The Contradictions of Human Nature Explored Through Nietzsche and Hobbes

The human condition is complex, and many attempts have been made, unsuccessfully, to solve it and produce better societies. The reason these attempts fail is because human nature has fundamentally contradicting desires, making it impossible to satisfy through any social arrangement. Hobbes explores the desire to preserve through his work Leviathan, in which he argues that because of human’s desire to preserve themselves and what they consider to be theirs, they should organize themselves into a society dominated by a single political leader. Hobbes justifies this by arguing that this leader is the only way to satisfy people’s desire for preservation, and that this structure is necessary for the betterment of humanity. Nietzsche, in his work The Genealogy of Morals, explores a very different facet of human nature, the desire to create. Nietzsche argues that people experience a desire to create something for themselves, separate from society. Nietzsche takes this further when he argues that the creation of anything new, from abstract concepts like moral principles to consumer goods, requires the destruction of something that already exists. Nietzsche argues that in order to maximize creation, society should be stripped of restraints, including laws and morality. Both of these arguments are correct, humans possess both the desire to create their own work, and the desire to preserve it. These drives are also incompatible, demonstrating the inherent contradictions within the human condition

The Effects of Smoking on Epilepsy; A Systematic Review

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects over 50 million people each year. In the U.S. alone it is estimated that 1.2% of the population is actively receiving treatment for epilepsy related symptoms and the percentage increases exponentially in low or middle-income countries. Epilepsy is a treatable condition, with an estimated 70% of people able to become seizure free if treated properly, but treatment is expensive and its availability is below 50% in low SES countries. Many factors have been shown to cause epilepsy, such as genetics, stroke, or head injury to name a few, but many cases still have undetermined causes. Smoking is a known risk factor for many diseases and it has been noted that among people with epilepsy there is a significant increase in smoking rates compared to the general population making its effect on epilepsy an area of concern. The widespread use of cigarettes and the high prevalence of epilepsy in the general population leads to the goal of this paper, which is to study the effect that smoking has on the development of epilepsy, as well as the impact of smoking on the symptoms of epilepsy in adults. The broader impact of this study is to increase awareness about the prevalence of epilepsy and possible risk factors in the general population, as well as to attempt to decrease smoking rates among those with epilepsy by summarizing evidence of risks connected to smoking

Can Female Agency Be Found in Taming of The Shrew?

Is conformity a choice or a cage? When looking at William Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew, it is hard to ignore the suffering endured by the women in the play. The play’s portrayal of women as submissive often causes critics to focus on the play’s problems instead of exploring its social commentary. These interpretations are often a result of a lack of consideration for the historical context of Shakespeare’s time. To continue to produce art, he had to consider what would please the monarch. It is unfair to expect Shakespeare to have used his position to radically challenge preconceived notions. However, it is still possible that Shakespeare’s play had more than one meaning, reflecting a complex and complicated society in need of change. A literary element that Shakespeare incorporated into much of his works was satire. Satire is a tool that uses humor to subvert the dominant structures and critique traditional norms. In a play exploring traditional roles in gender, marriage, and social classes, satire can critique and undermine the societal norms that shape these expectations. While it is important to explore the limitations of the play regarding women’s roles and expectations, it is equally important to look at their strengths in pushing back against societal norms. So through the play’s induction, characterization of Katharine, and the portrayal of male characters, this essay will use feminist theory to examine Taming of the Shrew and how it pushed the social bounds imposed on women in the 16th century

Twin Pregnancy and the Effects of Advanced Maternal Age

Objective: To analyze literature concerning the impact of advanced maternal age on twin pregnancy. Methods: A literature search was conducted through PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar on the rates of twin pregnancy with emphasis on maternal age. Results: The selected literature presented opposing results. Some papers found a higher chance of twin pregnancy in older mothers, while others from young maternal age. Conclusions: Additional research is needed to conclude associations between maternal age and twin pregnancy

The effects of homeopathic coca on membrane integrity in calcium stressed Tetrahymena thermophila

