General Interest

Genetically Modified Food: Friend or Foe?

By: Roudina Abdelnaby

In 1994, the first genetically modified organism (GMO) entered the global food supply. You've eaten GMOs thousands of times since—they’re in your cereal, dressing, and cooking oil. Here's the twist: scientists have never fully agreed on GMOs effects on the human body. Nearly three decades later, as chronic illnesses rise, the question remains: Is the food designed for perfect crops silently redesigning human biology?

A GMO is a plant or animal whose genetic structure has been changed in a lab. It’s less like traditional breeding and more like intentionally editing a plant's instruction manual. Scientists use genetic engineering to give an organism a specific, new trait. For instance, they might insert a gene into corn to make it naturally insect-resistant. This means farmers use fewer chemical pesticides. Other reasons for creating GMOs include boosting a food's vitamin content and making crops resilient enough to survive droughts. The ultimate goal is to increase the global food supply.

Many researchers and federal agencies believe current GMO foods are as safe as their non-modified versions. The World Health Organization (WHO) concluded that GMO foods “have passed safety assessments and are not likely to present risks for human health.” In fact, some modifications may offer direct health benefits. For instance, certain potatoes have been engineered to produce lower levels of acrylamide, a substance that raises potential cancer concerns when fried.

The environmental advantages are also significant. Dr. Ruchir Raman, an epidemiology and biostatistics researcher at Indiana University, notes that insect-resistant crops have delivered powerful results. He states that these "GM crops reduced pesticide (active ingredient) usage by 37% and the environmental impact of insecticide and herbicide use by 18%." This reduction is safer for farm workers and better for the surrounding environment. 

Despite reassurances, public anxiety over GMOs persists. A major concern is the lack of long-term testing. Critics argue that while short-term studies may show no harm, no one can guarantee there won't be subtle, chronic health effects after consuming these foods for thirty or forty years. They also worry about unexpected side effects, such as increased allergies from introducing a new protein the body doesn’t recognize.

A specific concern involves herbicide tolerance. Most GMO crops are engineered to tolerate herbicides, chemicals designed to destroy weeds. Since crops, like certain strains of corn and soy, can survive spraying, farmers often apply more herbicide. This results in trace amounts of chemicals, such as glyphosate, being detected in food. Dr. Paul J. Mills of UC San Diego Health reported an association between glyphosate exposure and negative effects on the human liver in human subjects. This has raised alarms because despite manufacturers' claims of safety, some independent studies have linked high levels of exposure to various health issues, from liver damage to antibiotic resistance.

This consumer demand for transparency resulted in changes to U.S. law. The National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard (NBFDS) was created to give people the right to know what is in their food. This federal law, which became fully mandatory on January 1, 2022, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service, requires food manufacturers to label most products with modified ingredients. This information can be shared through text, a specific symbol, or a QR code linking to an online page. This represents a significant win for consumers who wish to make informed choices at the grocery store.

Overall, the impacts of genetically modified foods remain a controversial issue that features scientific reassurances and public demand for transparency. While evidence strongly supports the safety of current GMOs, concerns about increased herbicide use and corporate control ensure the controversy will persist. Moving forward, ongoing scientific research along with transparent labeling will be vital for building trust and guiding food choices.

The End of Windows 10, What's Next?

By: Wenxu Li

Microsoft officially ended its support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. As the date approached, people around the world began to wonder what this change would mean for them.

Ending support for an operating system like Windows 10 means that Microsoft will no longer provide free updates, assistance, or security patches. This shift encourages users to upgrade to newer, more secure systems and allows Microsoft to focus its resources on modern platforms, as supporting legacy systems can be complex and costly.

There are many benefits to upgrading to Windows 11. Bayside High School freshman Manuel Mejia Sosa shares, “Windows 11 has better security built in. The window menu is much more compact and easier to understand.” 

Such sentiments are further highlighted in a PCMag article titled “Still Clinging to Windows 10? I’ve Got 10 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade to Windows 11 Today” by Ben Moore. It states, “Windows 11 is ultra-secure. Much of that is thanks to its requirement of a secure processor.” “Windows 11 just looks better than Windows 10—a compact taskbar, rounded windows corners, and a touch-friendly interface.”

Nevertheless, not everyone supports the change. Bayside High School freshman Hendrix Marcus Rey Landess believes, “Windows 10 is more accessible to the general public, and some people have older devices and can’t upgrade.” A Windows Central article titled “4 reasons I’m sticking with Windows 10 — even after the support ends” by Marco Huculak supports this view, stating, “Windows 10 runs on almost any hardware, even older ones. On the other hand, Windows 11 has strict requirements,” demonstrating that Windows 10 has better compatibility compared to Windows 11. This emphasizes a key issue: while many users still rely on Windows 10, only about 40 to 50 percent of them meet the hardware requirements to upgrade.

Bayside High School freshman Dylan Myint agrees with his classmate Landess, stating “Windows 10 feels more nostalgic and more familiar.”  Huculak also notes, “The Start menu was one of the best features, combining the familiar design of Windows 7.”  “Windows 10 includes only limited AI features. Many users feel that the older version of the operating system is more stable and reliable.” For many home users, Windows 11 feels too corporate, especially as Microsoft pushes toward deeper AI integration.

