Welcome back to Week 4's edition of PRISM where we talk about how whales may help in the battle against cancer, as well as an entertaining segment on the different types of contraception! As always, we hope you enjoy the newest instalment of PRISM and wish you a great week ahead!

Interested in having a fun and feel-good term 2? Looking for a way to give back to the community? Want to bond with like-minded students, whilst volunteering with not-for-profits?

THEN THIS IS FOR YOU!! Use this registration link to apply to our Volunteer Immersion

Program or check out our Facebook page for more info!! Applications close 19th JUNE 11:59PM!

This program is a student-led initiative organised by SCISOC Philanthropy that strives to work with well-known not-for-profits that deal with various societal issues and allow for diverse volunteering opportunities.

Within this program, you get the chance to give back to the community and participate in a number of events both on and off campus. This is the perfect opportunity to strengthen a wide variety of skills, all while bonding with your peers. So get in quick for a fun and rewarding time with friends.

Need a break from studying? Want some entertainment during lunch as you ditch your lecture?

Come join SCISOC at our 3v3 Basketball Beatdown at the VILLAGE GREEN to compete and/or support your friends in a round-robin style tournament. Sign up in teams of 4 to get a chance to win some amazing PRIZES and FAME!!

WHEN: Week 4 Wednesday 21st June

TIME: 12-3pm

WHERE: UNSW Village Green Basketball Courts

Check out our Facebook page for more information.

New Research Suggests Whales are the Secret to Cancer Resistance

In our 21st century world, we have conquered many diseases and cured many health conditions, whether through vaccines, medicines or surgeries, we have never come so close to overcoming our biology. However, we have yet to find a definitive cure for cancer, which accounts for around one sixth of all deaths each year. But scientists may be approaching a breakthrough in the cure for cancer, but its source is something you won’t expect.

Bowhead whales, the giants of the Arctic Ocean, have fascinated scientists with their exceptional longevity and low cancer rates. Recent research has uncovered their unique DNA repair abilities, shedding light on potential groundbreaking cancer treatments for humans. This report explores the remarkable findings and their implications for understanding and combating cancer.

Bowhead whales possess a superpower-like ability to repair damaged DNA with exceptional proficiency and accuracy. Their repair process restores DNA to a pristine state, surpassing that of other mammals.

Two key proteins, CIRBP and RPA2, have been identified as essential players in the DNA repair process of bowhead whale cells. Understanding these proteins could pave the way for targeted cancer therapies.

Similar to elephants, bowhead whales demonstrate distinct approaches to cancer prevention. While elephants have extra copies of the TP53 gene, bowhead whales rely on efficient and accurate repair of DNA double-strand breaks.

Studying animals like bowhead whales and elephants, which exhibit low cancer rates, provides valuable insights into combating cancer. Researchers aim to harness the strategies employed by these animals to develop effective cancer treatments for humans.

Understanding the DNA repair mechanisms of bowhead whales and the tumor-blocking gene TP53 in elephants offers potential for targeted therapies in human cancer. The findings highlight the importance of investigating animal defenses against cancer.

Further exploration of marine species like humpback whales and dolphins is necessary to uncover different cancer prevention mechanisms. Ongoing studies on TP53 and other genes involved in DNA repair will deepen our understanding and open avenues for novel cancer treatments.

Bowhead whales' exceptional DNA repair abilities present a new frontier in cancer research. The study's insights into repairing damaged DNA and preventing cancer-causing mutations offer hope for revolutionary cancer treatments. By harnessing nature's wisdom, scientists are working towards a future with more effective and personalised cancer therapies.

Rating Ways To Avoid Pregnancy 101

Birth control, a term we’ve long thrown around to encompass the vast multitude of contraceptive methods to prevent birth. Though I’m sure we’ve all had our fill of sex education unwillingly in mandatory PDHPE classes, to what extent do we really understand the intricacies of these different devices and methods to mitigate unwanted pregnancies. From copper IUDs to self-imposed abstinence, this week’s fun corner will take you on an intriguing exploration of the different types of contraceptive methods and we’ll also provide a rating based on our biased opinions to determine which method is the most effective, relative to quality of life and price point.

