Good news is in the air! This March was eventful with hopeful announcements and positive stories all around. With a flourishing entertainment industry, sports victories and advancements in science, this March had good news all over.
This March, film makers, actors and more came together at the 97th annual Academy Awards also known as the Oscars and controversy over Lady Gaga’s 7th Studio Album Mayhem was released.
The first Oscar winner of Dominican descent, Zoe Saldaña received her award for best supporting actress for her work in “Emilia Pérez” teared up during her acceptance speech. As a daughter of immigrants, she hoped to inspire others not only with her role as a hispanic lawyer but winning an Oscar. Another highlight of this year’s Oscars was the opening. Beginning with Ariana Grande singing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” then Cynthia Erivo sang “Home” and then at the end the two came together to sign defying gravity and received a standing ovation from the audience.
Lady Gaga’s new hit album Mayhem is now facing some controversy. The Mayhem logo is clearly similar to that of Orange County surf shop’s Lost Surfboards, and the founder of the company is suing Gaga for trademark infringement. His main concerns are that his clientele will not resonate Gaga’s popularity and as a result the similar logos will cause his merchandise to seem less enticing.
March sports have been nothing short of amazing. From St. John’s basketball comeback to surprise March Madness underdog wins, sports have been extraordinary all around.
For the first time since 2000, St. John’s Red Storm basketball has won the Big East NCAA tournament and reclaimed its title as “New York’s Team.” Many believe this recent resurgence is due to a recent change in team leadership. As of last season, the Johnnies have been led by revered coach, Rick Pitino. They made it into March Madness but in the second round they suffered a devastating loss to Arkansas.
“St. John’s basketball team went from being overlooked and underperforming to a powerhouse with purpose and a comeback story fueled by grit, heart, and the right leadership,” said freshman Stella Mei.
With the final four right around the corner, the teams that are playing are starting to be figured out. Right now only two teams are definitively in the final four: Florida Gators and Duke Blue Devils. The other two spots will go to the victors of the Auburn vs. Michigan State game and the Tennessee vs, Huston game. Tennessee’s coach Rick Barnes, has been called an “NCAA underachiever” in the past. Given this label his team was not expected to do well. With Tennessee nearing the final four for the first time in history, he is overcoming this label.
Human innovation was on full display this month with advancements in the development of artificial photosynthesis and groundbreaking developments in cancer treatment using gold nanoparticles.
As technology advances, energy must as well. Artificial photosynthesis is a system that mimics how photosynthesis occurs naturally in plants. A main component of artificial photosynthesis is electron transfer, which refers to the movement of electrons throughout artificial photosynthesis. This month researchers studied how perylene bisimide can make these electrons move more efficiently.
“After learning about the potential of artificial photosynthesis, the fact that humankind is advanced enough to mimic the process of photosynthesis in a lab to produce energy is awesome and it is a clean energy source which is important in a time where our world is hurting from climate change,” said ninth grader Grace Stone.
Gold nanoparticles are, as they sound, microscopic particles of gold. They are only a few nanometers in size. According to researchers at Waseda University, gold nanoparticles are propitious at bringing drugs to tumors and anywhere in the body. The researchers used an approach called activation imaging that lets scientists use gamma rays to see how gold nanoparticles work in the body. In mice, the nanoparticles were successful. The outcome of this research gives hope for precise and less painful cancer treatment.
“The use of gold nanoparticles to treat cancer in mice is exciting for the medical research community. As someone who is interested and well versed in research, I find this to be promising and I am excited to hear more,” said freshman Kamila Drozdowicz.
March was a productive month for many. Science, sports, and entertainment all had their own good news. Looking ahead, April will be the month of a March Madness winner, baseball season continuing, many movies hitting the theater, and a continuation of scientific advancement.