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Back to Articles Science & Technology Back to Sections Ingenuity: An Engineering Marvel By Elyas Layachi Volume 1 Issue 7 April 22, 2021 Image provided by NASA On Thursday, February 18th, 2021, the Perseverance rover touched down on the Martian surface. Its primary goal includes studying the Martian soil and hunting for signs of ancient or current life (see article in ARCHIVES: Issue 6 for more information). However, Perseverance has another job. It was the primary transport vehicle for Ingenuity, a Martian helicopter experiment. The results from this experiment, if successful, will significantly impact future exploration of the Martian surface. Ingenuity is equipped to deal with a host of hostile conditions on Mars. For starters, the Martian atmosphere is only 1% as dense as Earth’s atmosphere at the surface, meaning it will take more power and lighter weight for an aircraft to lift off in the Martian atmosphere. Secondly, during the Martian daytime, the planet’s surface receives only half the amount of solar energy that Earth receives during its day, which means that Ingenuity’s solar panels and battery must be as efficient as possible. Third, the nighttime temperatures on Mars can drop as low as minus 120 degrees Fahrenheit, freezing and cracking unprotected electrical components. This means that Ingenuity must also have proper protection for its parts, or else it will malfunction. As stated previously, Ingenuity is a Martian helicopter/drone. It was carefully sterilized on Earth to avoid contaminating Mars with microbes, and it dropped its protective debris shield on Mars on March 21st, preparing for its first flight. It is, according to NASA, the “first attempt at powered, controlled flight of an aircraft on another planet.” Its flight will be the first time an aircraft will attempt to fly through another world’s atmosphere. After deploying its protective shield, it will take the helicopter another six days to prepare for its deployment. For its first test flight, Ingenuity will power up, run its rotors at 2,537 rotations per minute, lift-off, climb at a rate of 3 feet per second, and hover at 10 feet above the surface for up to 30 seconds. Images, video, and possibly audio footage will be taken off the flight by Perseverance’s cameras and microphones, and they will be relayed to Earth soon after. If the mission proves successful, it will hail a potential new generation of Martian explorers that can scout ahead of rovers and even humans in the decades to come to make surface exploration easier. Additionally, if successful, drones or helicopters could explore even more distant worlds, such as the moons of Jupiter and Saturn. Now, it is safe to say that the Earth’s sky is no longer the limit. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections My Thanksgiving Family Traditions By Ismaela Andre Volume 2 Issue 2 November 19, 2021 Image provided by DOGO News Thanksgiving is a meaningful holiday for my family and me. We have many traditions. One is to eat dinner with each other. We all sit in the dining room and enjoy the delicious homemade food. Another family tradition is to give thanks. Before we eat the food, we sit down and go around the table to say what we're thankful for. I love sharing what I am grateful for every year, and most times, what I am thankful for does not change. Our last tradition is pie. Every year we get multiple pies like pecan, apple, shoefly -- a Pennsylvanian pie that is made with mostly molasses and sugar -- pumpkin, and many others. It is like a pie buffet! I love all our Thanksgiving family traditions; however, this year is going to be totally different. This year, my birthday is the same day as Thanksgiving! I am so excited and can't wait to celebrate it. My birthday is always near Thanksgiving, so I am extra excited for this year. One thing I look forward to the most this year is to continue our family traditions. I hope you and your families enjoy the holidays and create some traditions for yourself as well! BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Art Guild Back to Sections Dying Savannah By Malachi Lewis November 24, 2020 Pencil, Charcoal Volume 1 Issue 2

Back to Artwork Heckscher Back to Sections Memory Tree Entry 5 April 14, 2022 Mixed Media Volume 2 Issue 6

Back to Artwork Portrait Back to Sections Nayab Raja - Portrait By Nayab Raja January 20, 2021 Photography Volume 1 Issue 4

Back to Artwork Black American Artists Back to Sections Still Life with Fruit and Nuts By Robert Seldon Duncanson February 12, 2021 Volume 1 Issue 5 Medium: Oil on Board, Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Tomato Tomâto- NYSSEF Finalist Noa Cordova Volume 4 Issue 4 May 29, 2024 Image Provided by Mrs. Mansfield Commonly, “tomato/tomâto” expresses the idea that two things are essentially the same thing despite minor, inconsequential differences. In the case of Ismaela Andre’s research project, this idiomatic expression is far from applicable. Ismaela Andre, a senior Advanced Science Research student, earned her spot as a New York State Science and Engineering Fair (NYSSEF) finalist through her 3-year tomato research project which broadly focused on distinctions between two tomato types. Inspired by her study of Stevia and Splenda sugar in Science Research 9A alongside Mr. DiSclafani, she decided to continue studying sugar. Her freshman-year sugar research concluded that natural sugar, like cane sugar, is the