in both fields.

Physics and dance intertwine onstage in the sequence of 32 fouettés performed by the Black Swan in the ballet Swan Lake, where one of the most complicated sciences supports ballet’s arguably most famous turn sequence. 

A fouetté, related to the word “whipped” in French, refers to a type of turn in which a dancer maintains their momentum due to the whipping motion of their free (non-supporting) leg. In order for the Black Swan to achieve 32 of these turns, she must first build sufficient energy to begin rotational motion.

This is done in her turn preparation, as she goes from first position (feet turned out and pointing to opposite sides), then to a tendu (one leg slides out to the side while the other remains in first), then rond de jambs (slides one leg along the floor, around and behind the dancer) into a fourth position (feet turned out with one foot behind the other) and pliés (bends her legs).

The primary focus of the preparation is her plié, which stores spring potential energy for her turn. Her legs function similarly to a spring in this context, non-ideal due to the mass of her legs. Even so, bending her legs roughly represents compression of a non-ideal spring, and bending creates distance from the equilibrium of straight legs, allowing for the accumulation of spring potential energy. 

As the Black Swan springs up onto relevé (the tips of her toes) and spins to the side, this stored energy allows her to continue turning for longer, and her supporting foot exerts a torque against the floor as she rises up and to the side.

Dance instructor Kendall Auti, owner of the dance channel BodyKinect by Kendall, 

Kendall Auti notes that during a fouetté, dancers should “neutralize the pelvis” as they prepare for and complete their turn.

This refers to maintaining a straight line through the head, spine and pelvis instead of tilting the pelvis to the back or front. A neutral pelvis results in a more even center of mass that is perpendicular to the floor, enabling better balance and more stable turns for the dancer.

While turning, the Black Swan must engage her non-supporting leg for the iconic whipping motion of the fouettés.

“Make sure that your fouetté goes front, side, passé,” Auti says. 

This refers to the dancer’s non-supporting leg extending straight out as she turns to face the front, moving her leg to her side and then pulling it back towards her body in a passé (bent with her foot near the knee of her supporting leg). 

The complex motion of the Black Swan’s leg whipping in and out leans heavily on the principle of conservation of angular momentum. When the Black Swan extends her leg, she distributes weight farther from her center of mass, which is at her core. This increases her moment of inertia and causes her to slow down when she faces the audience (as her leg should be extended when she turns to the front). 

Moving her leg to the side and then folding it back to a passé position closer to her center of mass reduces her moment of inertia and allows her to speed back up as she rotates away from the front of the stage. The manipulation of her moment of inertia allows the Black Swan to add rhythm and intentionality to her fouettés, making the tense scene more dramatic and satisfying for the viewers. 

Physics is embedded not only in the role of the Black Swan but dance as a whole, a shining example of the intersection of art and science. As both fields continue to expand and bleed into one another, the question to answer becomes not if they blend but how they do so.

]]> 82% of Scientists Dispute DOE Reports, Raising Questions About Evidence in Policy https://www.thesteamologyproject.org/podcast/82-of-scientists-dispute-doe-reports-raising-questions-about-evidence-in-policy/ Mon, 06 Oct 2025 16:19:00 -0700 6924f4bee3468c00016a6573 By Isaac Margolis

A recent release of reports by the Department of Energy, which challenge already established climate science and the associated risk assessments, elicited scrutiny from the scientific community. This event highlights a persistent tension between scientific consensus and political interpretation, raising important questions about the use of evidence in policymaking.

The controversy lies in the methodology used to construct the reports' arguments. According to an investigation by The Associated Press, the authors drew upon the work of hundreds of scientists. However, when contacted, a significant majority of the responding scientists (82%) stated that their research had been either misinterpreted or used in a selective manner, a practice often termed "cherry-picking" (Associated Press, 2025). This discrepancy suggests that there was a divergence between the reports' conclusions and the intended findings of the primary research they cite. This disconnect contributes to public misinformation and complicates effective, evidence-based environmental policy.

