At tonight’s table talk we discussed immunotherapy. The most common way to fight cancer is chemotherapy, but this is very primitive since it kills all cells that divide quickly, evidently leading to the loss of our hair. GRF Shiv is doing research in a form of immunotherapy. He told us about how he created a lymph node outside of the body that speeds of the process of antibodies marking “bad” cells. The body naturally produces them over the course of 14 days, but with Shiv’s method it only takes 4! These antibodies can then be used in vaccines to fight cancer and other diseases. “Science and cooking are so similar. You look for the right recipe and right ingredients, but instead of taste being the outcome its human life.” This was my favorite quote of the talk because it makes it seem so much more relatable and understandable. I think Shiv’s research is so interesting and innovative and it makes me wonder why it is not a more common treatment for cancer. If we could cut down the time it takes to fight these invader cells by 10 days why aren’t we?! Thank you Shiv for an informative and enjoyable chat filled with laughs and a new perspective on science. Your laugh made me laugh too!
Author Archives: az245
Take a Break!
It’s very important to give yourself a break. Whether it be a stroll around campus or a quick ten-minute massage, everyone needs a little “me” time. My massage this weekend was such a treat after the end of my prelims this semester. Being a student at any college or university is challenging, let alone an ivy league institution like Cornell. Sometimes we get so caught up in our studying and problem sets that we forget to take care of ourselves. The human body can only take so much stress before it starts to break down. We can’t continuously pull all-nighters and give up our sleep just to get the grades. It’s essential to take a little breather every now and then. My massage this weekend gave me ten minutes of pure relaxation. Everyone needs to find time to let themselves recharge. Thank you Rose House for giving me this little break to recuperate and get myself ready to tackle the next few weeks of studying and late nights!
Get Out(side)!
I’ve always enjoyed volunteering and giving back to those less fortunate than I am. Into the Streets seemed like the perfect way for me to do that here in Ithaca. Going into the event, I had no idea what to expect. I figured we would end up playing with kids at the YMCA facility. To my surprise, we arrived at what looked like a hiking site or campground of sorts. It was so interesting to learn about all the different outdoor education programs they provide to the Ithaca community! Spending the day in the woods helping to clean up broken glass so kids don’t fall and get hurt was a lot more rewarding that it might sound. This event has inspired me to want to volunteer and give back more. I think I might try and volunteer at the YMCA regularly!
You Can’t Grow With Us
Fun fact, apples can be patented and have trademarks! I had no idea that true until I heard the NPR on apples that Professor Blalock played for us. Apparently, the DNA of apples can be patented limiting those who can grow it, but patents expire. The trademark on an apple protects its name and it never expires. I think it is interesting that the apple growing industry is so cliquey and exclusive. It makes me feel kind of special knowing there are certain breeds of apples that only people in my area can grow. Another thing that makes me feel special is the fact that a professor from my school has developed an apple that was designed in Geneva to promote fruit consumption in children lunches. Ruby Frost might be the apple that changes the game. An apple that doesn’t brown is like ice cream that doesn’t melt!
Stop and Smell the Gardens
The tour of the Botanical Gardens was fantastic. Our tour guide Betty was such a cute little old lady and she reminded me so much of my grandma. So right off the bat, I knew I was going to enjoy this activity. There is a study going on in a part of the garden to test the effects of climate change. Several species of plants were planted inside a greenhouse tunnel and outdoors. Betty thought it was fascinating how some plants really didn’t flourish inside the tunnel, and her enthusiastic mannerism talking about it only grasped my interest more. One fun fact I learned on the tour that I will never forget for the rest of my life is that slugs love beer. Slugs are big pests in the gardens and eat holes in many of the plant leaves. Betty told us that in her garden she leaves a bowl of beer for the slugs and they drown in it. Even though the Botanical Gardens are too big to treat for slugs and other pests, thanks to Betty if I ever decide to plant my own personal garden I’ll have a cheap, feasible solution to deal with these pests.
The Future Looks Promising
Tonight I attended the first Rose House Café of the year. I really enjoyed the set-up tonight and look forward to how they will be run in the future. Although I’ve only lived in Rose for a few weeks now, the sense of community I can already feel from the other residents is incredible. I can’t wait to get to know Professor Blalock and the entirety of the Scholar’s staff throughout this program. Being a part of the discussion tonight made me feel so welcomed and at home. I was relieved to find out other girls in Lyon Hall are just as fed up with the bathrooms as I am! Overall, tonight’s café really helped me gage how this semester is going to unfold and I am so excited to be a part of this experience.