I miss the flowers

A story depicting the corruption of greed and materialistic desires through a single rose

Positive psychology in the classroom

How teachers and faculty at MVHS can implement positive psychology to create a productive learning environment for students

The Psychology Behind Makeup Dependence

The science behind how makeup usage affects self-esteem and mental health, as well as young people’s growing dependence on makeup. When you hear the phrase “psychological addiction”, what are the first things that come to mind? Maybe you think of alcohol, drugs or even phone addiction. The Smithsonian Institution provides a detailed history on the …

How Apps are Created to be Addictive

A deep dive into the techniques that app developers use to get consumers hooked on their creations, and the impacts this may have By: Arshiya Sen and Meghana Somu The feeling of stopping your homework to pick up your phone and take a “quick five-minute break” resonates with the majority of teens today. An hour's …

ROFL: (A) Rumination On Fake Laughter

A close look behind that uncomfortable “ha ha ha” and why it transpires By: Irene Tian and Amy Zheng Why was the broom late to school? It over-swept. … Did I get you? Just now, did you laugh at the awkwardness of this incredibly awkward pun? Are you laughing, although not genuinely, at my attempt …

Facing Face Pareidolia: Gendering of Inanimate Objects

Exploring gender bias in individuals’ perception of inanimate objects

Sweet Dreams

A teen recalls how her dreams and nightmares have changed over the years “Did you have nightmares growing up?” the lady asks, pulling out a notepad from her large wooden desk.  I open my mouth to speak, but then pause to think about it. Growing up I remember having nightmares regularly. Looking back now, they …

Meaning Behind Meals

Food is often used to bring people together, but are there any proven benefits to sitting down and having a meal with someone? Whether it’s a potluck with neighbors, a picnic with friends or a dinner with family, food is often used to bring people together, whether it be sharing a meal with a friend …

Chasing Humanity

Exploring the development of a neural net powered by nanobots that can help treat depressive episodes in humans.

The Expenses of Depression

Exploring the ethics of new brain implant technology. By Dahlia Schilling and Kalyani Puthenpurayil Recently, the University of California San Francisco conducted a study on whether brain implants can help treat severe and treatment-resistant depression. The experiment has only been conducted on one patient thus far but results look promising and the scientists are looking …