Abstract only.Homeopathic coca has been lauded as a natural treatment for a wide variety of ailments, from treating altitude mountain sickness to relieving withdrawal symptoms in individuals addicted to cocaine. Given the varying results from studies investigating the veracity of homeopathic coca’s effectiveness on cocaine withdrawal, the goal of this study was to examine the effect of coca in a model organism that mimics the symptoms associated with withdrawal. To accomplish this, symptoms reported in cocaine addicts were induced in Tetrahymena thermophila through exposure to excess calcium cations and then subsequently treated with homeopathic coca. It was hypothesized that homeopathic coca would help maintain the integrity and functionality of cell membranes after the calcium-induced membrane stress. To investigate the cellular response of T. thermophila to excess calcium and homeopathic coca, behavioral assays were performed to assess metabolic function, motility, and responsiveness to a chemical stimulus. Furthermore, gene expression analysis was performed on the CAM1 and AMK1 genes using Reverse Transcription - quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR). It was predicted that treatment with homeopathic coca would increase expression of CAM1 and AMK1, two genes involved in cross membrane transport and ciliary function. Behaviorally, it was predicted that T. thermophila cells would experience an increased linear speed, increased response to chemical gradients, and a faster recovery from deciliation after being treated with homeopathic coca. Understanding the mechanistic action of homeopathic coca in treating withdrawal symptoms in a model organism provides a basis for research on its effects in human patients

Examining the Effects of Oleuropein on Oxidatively-stressed Tetrahymena thermophila

Oleuropein, an active ingredient in olive leaf extract, is marketed as a homeopathic antioxidant supplement; however, its effect on gene expression and behavior has not been well studied. This study investigated the effectiveness of oleuropein as an antioxidant in oxidatively stressed Tetrahymena thermophila. It was hypothesized that there would be a change in the expression of genes related to alleviating oxidative stress along with a change in behaviors associated with metabolic activity and motility. The genes examined in this study were GPX1, which codes for an enzyme that protects cells from oxidative damage, and GST9, which codes for a detoxification protein. The behavioral assays employed assessed cell growth, cilia regrowth, and cell motility, illustrating oleuropein’s impacts on cellular metabolism. There were three treatment groups for this study: one control exposed to neither oleuropein nor hydrogen peroxide, another exposed to only hydrogen peroxide to induce oxidative stress, and a third that was exposed to both hydrogen peroxide and oleuropein. During the treatment period, cells were counted to determine growth rate and were subjected to the motility and deciliation assays 48 hours after culturing. Furthermore, expression of GPX1 and GST9 was assessed via Reverse-Transcription quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR). Because it was hypothesized that oleuropein treatment would act as an antioxidant, it was predicted that there would be decreased expression of the antioxidant-related genes, GPX1 and GST9, along with the exhibition of normal metabolic and motility-related behaviors in the oxidatively stressed cells treated with oleuropein

Diversity and Composition of Snow Algal Communities in Montana and Wyoming

Snow algae are unique psychrophilic organisms exhibiting red pigmentation, most commonly found in high-alpine environments. These extremophiles lower the albedo of snow and increase the rate of snowmelt, exacerbating the influence of global warming on snowfields and glaciers. At the same time, reduced habitat places the biodiversity of snow algae communities at risk, making snow algae a significant topic of interest in both environmental and ecological disciplines. However, the factors that influence the composition and diversity of red snow microbiomes are not yet fully understood. In this study, the prokaryotic makeup of snow algal communities in Montana (Gravelly Mountain Range) and Wyoming (Beartooth Mountain Range) was explored in the summer of 2024 to assess community-level differences. Both pink and white snow samples were collected to compare snow with and without blooms, and microscopy was utilized to analyze the samples qualitatively. Based on previous studies, it was hypothesized that the prokaryotic composition of snow algal communities would differ among locations and that the stage of development would influence the composition. Here, the results on the community composition patterns are presented. Sequence reads associated with the bacterial phylum Rhodothermota were found in high abundance in Beartooth Mountain Range samples, while the phylum Pseudomonatoda was most abundant in Gravelly Range samples. This study represents the first investigation into the prokaryotic composition of snow algal communities in Montana, providing information that can be used in future studies of snow algal communities and incorporated into climate models