When scientific findings presented in government documents are disagreed on by the same researchers who produced the underlying data, it can affect public perception of the reliability of the government. A perceived gap between scientific evidence and official statements may lead some citizens to question the objectivity and transparency of the policy process. This is particularly critical in the context of climate change, where the physical evidence of escalating impacts is increasingly clear. For instance, research indicates that coral reefs are undergoing mass bleaching across 62 countries and territories due to ocean warming (The New York Times, 2025). Furthermore, in Siberia, thawing permafrost is leading to explosive crater formations, demonstrating the complex and potentially accelerating feedback loops within the climate system (The New York Times, 2025). These peer-reviewed studies represent the kind of data that risks being covered up by these policy reports.

However, many argue that challenging established scientific paradigms is an essential component of academic and policy progress. Proponents of this view may support the view that reports like those from the Department of Energy serve a necessary function by subjecting long-held assumptions to re-examination. They might argue that the economic implications of climate regulations are so impactful that ensuring the underlying science is foolproof is a major responsibility of the government. From this alternative standpoint, presenting alternative interpretations of data, even if controversial, may foster a more comprehensive and well-rounded debate, ultimately leading to stronger policies.

The significant disagreement between the report's authors and a large proportion of the scientific community whose work was referenced, however, remains a major point of contention. The 82% dissent rate among responding scientists (Associated Press, 2025) is a statistic that cannot be overlooked. While the policy process may involve interpreting and weighing evidence, the methods used must be able to withstand scrutiny in order to maintain their legitimacy. The challenge for our government is to navigate these scientific issues in a way that is transparent and faithful to the evidence, therefore fostering public confidence and ensuring that the national interests are secured against environmental risks.

]]> By Isaac Margolis

A recent release of reports by the Department of Energy, which challenge already established climate science and the associated risk assessments, elicited scrutiny from the scientific community. This event highlights a persistent tension between scientific consensus and political interpretation, raising important questions about the use of evidence in policymaking.

The controversy lies in the methodology used to construct the reports' arguments. According to an investigation by The Associated Press, the authors drew upon the work of hundreds of scientists. However, when contacted, a significant majority of the responding scientists (82%) stated that their research had been either misinterpreted or used in a selective manner, a practice often termed "cherry-picking" (Associated Press, 2025). This discrepancy suggests that there was a divergence between the reports' conclusions and the intended findings of the primary research they cite. This disconnect contributes to public misinformation and complicates effective, evidence-based environmental policy.

When scientific findings presented in government documents are disagreed on by the same researchers who produced the underlying data, it can affect public perception of the reliability of the government. A perceived gap between scientific evidence and official statements may lead some citizens to question the objectivity and transparency of the policy process. This is particularly critical in the context of climate change, where the physical evidence of escalating impacts is increasingly clear. For instance, research indicates that coral reefs are undergoing mass bleaching across 62 countries and territories due to ocean warming (The New York Times, 2025). Furthermore, in Siberia, thawing permafrost is leading to explosive crater formations, demonstrating the complex and potentially accelerating feedback loops within the climate system (The New York Times, 2025). These peer-reviewed studies represent the kind of data that risks being covered up by these policy reports.

However, many argue that challenging established scientific paradigms is an essential component of academic and policy progress. Proponents of this view may support the view that reports like those from the Department of Energy serve a necessary function by subjecting long-held assumptions to re-examination. They might argue that the economic implications of climate regulations are so impactful that ensuring the underlying science is foolproof is a major responsibility of the government. From this alternative standpoint, presenting alternative interpretations of data, even if controversial, may foster a more comprehensive and well-rounded debate, ultimately leading to stronger policies.

The significant disagreement between the report's authors and a large proportion of the scientific community whose work was referenced, however, remains a major point of contention. The 82% dissent rate among responding scientists (Associated Press, 2025) is a statistic that cannot be overlooked. While the policy process may involve interpreting and weighing evidence, the methods used must be able to withstand scrutiny in order to maintain their legitimacy. The challenge for our government is to navigate these scientific issues in a way that is transparent and faithful to the evidence, therefore fostering public confidence and ensuring that the national interests are secured against environmental risks.

