2017 Edition

Henrietta Lacks was an African American who suffered from cervical cancer. In the process of treating her, doctors discovered an immortal cell line called HeLa cells. These cells are considered the most important discovery in medical research, as they have allowed for further research and discoveries that would eventually save millions of lives. Henrietta and her family were unaware of the profit that doctors made and the impact that she had on the medical community. This paper discusses the ethics of the doctors actions, and whether the Lacks family is entitled to the money and fame that doctors received from the discovery of an immortal cell line.

Polyoxometalates are negatively charged anions usually constructed with an early generation transition metal such as vanadium (V), niobium (Nb), molybdenum (Mo), and tungsten (W). Scientists are searching for cheaper and more effective ways to manage diseases by using polyoxometalates to improve the drug delivery process. There is evidence to suggest that these compounds may be effective in treating asthma in some patients and they may be able to access the cell directly through endocytosis.

This paper examines the key timelines behind the Russian Annexation of Crimea and how the “West” was systematically defeated in the field of intelligence by the Russian military and its intel community. Due to the rise of Cold War era relations between Russia and the West, it is important to learn from the mistakes of past engagements and to better understand the strategies and methods of the Russian Federation.

This paper explores the relationship between Shin Bet, Israel’s premier intelligence agency, and counterterrorism policy in Israel. Some of the practices that are utilized are often intense. Whether it is the deradicalization of prisoners in captivity or the interrogation of prison detainees, Shin Bet never fails its mission to protect the Israeli people. They do not back down in any situation. This behavior, however, has led to controversies and failures; many of which can be learned from in other nations’ intelligence agencies.

This paper examines Francisco Pizarro’s campaign to conquer the Inca Empire in what would be the first step in the eventual Spanish domination of South America. Pizarro managed to bring down the largest empire in the world at the time with just a few hundred men and his own ambition and cunning. Had Pizarro failed in his mission, Spain would have been deprived of the vast gold and silver mines that enabled it to be the most powerful nation in the world in the 16^th century. Additionally, the Inca Empire, armed with the new knowledge of its opposition, would likely have managed to resist Spanish domination for decades, if not longer.

History is full of fables of heroes, villains, and their horrific encounters. The tales include the characters accomplishing extraordinary feats of strength and stamina. In modern times, people consider such things fabrications passed down by societies to impart knowledge to the next generation. However, what if the stories had some truth to them? The Viking told tales of warriors who would feel no pain and exert innumerous amounts of strength, they were called Berserkers. Unlike other tales of the old world, this unique class of warriors may have a scientific explanation for their extraordinary reputation. The theories behind the berserkers’ rage are explored within this paper in an attempt to put credibility to the Viking’s tales of such incredible warriors.