healthiest, and maintained an interest in natural sugars. In Science Research 10, she concentrated on articles related to natural sugars including that of nectar, sunflower seeds, honey, and most notably, fruits. So, how did this well-known household ingredient become the focus of Ismaela’s research project? Peaches and tomatoes were the final contenders for the focus of her research. Her mentor Dr. Samuel Hutton, Associate Professor at the University of Florida, specialized in tomatoes, resulting in her tomato-focused research project. Ismaela followed an elaborate process to successfully carry out her research. Her mentor shipped indeterminate and determinate tomato seeds from Florida; indeterminate tomatoes continue to produce until the first autumn frost while determinate tomatoes only produce once. Assisted by Cold Spring Harbor research manager Blaine Fitzgerald, she put the seeds through germination for two weeks at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory greenhouse and transplanted them in Uplands Farm; by mid-September, she had fully grown tomatoes to work with. She measured the brix level, or the sugar content, of the tomatoes using a digital refractometer, which measures exactly that. Using a statistical test called a “t-test”, she found the statistical significance of her data when comparing indeterminate and determinate tomatoes. From her work outside, she began her work inside writing her senior paper. Her paper details significant findings: miniature indeterminate tomatoes had a higher brix level, and the green shoulder effect, a common disorder during the ripening stages of a fruit, does not affect a tomato’s sweetness. Her latter finding clarified a misconception about the relationship between the green shoulder effect and a tomato’s quality; although the abnormality affected tomatoes’ appearance, it does not mean they are “bad.” Full interview with Ismaela Andre: What was the biggest challenge? "I would say the biggest challenge of this process was definitely the connection part…the process of working with your mentor who's in Florida while working in Cold Spring Harbor. The communications were hectic because of the distance, but my professor was good at ensuring I had everything I needed.   What did you enjoy most? “I definitely enjoyed the experience of doing the project…when I would go down to cold spring harbor, plant the seeds and the process of watching the tomatoes grow.”   What did you take away from the experience?   “I did get learn how connections are very powerful...if I hadn’t gotten to know my mentor, I wouldn’t have been able to get into the Cold Spring Harbor Lab. Another thing that was equally important was learning the vocabulary of journal articles and annotating them.” Ismaela’s research delved deep into a common produce item and produced outstanding results that earned her an honorable mention at NYSSEF. Her hard work distinguished her from the many high school scientists across the state. Naturally, Ismaela will continue to pursue scientific studies as she focuses on chemistry as part of her pre-med track as an aspiring gynecologist. Ismaela shared, “The most valuable lesson for me was the learning experience itself and knowing that no matter where you go, you’ll always learn something new.” Congratulations, Ismaela! You are continuing to make North proud. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Science & Technology Back to Sections The Four-Leaf Clover: Leprechaun Luck or Genetics? By Alyssa Garufi and Hannah Lee Volume 2 Issue 5 March 28, 2022 Image provided by Smithsonian Magazine Sir John Melton once said, “If a man walking in the fields finds any four-leaved grass, he shall, in a small while after, find some good thing.” With St. Patrick's Day, millions of people around the world are going to be looking for their own lucky four-leaf clover. But what makes the four-leaf clover so lucky and rare to find? The answer lies in genetics! Most clovers have three leaves, with their scientific name being the genus Trifolium – that's Latin for three leaves. However, people have discovered that some clovers have four leaves, rather than three. While these four-leaf clovers do exist, they are extremely unique and difficult to discover. Why is this the case? Traditionally, the original three-leaf clover has symbolized faith, hope, and love. In the Christian faith, the three-leaf clover also symbolizes the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This is because according to Christian beliefs, Saint Patrick used a shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity to a group of Irish people looking to convert to Christianity. However, the significance of the four-leaf clover is much different. Four-leaf clovers were Celtic charms thought to allow people to see fairies and to offer magical protection. In addition, they were also thought to ward off bad luck. As time passed, the four-leaf clover eventually came to symbolize good luck, rather than warding off bad luck. The legends say that the rare four-leafed clover is where we get our luck from. Don’t thank the leprechaun for this luck, however - thank genetic mutation . The four-leaf clover originates from a genetic mutation in the original three-leaf clover that caused it to have an extra leaf. According to Wayne Parrott, a professor of crop sciences in the University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences in Athens, the clover’s lucky fourth leaf sprouts from a mutation in