Abstinence

Abstinence, be it self imposed or against our will, juxtaposes hedonism such that it is the conscious decision to refrain from sexual activity revolving around vaginal, anal and oral sex as a non-hormonal form of birth control. There lie various reasons for why an individual may choose to partake in abstinence concerning their personal, cultural and religious values as it is regarded as the safest form of birth control. After all, by eliminating the cause, there is no effect, hence why it is widely utilised to prevent any unwanted accidents. As abstinence can be referred to as a natural contraceptive method, it allows individuals to avoid changes in our hormonal composition resulting from oral ingestion or foreign insertion, thus avoiding the side effects that the latter and former may pose. Abstinence may also be a choice that individuals make in order to seek enlightenment as it allows the opportunity to focus on personal goals, wellbeing and establishing genuine human connection. With these factors in mind as well as the price point of a whopping $0, we rate this method of contraception an 8/10!

Combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP)

The combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP), also referred to as the birth control pill is a hormonal method of birth control that contains synthetic forms of estrogen and progestin to suppress ovulation and thin the uterine lining to prevent implantation. According to The Royal Women’s Hospital, the pill is statistically estimated to be 99.7% effective in preventing pregnancies if taken daily. However, this percentage decreases if a tablet is missed as the hormones wear off after about 36 hours, thus resulting in side effects such as spotting or a trip to the pharmacy for plan B.

Aside from its usage in preventing unwanted pregnancies, COCP also has secondary benefits such as regulating cycles, reducing menstrual discomfort, and improving acne, which doctors may prescribe accordingly regardless of sexual activity. However, whilst the pill offers various benefits regarding unwanted pregnancy anxiety, it can also induce symptoms of depression and mood swings due to the artificial alteration of our hormones to prevent ovulation. Moreover, side effects such as nausea, headaches, breast tenderness or even perpetuate irregular bleeding can also arise with usage, which are all extensively detailed in a hefty drug information booklet along with your tablets. All in all, though COCP serves as an effective contraceptive method, its usage also poses great health risks, thus at a price point of $0-50 per month, we would rate it a 6/10.

Condoms

There are many pros and cons of condoms. One of the main benefits of using condoms is that it can prevent any sexually transmitted infections or diseases (especially if you have multiple partners)! It also has a 98% success rate when used properly and when it is within its expiry date. Condoms also have no long lasting effects on your fertility compared to IUDs and birth control. Furthermore, condoms have developed to the point where they have different flavours! It can greatly improvise your sexual experience depending on your preferences. Not only is it the main method of contraception but it is extremely easy to use! The only cons noted with condoms is that it is commonly misused which can bring its protection rate to 78%. Furthermore, people with latex allergies will have a difficult time in using them and it is believed to decrease sensitivity (which is not an excuse to not wrap it). Condoms are also fragile at times and too much friction can cause it to tear. What to note is that incorrect removal of condoms while it is still in the vagina can result in accidental pregnancy. Overall, it is a very good contraceptive and has additional benefits compared to other methods.

Make sure to always wrap it before you tap it!

Rating: 8.5/10

IUD

IUD’s (intrauterine device) are one of the best contraceptives possible! It has a 99% success rate, coming second in effectiveness to abstinence. An IUD is inserted into uterus and can stay there for 3-12 years, and it is so tiny people can’t even feel it! With an IUD you can have sex whenever you want without the worry about pregnancy. It is also low maintenance, so it is one of the best contraceptives for busy women! Furthermore, it is reversible and has low effects on people’s fertilities! However, there are a few cons with it. As an IUD requires it to be inserted and requires an OB/GYN. Main problem with IUDs cannot protect anyone against STDs! Sperm and semen can still enter the vagina and uterus during ejaculation. Which is why even with IUDs, people still have to wear a condom. Furthermore, it can have lots of side effects, such as pain, cramping and spotting. Overall, IUDs can be effective in preventing pregnancy and would be suited for a couples who are not ready for children. If you enjoys a liberal sex life note that although IUDs is great at preventing unexpected pregnancies, STDs and STIs are a major thing to note.

Final words, always wrap it!

Rating: 6/10

To conclude, contraceptives are always important! Especially in university, unexpected pregnancies are not desirable among students. SCISOC encourages everyone to practice safe sex to protect yourself and others!
THAT’S A WRAP (IT)!!!

UNSW Science Society is proud to announce our continued partnership with GradReady through 2023. GradReady provides GAMSAT Preparation courses for anyone looking to pursue Medicine after they graduate.
This process starts earlier than you think, so if you’re studying medical science or just have that passion, check out what they have to offer!