Archive: May 2020
Scientific News
Artificial Intelligence is the science of making intelligent machines. In the current pandemic, AI has proven useful in many ways in the management and problem solving of the current pandemic. But not everyone is on board with this scientific solution. In this article, you will learn about the international development, current setbacks and future goals surrounding AI and its effect towards Covid-19.
Social Initiatives
In the midst of a global crisis, each passing day seems to bring bad news, while fear and uncertainty weigh among the hearts of many. This can take a toll on one’s mental health, but students at Brigham Young University decided to combat this issue and spread positivity. This led to the creation of the COVID-19 10-Day Positivity Challenge! “Day 1: Leave sticky notes with nice messages on someone’s door.” In this article, read more on this powerful project and how you can ignite the infectious spread of positivity. Will you take the challenge?
COVID-19 has definitely caused us to use and rely on our technology much more, and although this may have its disadvantages, it has definitely brought some benefits as well.
The app, COVID TO, is a perfect example of this — it is an extremely convenient resource that features multiple useful tools, all in one place. It includes a self-assessment tool, ways to support organizations, contact information to city resources, entertaining activities, as well as a place to ask questions and receive answers. This has definitely helped many people, particularly in Toronto, to be able to access important information during these difficult times.
Camden Voices is a group of 30 talented musicians in London consisting of singers, instrumentalists, and educators. Though social distancing regulations have prevented them from practicing and performing in person, they have been staying connected with each other through virtual performances.
So far, their social distancing performances of True Colors and Here Comes The Sun have amassed 2 million views on YouTube alone, giving hope to many essential workers and citizens during this difficult time. They also showcase arrangements from the worlds of acapella, jazz, and pop written with the diverse and unique qualities of the group’s voices in mind.
Have you ever heard of Relay for Life? Well, it’s an annual event hosted by the Canadian Cancer Society that’s designed to celebrate those who have beaten cancer, to remember those who have lost their battle, and to raise funds and awareness for future cancer research.
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Unfortunately, this event is not possible this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing regulations, but the show must go on! This year, Relay For Life is entirely online and open to anyone who would like to attend. This is just another example of how the world has been successfuly adapting to this global pandemic.
During this pandemic, it’s perfectly normal to feel isolated. However, here are some ways to turn the situation around and stay positive!
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Get in touch with someone you haven’t talked to in a while and let them know you care about them.
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Go outside for a walk! Activate your five senses and enjoy the atmosphere that surrounds you.
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Try something new. Whether it be a virtual dance class, embroidery, baking, or anything else, now’s the perfect time to explore your interests.
MasksON is a student-run organization based in Toronto, Canada that strives to empower youth to make a difference during the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to their city’s urgent need for PPE, Cate Balasubramanian, Bhavya Malik, and Anirudh Ram-Mohanram were inspired to create this organization to distribute handmade cotton masks to facilities and frontline workers who need them.
The organization’s daily activities include diligently sewing masks, mailing them to local hospitals, and reaching out to individuals and businesses who might be interested in helping out. They hope that through their efforts, they are able to spread positivity, generate support, and make an impact through tangible actions.
Currently, the organization’s 27 active volunteers have succeeded in donating hundreds of masks. But the battle isn’t over yet! If anyone is interested in helping out MasksON, feel free to contact admin@maskson.ca.
Yet another amazing initiative that’s been taking place during the COVID-19 pandemic is the #ChopsticksToHeroes campaign. Originally having had the goal of donating 1,500 meals to healthcare workers at the Vancouver General Hospital, the Chinese Restaurants Awards group completely surpassed their own expectations.
The amount of support and popularity the campaign gained throughout these two weeks allowed many more restaurants and hospitals to be added to this initiative, and the number of meals and resources that healthcare workers have received has truly been heartwarming.
Vaccine Updates
It may take several years until a vaccine is developed for COVID-19, but researchers all over the globe are working hard to find a cure for this virus. In the “Race to a Cure”, scientists are developing and discovering new things everyday. In this article, we will be taking a look at three vaccine frontrunners showing promising results. Although we are still unaware of an exact launch date of the vaccine, we are certain that our researchers are setting a new standard for future research during these unprecedented times.
Advice/Tips
In a time of social isolation, technology has emerged as a wonder. It allows for work to continue, learning to proceed, and provides endless entertainment during quarantine. Most importantly, it allows us to stay connected—to those in our communities and people across the world. As practical as our technological devices are, however, their emission of blue light can be extremely damaging to our eyes. In this article, learn how to care for your eyesight during quarantine, when screen-time is at an all time high. From the 20-20-20 rule, to various outdoor activity ideas, read on how you can give your hard-working eyes a break from all the screens!
Other News
Social distancing. Scientifically, this term means a set of non-pharmaceutical intervention measures taken to prevent the spread of a contagious disease. Simply, it means to stay at home and avoid contact with people other than your immediate family. However, this should instead be called physical distancing because now more than ever, we must socially engage with each other. But why is it so important? Why are government and health officials constantly telling us to stay home and practice physical distancing? This article outlines how physical distancing can make all the difference in how quickly this pandemic comes to an end.