the DNA of the genus Trifolium . The type of clover most associated with the four-leaf clover is the white clover. Parrott researched the DNA of this white clover and discovered which genes influence the shape and color of the leaves of the clover. He discovered that the white clover was an allotetraploid - which can be broken down into ploid , meaning chromosome, and tetra which means four. This discovery showed researchers that the white clover chromosomes each come from a different species, making this white clover the perfect breed of clover to study in order to understand the science behind the legend. In Parrott’s study, he grew 178 white clover plants and recorded any plant that had at least one four-leafed stem. The results of the study showed that four-leafed stems tended to favor warmer conditions - proving to Parrott and his team of researchers that the original three-leaved genome was likely an adaptation of the four-leaf clover for colder climates. The clover plant originates from the bean plant which has a lot of leaves, thus further validating the results of his study. Since the three-leaf clover made the clover more likely to survive, it is today the most prominent type of clover in the world. However, as DNA replicates, mutations occur, and every once in a while, there is a mutation that weakens the plant's ability to mask the four-leaf gene, allowing for us to find an occasional four-leaf clover. However, this mutation does not often occur, explaining why it is so rare and lucky.  Now you know the significance of the four-leaf clover, and how it differs from the three-leaf clover. You also know about the fascinating genetics behind its odd occurrences in nature. So exactly how likely are you to find one of these lucky plants? Scientists say that for every 10,000 clovers, one of them will have four leaves. That’s about a .01% chance of finding a four-leafed clover. So, next time you find a four-leaf clover, thank genetics for the luck it brings!  BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Science & Technology Back to Sections Why Leaves Change Color By Manal Layachi Volume 2 Issue 3 January 14, 2022 Image provided by Britannica Have you ever wondered why leaves change color? This year, it took the leaves a long time to change color and fall off trees because of climate change. Leaves get their color from chlorophyll, carotene, xanthophyll, and other leaf pigments. As you might already know, plants use carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight to make oxygen and glucose. This process is called photosynthesis, and it occurs in leaf cells containing chlorophyll. In the fall, the leaves stop performing photosynthesis because of changes in temperature and daylight time. As a result of this, the chlorophyll breaks down, the green color disappears, and a yellow-orange color replaces it. Other chemical changes can occur, which form more colors because of the development of red anthocyanin pigments. These colors include red, purple, and brilliant orange. All these colors are created due to the mixing of the chlorophyll and other pigments. As leaves change color, other changes occur as well. A special layer of cells develops at the point where the stem of the leaf is attached to the tree. This layer gradually breaks apart the tissues that support the leaf. However, the tree seals the break simultaneously, so when the leaves fall from their own weight, they leave behind a “leaf scar.” Overall, the changing of color in leaves is fascinating and extraordinary! BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections A Drive into the Archive of New York’s License Plates Akilan Subramaniyan Image Provided by Akilan Subramaniyan   You are on a road trip, the type that is excruciatingly long and mundane. The sort that makes you investigate license plates that hang behind cars. You scan through traffic, analyzing unique license plate designs. Out of nowhere, you gawk at an SUV bearing an iconic NY license plate. A plate that incorporates hues of yellow and blue, featuring Niagara Falls to the Montauk Lighthouse and everything in between (“Excelsior Plates | NY DMV”). A simple yet stunning license plate. However, you ponder how the state of New York ended up with this marvelous design. What is the history behind it?              Before we dive into the historical aspect, let us first comprehend what license plates are used for and their significance. The first was introduced in the late 1800s (Search Quarry). The first state that mandated the use of plates was, ironically, New York. Nevertheless, this state never issued these plates. Nor did they express any strict regulations on whether the plates should be visible. During those times, people created their own license plates by hand, using initials and materials such as metal or leather. Despite that, in 1903, Massachusetts was the first state to hand out plates directly to its citizens. Did you know the first license plate manufactured by this state only had the number “1” on it! (Rosenberg) Promptly, states across the United States began distributing license plates to residents. This action enables the police to effortlessly interpret license plates. This marked the beginning of vehicle enrollment laws in the US (Search Quarry). After years of evolution, the Department of Motor Vehicles administers license plates in the US (Rosenberg). Current plates abide by standards but include elements that support state patriotism. This includes