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Can we determine the shape of a drum by analyzing the sounds it produces? This has been a longstanding question in mathematics for the past 70 years. In 1954, George Polya, a renowned Hungarian-American mathematician,  proposed a conjecture suggesting a link between the vibration frequencies of certain geometric shapes, including rectangles, triangles, or disks, and their physical shapes.

Following the post-pandemic trend of everything digitizing, College Board's SAT exam has gone digital for the spring of 2024. Juniors taking the exam soon are likely already aware that they will be foregoing the pencil and paper for a laptop or tablet, but for the underclassmen planning out their high school careers and just in case you didn’t know, here’s a run down of the new exam.

The gradual increase in seawater levels has contributed to the gradual sinking of coastal cities in the United States. This problem continues to be a silent problem that risks flooding and the livelihood or lifestyle of locals in these cities. Researchers from different universities in the US, Canada, England, and India have all reported and created a study to examine the potential impacts of subsidence in 32 cities along the Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific Coasts.

Whether this is your first time or third experiencing midterm exams, and however little or many tests you may have, no student gleans much enjoyment from the historically stressful week. Unless you somehow have no exams (and are the target of many envious feelings), you’ve likely been spending long hours on practice problems and Quizlet flashcards, both intellectually and emotionally preparing yourself  for what’s to come. And, like many of us, you probably find yourself getting incredibly distracted by the likes of Youtube, Tiktok, or pretty much anything but your schoolwork. It’s alright to take breaks when you need to, but engaging in procrastination when you’re supposed to be studying is less fantastic.

With Chicago temperatures sinking sub-zero, electric vehicle charging stations have become crowded with dead robots, depleted batteries, and anxious owners. Electric cars are prone to do less well in cold temperatures, mainly due to the chemical reactions that create power in the battery slow down in cold weather. Although most electric vehicle (EV) owners face a shortage in range in the winter, Chicago makes it even harder for EVs. Chicago and other parts of the US face a similar snowstorm that is expected to be dangerously cold. Most owners are frustrated and can't believe their EVs are dying within minutes, even with 30-60 miles of range

While technology has enhanced our ability to explore the ocean, scientists continually uncover new discoveries from its profound depths. Recent studies have revealed an invisible line that delineates two distinct types of marine life. Moreover, this research has illuminated unique ecosystems that exist beneath the ocean's surface, presenting a stark contrast to the more familiar ecosystems found in the upper layers of the ocean. 

On February 24, 2022, Ukrainian citizens’ worst nightmare became a reality. Russia invaded Ukraine in what would become the largest attack against a European country since World War II. During the first year of the war, Ukraine lost 30-50% of its GDP. There have been many devastating effects of this conflict and the battle continues as you read this article. 

Between January 12th and January 19th, heavy snowfall, rain, and strong winds buffeted the United States, resulting in casualties across the country. Fortunately, following last year’s holiday snowstorm, many areas were far better prepared as people stockpiled resources ahead of time and utility vehicles were ready.

Sickle cell disease (SCD), though rare with fewer than 200,000 cases in the United States, stands as  the most common and clinically significant inherited blood disorder nationwide.  SCD treatment includes medications, transfusions, blood and marrow transplant and gene therapy. Recently,  the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first two gene-editing therapies to treat sickle cell disease.

Since the War in Gaza started in October, an estimated 1.7 million people — more than 75% of Gaza’s population — have been displaced. Israel's military campaign has killed more than 31,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry. Reports from the Gaza Health Ministry also say more than 13,000 children have been killed since the end of October. Entire families have been wiped off of Gaza’s health registry.