We’re back with another edition of ‘Discover more.’

A quick summary in case you haven’t seen the March Edition:

Every month the editors pick out a couple of interesting articles, research papers and other media formats that cover topics in STEM, written/presented by professionals in their respective fields, ideally over the past month. In this way, we hope to provide a contrast to our usual articles, and provide a way for you to delve further into whichever field of STEM particularly interests you.

Podcast: Columbia University Zuckerman Institute of Neuroscience, Lab in the Time of Coronavirus: “Scientists, Mobilized.” Published 29th April 2020

Exploring a grassroots initiative by a research scientist specializing in leukemia to create a database of volunteer researchers which has now gathered over 700 members (at time of recording), the podcast discusses how responses to the COVID-19 pandemic can be centralized, and how scientists have found ways to improve the logistical problems of coordinating a community-wide effort to alleviate the issues this virus has caused. Whether it is arranging for help at COVID Biobanks or folding uniforms at hospitals, this short 13/14 minute podcast is an interesting but uncomplicated outlook at a project that has quickly boomed, and may inspire you to take the initiative yourself – especially if you are stuck for ideas!

‘Difficult’ Read (but really worth it if you’re into Particle Physics): Pascoli, S. Turner, J. Matter-antimatter symmetry violated. Published in Nature News and Views, 15th April 2020, Volume 780 Issue 7803

Leptonic charge-conjugation parity-reversal violation? Neutrino flavours? Why is there an excess of matter over antimatter in the Universe?

The article explores the phenomena of particle-antiparticle mirror symmetry violation, theories and possible proofs for its cause through observing leptogenesis and monitoring neutrino oscillations between its three flavors. By detection of interactions between neutrinos and neutrons and gauging percentages of muons and electrons formed, one can measure the oscillation probability muon-to-electron neutrino conversions (two of its observable flavors). The paper also touches on the significance of previous research, as in how they contribute to an overall understanding of the interactions between fermions, but also looks at current developments in technology and how they will affect research into this phenomena – whether it be by providing a greater confidence level or providing complementary techniques to the successful T2K experiment. Definitely a relatively accessible insight into current particle physics research, although some knowledge of the elementary particles is probably helpful.

Easy read: Crane, L. Pi Day: How to calculate pi using a cardboard tube and a load of balls. New Scientist, Published 13th March 2020.

Yes, it wasn’t published in April. I forgot about this one for the March edition, but it’s about a 1 minute read and is just pretty interesting. Tip – conservation of energy and varying the size of the balls will give you the digits of $\pi$. Disappointingly, it was written on March 13 rather than March 14 as well.

P.S. I also found an article written in January about how you need coarser coffee grounds to make the perfect espresso, as it prevents clogging and thus results in a higher rate of coffee compound extraction per coffee bean. Apparently, this tip saved a small coffee shop \$3620 dollars in 2018/2019! You can find the article here:

https://www.newscientist.com/article/2231003-maths-says-you-need-coarser-coffee-grounds-to-make-a-perfect-espresso/

Hope you enjoy these archives of information! Stay tuned for next month’s edition – and if you have any comments on the articles or podcast, let us know.