]]> Predatory Publishing Is Undermining Research Integrity https://www.thesteamologyproject.org/podcast/predatory-publishing-is-undermining-research-integrity/ Mon, 06 Oct 2025 16:12:00 -0700 6924f2f5e3468c00016a655d By Kaia Paul

In our current social and economic landscape, companies are prioritizing quantity over quality. Pressures to outperform other businesses hinder the beauty of devoted effort on individual projects. This trend has not only affected the market but also science. Specifically, research publications are becoming increasingly devalued as journals prioritize the quantity of their releases over the true academic merit of their work.

In recent years, there has been a surge in journals whose business model emphasizes volume over quality, accepting papers that are outside their declared scope and require minimal review. The proliferation of such work is weakening our standards of scientific rigor. In fact, according to Professor Kenneth Timmis, “The agnostic search for truth and scepticism… persuades generations of governments to fund scientific research through tax revenues."

In return, it is expected that scientists "respect the science ethos, act with integrity in a trustworthy manner and single-mindedly seek the truth in order to advance knowledge." Professor Timmis’ words demonstrate the need for intensive peer review before publications to ensure scientific integrity. Doing otherwise would undermine public trust, devalue real scientific contributions, and make it difficult to find truly high-quality work.

Despite these warnings, several policy changes are causing journals to resort to lax publication requirements. One significant factor is the transition to Open Access practices, or the release of articles free for the public to view. While these works are available without charge to readers, their writing itself is funded by authors, institutions, and mandates through article processing charges (APCs). This introduces financial incentives for journals to publish more articles without vigilant supervision of their quality.

In addition to journals, authors themselves are also pressured to release a greater volume of work at the cost of scientific integrity. For instance, the “publish or perish” idea describes that career advancement is often judged by quantity (number of papers, citation metrics) rather than research quality, pushing authors toward lower-barrier outlets. This is especially significant because publication records play a role in whether a researcher gets hired, earns tenure, and receives funding. As a result, new authors may never learn the true standards of scientific rigor and develop poor habits that ultimately invalidate their work.

It is important to recognize the implications of lazy publishing from journals and authors alike. For instance, the mass release of poor articles leads to a dilution effect, making it difficult to sift through material to find meaningful contributions. This also wastes public funds by directing APC spending towards low-quality outlets that have higher outputs of articles. As a result, research will be more difficult to trust. If this problem is not resolved, newer researchers may come to accept these low standards as the norm for publishing.

There are a few possible solutions to re-establish scientific integrity. Through implementing a code of conduct for journals, scientific ethos can be verified and help not just the journals release quality work, but also train authors to understand the importance of scientific rigor. This could be furthered through journal accreditation. For instance, creating a system that recognizes publications that adhere to the code of conduct. Verified authors may then be awarded certain privileges, including greater acclamation or funding opportunities. 

]]> By Kaia Paul

In our current social and economic landscape, companies are prioritizing quantity over quality. Pressures to outperform other businesses hinder the beauty of devoted effort on individual projects. This trend has not only affected the market but also science. Specifically, research publications are becoming increasingly devalued as journals prioritize the quantity of their releases over the true academic merit of their work.

In recent years, there has been a surge in journals whose business model emphasizes volume over quality, accepting papers that are outside their declared scope and require minimal review. The proliferation of such work is weakening our standards of scientific rigor. In fact, according to Professor Kenneth Timmis, “The agnostic search for truth and scepticism… persuades generations of governments to fund scientific research through tax revenues."

In return, it is expected that scientists "respect the science ethos, act with integrity in a trustworthy manner and single-mindedly seek the truth in order to advance knowledge." Professor Timmis’ words demonstrate the need for intensive peer review before publications to ensure scientific integrity. Doing otherwise would undermine public trust, devalue real scientific contributions, and make it difficult to find truly high-quality work.

Despite these warnings, several policy changes are causing journals to resort to lax publication requirements. One significant factor is the transition to Open Access practices, or the release of articles free for the public to view. While these works are available without charge to readers, their writing itself is funded by authors, institutions, and mandates through article processing charges (APCs). This introduces financial incentives for journals to publish more articles without vigilant supervision of their quality.

In addition to journals, authors themselves are also pressured to release a greater volume of work at the cost of scientific integrity. For instance, the “publish or perish” idea describes that career advancement is often judged by quantity (number of papers, citation metrics) rather than research quality, pushing authors toward lower-barrier outlets. This is especially significant because publication records play a role in whether a researcher gets hired, earns tenure, and receives funding. As a result, new authors may never learn the true standards of scientific rigor and develop poor habits that ultimately invalidate their work.

