Author: sissi.li

Sissi Li (9) | STAFF REPORTER

For hundreds of years, humans have been plagued with illnesses such as cancer, cystic fibrosis and numerous heart diseases. Before the age of modern medicine, nothing more could be done than to hope for patients to die before suffering too much. But now, advancements in medical treatments and surgery have allowed many to be cured and lives to be saved. Albeit some of these procedures are of high risk, when humans have the ability to help someone, shouldn’t they try everything in their power to do so? Thus, risky medical procedures should be used on patients in dire circumstances.  read more

Sissi Li (9) | STAFF REPORTER

Imagine a world where who you are in real life is exactly who you are online. Nothing is hidden on any accounts. Name, affiliations, and locations are open for all eyes to see. That world would be a nightmare. It would be much more comforting to know that you could choose who you want to be online and what data would be disclosed. People should be allowed to obscure their identities online because it gives them freedom of speech, keeps them safe, and maintains their privacy. read more

Sissi Li (9) | STAFF REPORTER

When parents think about their children’s play, the first thing that pops into mind is their safety. If they are going on a  bike ride, they must need helmets and be in sight at all times. If they are playing tag on the playground, they are warned not to climb up too high or run too fast. Yet, little do they know that allowing limited amounts of risk in activities is actually beneficial to children’s development in the long run, even if it may give parents a scare in the present. Risky play should be involved in children’s development because it helps them become independent, acquire important life skills, and develop good characters. read more

Sissi Li (9) | STAFF REPORTER

On November 25, 2018, two new voices joined the chorus of newborn babies of this world. They were the perfectly healthy twins Lulu and Nana. There was only one difference: the two baby girls are completely immune to HIV/AIDS. While they were still in their mother’s womb, scientist He JianKui and his team used the gene-editing technology CRISPR to cut out CCR5, the gene responsible for infection from HIV. Thus, the first-ever genetically modified babies were born. Of course, this caused an uproar in the science and medicine community and the Chinese scientist was heavily attacked for violating medical conventions and disregarding the safety and health of his patients. However, many more regarded this as an inevitable first step heralding the dawn of a new era.  read more