The Effect of Niagen on DNA Repair and Metabolism in Tetrahymena thermophila

Abstract only.Nicotinamide riboside chloride, branded Niagen, is marketed as an anti-aging supplement due to its ability to serve as a precursor for the essential metabolic coenzyme, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). Although manufacturers claim that Niagen aids in cellular processes such as DNA repair and energy production, findings from previous research on its cellular mechanism and effectiveness remain inconclusive. In this study, the model organism Tetrahymena thermophila was exposed to a UVC light-induced stressor to assess the effects of Niagen on recovery from DNA damage. Based on previous studies, we hypothesized that T. thermophila treated with Niagen would be better protected against DNA damage, as indicated through changes in behavior and expression of THD10, a gene involved in DNA repair, and PDA1, which plays a role in cellular metabolism. Three experimental groups were established to test this hypothesis, including a control group and two groups of cells that were exposed to UVC light for three periods of 30 minutes over 48 hours. During the UVC treatment period, one of the two groups also received Niagen supplementation. Behavioral assays, consisting of cell counts, motility, and deciliation, were performed to examine recovery from DNA damage, while RT-qPCR was utilized to analyze the expression of THD10 and PDA1. It was predicted that the supplement’s proposed ability to aid in DNA repair and energy production would increase the expression of the THD10 and PDA1 genes. Behavioral changes in Niagen-treated T. thermophila were also predicted, specifically faster re-growth following deciliation, increased motility, and increased cell growth

Comparing the Efficacy of CBD and NSAIDs in Recovery from Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness Following Eccentric Exercise: A Systematic Review

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of cannabidiol (CBD) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in treating delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) following eccentric exercise. Methods: Literature was gathered through PubMed, Medline, and Science Direct in January and February 2025. Randomized controlled trials examining CBD or NSAIDs for DOMS were selected. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Results: Five CBD studies reported no significant improvements in soreness, inflammation, or recovery compared to placebos. One study showed slight soreness reduction at 48 hours but no functional benefits. All three NSAID studies showed short-term pain relief, particularly within 24 hours, but no improvements regarding long-term muscle recovery. Conclusions: CBD does not currently demonstrate effectiveness in treating DOMS. NSAIDs may offer short-term pain relief, but neither intervention significantly improves long-term recovery outcomes. Further research is needed to evaluate optimal dosing and alternative treatments for DOMS

Investigating Ergothioneine as an Antioxidant Countermeasure to Microgravity-Induced Oxidative Stress in Tetrahymena thermophila

As human space exploration advances, there is an increasing need to investigate the effects of microgravity on cellular health and metabolic function. While extensive research has focused on the effects of microgravity on physiological systems, such as the circulatory and skeletal systems, its impact at the cellular level remains less understood. Microgravity has been linked to mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to elevated cellular oxidative stress characterized by increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These highly reactive molecules can induce cellular damage, compromising structural integrity and disrupting key metabolic processes. This study aimed to investigate the potential of ergothioneine, a stable antioxidant found in fungi, to decrease ROS in the cell and restore cellular metabolic function after exposure to microgravity. Using Tetrahymena thermophila as a model organism, the experiment assessed gene expression and cellular behavior changes in response to simulated microgravity, both with and without ergothioneine supplementation. Gene expression levels of SOD (superoxide dismutase), ATG8 (autophagy-related protein), and AAC1 (ATP/ADP translocase) were analyzed using RT-qPCR, while behavioral assays evaluated motility, ciliation, and phagocytosis. It was hypothesized that ergothioneine treatment decreases expression of SOD, ATG8, and AAC1, all while increasing motility, cilia regeneration, and decreasing phagocytosis. To test this hypothesis, cells were cultured in a microgravity simulator for 48 hours, with one group receiving ergothioneine treatment during the simulation. Additionally, a control group remained under normal gravity conditions without ergothioneine treatment; all groups underwent RNA extraction and RT-qPCR for gene expression analysis and behavioral assays