It is important to recognize the implications of lazy publishing from journals and authors alike. For instance, the mass release of poor articles leads to a dilution effect, making it difficult to sift through material to find meaningful contributions. This also wastes public funds by directing APC spending towards low-quality outlets that have higher outputs of articles. As a result, research will be more difficult to trust. If this problem is not resolved, newer researchers may come to accept these low standards as the norm for publishing.

There are a few possible solutions to re-establish scientific integrity. Through implementing a code of conduct for journals, scientific ethos can be verified and help not just the journals release quality work, but also train authors to understand the importance of scientific rigor. This could be furthered through journal accreditation. For instance, creating a system that recognizes publications that adhere to the code of conduct. Verified authors may then be awarded certain privileges, including greater acclamation or funding opportunities. 

]]> IMAX’s AI Film Festival Stirs Backlash, Raising Questions About Creativity in Film https://www.thesteamologyproject.org/podcast/imaxs-ai-film-festival-stirs-backlash-raising-questions-about-creativity-in-film/ Mon, 06 Oct 2025 16:05:00 -0700 6924f1fce3468c00016a6546 By Ina Kim

IMAX, the global leader in immersive cinema for their large curved screens, ventured into a new territory. The company has signed a deal with an AI company, Runway, to launch an AI Film Festival, marking a groundbreaking collaboration between traditional filmmaking and artificial intelligence: two worlds that should never collide.

According to IMAX, "Runway's AIFF is a celebration of the art and artists embracing new and emerging AI tools for filmmaking.” The shorts from the film festival would be screened from August 17 to August 20 at ten locations in the United States. The jury panel contained technology and media industry professionals, including noteworthy filmmakers Harmony Korine, Gaspar Noé, Jane Rosenthal and more. 

However, instead of excitement, the announcement from IMAX sparked outrage globally. IMAX posted on Twitter their recent deal with Runway, with the comments only filled with "humiliating," and “shame on [IMAX],” alongside other disappointed comments from movie-lovers. 

This backlash reflects a deeper fear: the heart of cinema itself is being compromised. Pairing filmmaking and artificial intelligence is completely unfitting in our current society. People come to watch movies in theaters and in their living rooms, being fascinated by the art of how movies are made. Now, people could be watching movies with the end credits having names of robots.

The decision to support an AI Film Festival doesn’t just hurt IMAX’s reputation. It directly harms human filmmakers, especially independent ones. Young and independent filmmakers struggling to have their films play in IMAX theaters had their chance stolen by artists producing AI-generated films. There is no good message to send out to society by letting robots create films. 

IMAX isn’t alone. The usage of artificial intelligence has already spread across the film industry. Several major film festivals, including Slamdance and Tribeca, have been accepting AI-generated films. Before then, these two film festivals always spotlighted showcasing films made by independent filmmakers rather than artificial intelligence. Now, film festivals are sidelining human creativity, making room for artificial intelligence. 

As more festivals open their doors to artificial intelligence, the dangers to the film industry become clearer. Especially when people watch movies daily, AI threatening filmmaking will reduce opportunities and creativity. As artificial intelligence grows rapidly, its growing presence in the arts threatens to reshape movies, a medium people consume daily as comfort. Now opportunities for emerging independent filmmakers are shrinking and stifling human originality. The biggest concern of AI in filmmaking is job displacement. AI, quickly involved with technology, can take control of editing, special effects, and possibly elements of storytelling. AI has already landed in popular editing software, including Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve, and skilled professionals risk losing jobs they depend on. Another common threat of AI in filmmaking is curtailing human creativity. Human creativity plays a powerful role in artistic storytelling that takes time and patience, but with artificial intelligence, it can scriptwrite, storyboard, and possibly produce film scores within seconds. There wouldn’t be a use of raw, human creativity anymore. 

Some may argue that this technological evolution is inevitable. “More filmmakers are using evolving AI tools, and studios are partnering with AI companies to explore how they can use the technology in content creation,” NBC News stated.