iconic slogans or symbols, stunning or dazzling designs, and more. It also has niche roles. For example, allowing police to locate a suspect’s car, showing the ownership of a vehicle, and having taxes, tolls, or rules all tied to the license plate registration (Search Quarry). As already discussed, New York was the first state to mandate license plates. On the other hand, the state had not distributed the license plates itself. Relying on people to make license plates made the license plate system unorganized and messy. Observing this, New York started to provide license plates for uniformity and organization. In 1910, the state of New York distributed state-made license plates, which became the first standardized license plate. This 1910 license plate design, made of steel with a porcelain coat, was selected for durability on roads. It was composed of white lettering and “NY” written vertically on the right-hand side behind a dark blue background. This massive leap was met with a few challenges. Manufacturing these plates in mass production, dealing with organization, and distributing them to an increasingly large population was demanding. Spreading awareness to folks about “Requirements and ensuring widespread compliance,” according to the New York State Blog, was another grueling task. Additionally, another hurdle was that while officials adapted to this new system, they also needed to find vehicles that were still using owner-made or no license plates at all. The good news is that this change laid the vital path for advanced vehicle identification soon ( Newyorkstate.blog ). As the 1920s rolled around, plates became more uniform, made of steel, and often simply had “N.Y” on the side with the year and numbers. Throughout the 1930s to 1940s, license plates were practical and sophisticated in design due to materials’ availability after World War II. Moving on, the 1950s introduced multi-year-old plates and saw the making of the renowned 1957 orange lettering on a black background. Post 1960, New York evolved to use aluminum for their license plates. This material has anti-corrosion, lightweight, and easy recycling qualities. ( Newyorkstate.blog ). All of New York’s license plate designs keep practicality and looks. When it came to practicality, designs committed to contrasts like the 1929 and 1930 plates. In addition, the state embraced sharp contrasts to increase the visibility of the plate. On the other hand, attractiveness stemmed from the utilization of colors that represented, “…the evolving visual identity of New York's roadways,” as stated by the New York State Blog. An important event was the inclusion of the famous slogan, “Empire State,” in 1951. This slogan was both historically significant and contributed to state patriotism, as it was the prediction of New York’s future by George Washington. It was subtle but still powerful. ( Newyorkstate.blog ). Now, after a profound investigation of New York’s license plate history, we surface back to the present day. New York License plates in the present day still prioritize practicality and security while steered by modern technology, and an ever-changing appeal of different beautiful plate designs. The 1900s and early 21 st century advanced toward standard and famed designs that would be etched into New York as a distinctive icon. Starting with the 1986 plate design, which contained dark blue on a white introducing the symbolic Statue of Liberty. It developed such a strong identity that it became a benchmark for two decades. The following was the 2001 plate, which had blue lettering on a golden yellow before switching back to the original blue-on-white. In 2010, a famous updated, “Empire State,” plate was revealed to be often connected to the concrete jungle of NYC. Finally…the most recent license plate is none other than the 2020 “Excelsior” plate. It continues with the blue text on white, has a detailed background, and the slogan, “Excelsior.” This design will continue to be a staple on New York roads around the state ( Newyorkstate.blog ). The final aspect of the current New York license plate is to do with modernization. Modern plates employ a highly reflective coating and are embossed (imprinting the letters for a raised look). This increased readability during the nighttime. Security elements implanted into the seal in the middle of the license plate deter counterfeits. All these measures make the modern plate more secure and functional than older counterparts ( Newyorkstate.blog ). New York State, just like the rest of the states, started out small in the system of license plates. After decades and centuries of development, from owner-made handicrafts to symbolic plate designs, New York has been through a long journey. All this work has not just been forgotten in New York’s interstates and streets. Instead, it turned into a staple in New York. With state loyalty, it hangs behind New York yellow taxis, lengthy MTA buses, flashing and bright NYPD patrol cars, enormous FDNY ladder trucks, and even behind an ordinary New Yorker's car. This piece of metal will follow behind wherever New York is headed, serving as a reminder of New York’s proud license plate ( Newyorkstate.blog ). Excelsior Plates | NY DMV The History of License Plates in the U.S. The History of License Plates in the United States - Fun Facts to Know Journey Through New York License Plates History: A Reveal! - Newyorkstate.blog License Plates of New York US_NYXX_GI4.jpg (598×392) BACK TO TOP