Jewish Students at UT Austin Facing Antisemitism

A recent Anti-Defamation League (ADL) survey found that 73% of Jewish college students nationwide have experienced or witnessed antisemitism on campus since the beginning of the 2023-24 school year. The uptick coincides with the flare-up of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict last October. At UT Austin, the specific nature of these antisemitic incidents remains unclear. However, students have shared experiences of verbal harassment, microaggressions, and social exclusion. Some students, particularly those visibly identifiable as Jewish, report feeling unsafe and unwelcome. Sarah Goldstein, a UT Austin sophomore, spoke about feeling targeted during a class discussion on the Middle East. "A classmate kept making generalizations about Israelis and alluding to antisemitic tropes about Jewish control," she shared. "When I tried to challenge them, I…

Hybrids vs EVs – Choosing Between Performance & Practicality

Hybrids vs EVs: The Great Debate Revving Up Among Drivers. As gas prices soar and climate concerns rise, car enthusiasts are rethinking their rides. But which path to take: the efficient hybrid or the zero-emission electric vehicle? The automotive landscape is undergoing a historic shift. Gone are the days of unchallenged gasoline dominance. Today, drivers are presented with a compelling menu of eco-friendly alternatives, with hybrids and electric vehicles (EVs) leading the charge. But with both boasting impressive fuel efficiency and environmental benefits, which one reigns supreme? The answer, like most things in life, is – it depends. Hybrids: The Bridge Between Gas and Electric Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) bridge the gap between traditional gasoline-powered cars and pure EVs. They…

Mpox Resurgence: A Cause for Concern? 

An image of a virus The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued a warning about a potential resurgence of mpox, a viral illness related to smallpox. This news comes on the heels of a devastating outbreak of the Clade I strain in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), raising concerns about its spread and the effectiveness of existing measures. While the U.S. primarily experienced cases of the Clade II strain during the 2022 global outbreak, the Clade I variant circulating in the DRC poses a different threat. Clade I has a higher mortality rate, with estimates ranging around 5% compared to Clade II's less than 0.2%. Dr. Nadia Freeman, an epidemiologist at the CDC, emphasizes the importance…

FDA-Approved Self-Swab: A Game Changer for Cervical Cancer Screening

The FDA's recent approval of the first FDA-approved self-swab kit for HPV testing marks a significant step forward in the fight against cervical cancer. Traditionally, cervical cancer screening has relied on Pap smears, a procedure conducted by a healthcare provider during a pelvic exam. While highly effective, some women find Pap smears uncomfortable, embarrassing or even a barrier due to limited access to healthcare facilities. The new FDA-approved self-swab option empowers women to take control of their health in the privacy of their own homes. The kit provides a swab for collecting a vaginal sample, which is then mailed to a lab for HPV testing. This approach offers a multitude of potential benefits: Increased Screening Rates Studies, such as one…

Car Interior Flame Retardants and Health: Are We Breathing in Cancer Risks?

For most Americans, the daily commute is a familiar routine. But a recent study published in Environmental Science & Technology throws a wrench into that normalcy, raising concerns about a potential health hazard lurking within our cars. The culprit? Flame retardant chemicals, added to car interiors to meet safety standards, may be off-gassing and contaminating the air we breathe while driving, potentially putting us at risk for cancer and other health problems. The study, led by researchers at Duke University, analyzed the cabin air of 101 vehicles ranging from model years 2015 to 2022. The findings were alarming: Near ubiquity of flame retardants: A staggering 99% of the cars tested contained a flame retardant called tris(chloropropyl) phosphate (TCIPP). This chemical…