June 2023
Volume 5 Issue 7
For our last issue of Volume 5, we are pleased to be releasing seven articles covering topics ranging far and wide in the realm of science. In this issue, you can learn about new medical and aerospace technology, ways we can reduce our impact on the environment, and how we can address public health crises.
Thank you to the nearly 50 young scientists and researchers who have contributed to this volume, and to everyone who has supported them in their academic journeys. The CSFJ is incredibly honoured and proud of the brilliant work that we get to share. Have a fantastic summer, and see you in September!
by Timothy Cai
This project aims to make orbital technologies accessible at the miniature scale, specifically thrust-vector-control, through an iterative engineering process simplifying and miniaturizing technologies from launch vehicles such as the Space Shuttle and Falcon 9. Results show that scalable thrust vectoring is possible at a small scale, giving adaptability and control applicable to both small and large test vehicles. With accessible orbital flight, countless experiments can be completed concurrently, allowing for faster amateur rocket development and opening another path to space.
by Rachel Simantov
A computer simulation of the COVID-19 pandemic progression was coded and used to find the most cost-effective medical response strategies. The simulation is the backbone of a framework that provides actionable insights and direction on coping with global public health crises. The framework is based on economic optimization, thereby maximizing the value of each vaccine dose and the plausibility to coexist with the pandemic.
by Nadine Persad
It is estimated that up to 32% of food is lost or wasted each year. There are existing technologies to preserve produce, including edible coatings, gassing, and irradiation. A promising ingredient found in insect exoskeletons and crustacean shells is chitin. This project aimed to develop a protocol to isolate chitosan from cricket powder and create a sprayable solution of this chitin derivative. I have developed a post harvest treatment from cricket powder that is biodegradable, food-safe, and environmentally friendly to help prolong the shelf life of fresh produce.
by Affaan Abid
Capsule endoscopy (CE), first introduced in 2000, facilitates non-invasive examination of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract using remote digital imagery. It as an emerging technology in the medical imaging industry as currently the most common procedures include ultrasound, CT scans, and colonoscopy. In this project, I have investigated developing a spectroscopy-based application that has the capability of detecting the presence of blood found among many samples. With future research, this application can be integrated with CE as a tool to identify internal bleeding inside patients, thus improving our current ability and methods for diagnosis.
by Jonghoon Lim
When one thinks of a way to disinfect water, boiling is usually the first idea to come to mind; however, one may not realize that there are those who may not have easy access to electricity or fire to boil the water. Due to this reason, I have decided to investigate and develop upon one method of efficiently disinfecting water without having to rely on electricity, known as solar disinfection (SODIS). SODIS is a cheap way to disinfect water, where the ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun inactivate pathogens.
by Hassan Amir
Alarmingly, current trends and data show an exponential rise in opioid-related substance use among Canadian youth. In 2021 alone, the Yukon territory recorded 23 deaths due to opioids. Nationally, Canada has a rate of 19.4 deaths from opioids per 100,000 people, significantly lower than the Yukon. This novel study determines the statistical correlation between opioids and youth. Further, extracting key health determinants, through a comprehensive evaluation methodology ensures unbiased and credible results.
by Katharine Morley
The main goal of this project is to determine whether natural or chemical coagulants are more effective at coagulating microplastics (MPs). Being economical and environmentally friendly, natural coagulants have benefits over chemical ones and could be pursued as a key means of coagulation if they prove to be as effective. The results of my experiments could be used to further the development of coagulation for the removal of MPs and to find a way to apply it in a real-world situation such as performing it on larger bodies of water.