Sure, AI doesn’t have to play the artistic role of filmmaking production. Maybe artificial intelligence can optimize shooting schedules, considering factors like actor availability, location management, budgeting, and weather conditions. But having the smallest thought of using artificial intelligence to produce a forty-minute film completely overlooks the essential role of human creativity.

Ultimately, the future of IMAX is not at stake, but the passion and soul of filmmaking itself. IMAX signing a deal with Runaway to hold an AI Film Festival is only supporting AI-generated films, encouraging more artists to let AI take over the art of movies. With more film festivals opening doors for fully AI-generated films, the hope for future aspiring artists may be increasingly uncertain. 

]]> By Ina Kim

IMAX, the global leader in immersive cinema for their large curved screens, ventured into a new territory. The company has signed a deal with an AI company, Runway, to launch an AI Film Festival, marking a groundbreaking collaboration between traditional filmmaking and artificial intelligence: two worlds that should never collide.

According to IMAX, "Runway's AIFF is a celebration of the art and artists embracing new and emerging AI tools for filmmaking.” The shorts from the film festival would be screened from August 17 to August 20 at ten locations in the United States. The jury panel contained technology and media industry professionals, including noteworthy filmmakers Harmony Korine, Gaspar Noé, Jane Rosenthal and more. 

However, instead of excitement, the announcement from IMAX sparked outrage globally. IMAX posted on Twitter their recent deal with Runway, with the comments only filled with "humiliating," and “shame on [IMAX],” alongside other disappointed comments from movie-lovers. 

This backlash reflects a deeper fear: the heart of cinema itself is being compromised. Pairing filmmaking and artificial intelligence is completely unfitting in our current society. People come to watch movies in theaters and in their living rooms, being fascinated by the art of how movies are made. Now, people could be watching movies with the end credits having names of robots.

The decision to support an AI Film Festival doesn’t just hurt IMAX’s reputation. It directly harms human filmmakers, especially independent ones. Young and independent filmmakers struggling to have their films play in IMAX theaters had their chance stolen by artists producing AI-generated films. There is no good message to send out to society by letting robots create films. 

IMAX isn’t alone. The usage of artificial intelligence has already spread across the film industry. Several major film festivals, including Slamdance and Tribeca, have been accepting AI-generated films. Before then, these two film festivals always spotlighted showcasing films made by independent filmmakers rather than artificial intelligence. Now, film festivals are sidelining human creativity, making room for artificial intelligence. 

As more festivals open their doors to artificial intelligence, the dangers to the film industry become clearer. Especially when people watch movies daily, AI threatening filmmaking will reduce opportunities and creativity. As artificial intelligence grows rapidly, its growing presence in the arts threatens to reshape movies, a medium people consume daily as comfort. Now opportunities for emerging independent filmmakers are shrinking and stifling human originality. The biggest concern of AI in filmmaking is job displacement. AI, quickly involved with technology, can take control of editing, special effects, and possibly elements of storytelling. AI has already landed in popular editing software, including Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve, and skilled professionals risk losing jobs they depend on. Another common threat of AI in filmmaking is curtailing human creativity. Human creativity plays a powerful role in artistic storytelling that takes time and patience, but with artificial intelligence, it can scriptwrite, storyboard, and possibly produce film scores within seconds. There wouldn’t be a use of raw, human creativity anymore. 

Some may argue that this technological evolution is inevitable. “More filmmakers are using evolving AI tools, and studios are partnering with AI companies to explore how they can use the technology in content creation,” NBC News stated.

Sure, AI doesn’t have to play the artistic role of filmmaking production. Maybe artificial intelligence can optimize shooting schedules, considering factors like actor availability, location management, budgeting, and weather conditions. But having the smallest thought of using artificial intelligence to produce a forty-minute film completely overlooks the essential role of human creativity.

Ultimately, the future of IMAX is not at stake, but the passion and soul of filmmaking itself. IMAX signing a deal with Runaway to hold an AI Film Festival is only supporting AI-generated films, encouraging more artists to let AI take over the art of movies. With more film festivals opening doors for fully AI-generated films, the hope for future aspiring artists may be increasingly uncertain. 

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