Overall, both systems have their strengths and weaknesses. Supporters of Windows 11 point to its sleek design, better security, and more features, suggesting that the end of Windows 10 won’t be a major issue. On the other hand, those who prefer Windows 10 value its iconic design, better stability, and accessibility—arguing that the end of Windows 10 will be a significant challenge.

Whether or not people view the end of Windows 10 as a major issue, one thing is certain: we are saying goodbye to an operating system that served the desktop marketplace for a decade. Windows 10 is not just software—it holds digital memories for millions of Windows users around the world.

The Effects of Music on Productivity and Performance

By: Tazrian Taimur

Music is constantly evolving with new genres shaping personal experiences and daily activities. Whether at a party, while studying, or reminiscing, music influences mood, memory, and performance. Exploring how specific genres affect our mindset and actions reveals music’s unique impact.

​There has been research that shows how the type of music can influence brain activity. According to “The Urban Music Scene: How Music Affects the Brain” from Oh! Epic, “Different genres affect the brain differently; for instance, classical music may calm you, while upbeat tracks motivate you.”  The article also mentions, “When you listen to music that resonates with you emotionally, your brain releases dopamine, the 'feel-good' chemical… creates feelings of happiness, nostalgia, or even sadness.” This shows that the type of music causes different effects, as explained by the dopamine levels and one’s emotions.

​Knowing how music can affect one’s emotions, it can also affect performance and productivity. Many people play music when they’re writing, exercising, reading, etc. According to “How Music Influences Mood and Productivity" by Britt Peltola, from Schecter Dokken Kanter, “Music can stimulate creative thinking by altering brainwave patterns…classical music or genres with complex structures, can enhance creative problem-solving and innovative thinking… ambient music may be better for relaxation and stress relief.” This shows that the specific genre of music can be designated for the particular task based on the elements required. Peltola also writes, “Many people listen to upbeat music during workouts; the same principle applies to work-related tasks, where energetic music can spur individuals to work more diligently and with greater enthusiasm.” This shows how music matches the energy of the activity and how it increases motivation.

​Listening to music that one is more familiar with has different results than listening to music that somebody hasn’t heard before. According to“Listen while you work: What music does to your productivity” by Mikael Cho, from Medium,“If you’re listening to new music (especially with lyrics) while working, your brain may release too much dopamine, especially if you find a song you love. You’ll start to focus more on the music rather than the work you’re actually trying to do.” This is showing how familiar music is more effective than one that a person hasn’t heard before. Also, instrumental music can have an impact, as one can be distracted by the lyrics of a song rather than using it to help their productivity.

​ Teenagers have various opinions about listening to music while working. Bayside High School junior Shante Anthony-Bey, shared, “If I were to listen to music while studying, I would listen to pop or post-rock bands like Godspeed You! Black Emperor because it's usually composed of instrumentals. That way, it's easier to focus, it's good music, and you’re more likely to memorize the words you studied when you tie them into music.” 

Similarly, Bayside High School junior  Elliana Kim, said, “My preferred music genre for enhancing productivity and performance is R&B. However, if I’m really on a deadline and need to focus, I usually play fast-paced classical music or Mario Kart theme music, since it is designed to help players concentrate on the game.”

​ To conclude, music can help with productivity and performance while completing work. The way the brain reacts to personal feelings concerning this matter shows how different genres of music can affect a person. 

Genetics: The Code of Life

By: Tasnia Zaman

Every person carries a story written long before they’re born. A story made of instructions that shapes every part of their body from the color of their hair, to the rhythm of their heartbeat. These instructions are called genes: tiny sequences of DNA that decide who we are and, in many ways, who we might become. They explain the reason you have certain characteristics. 

You inherit half your genes from each parent, but it’s how they mix that makes you one of a kind. This all falls under the category of genetics. This is the study of how traits and characteristics are passed down from generation to generation. Genetics not only explains human diversity, but also helps uncover the origins of diseases and how they can be prevented. Since the discovery of DNA’s double-helix structure in 1953, researchers have found out about different mysteries in our genetic code. From curing inherited disorders to solving crimes and tracing ancestry, genetics has transformed the way we understand life itself. With the help of Bayside High School students and teachers we can further take a look into how deep people’s understandings are and how they feel about advancements with genetics from what they already know.

Genetics may sound complex, but its effects can be seen in something as simple as eye color or hair type. Punnett squares are one way scientists and specifically biology students try to predict the traits a child might inherit. For example, imagine a mother with blue eyes and a father with brown eyes. If the brown-eyed parent carries a blue-eye gene, their child might inherit blue eyes despite the dominance of brown. The same method applies to other features like hair color as well. A father with red curly hair and a mother with straight black hair might have a child with wavy brown hair, an in between of both. These possibilities are mapped out in a square with four boxes, showing that heredity isn’t usually random. It typically follows patterns but can also result in fascinating outcomes that aren’t totally expected.

The origin of these patterns are dominant and recessive traits. They decide which characteristics will appear on a person. Dominant traits only need one copy of a gene to show up such as brown eyes or curly hair. But recessive traits, such as blue eyes or straight hair, need two. These genes also play a role in determining a baby’s blood type. Scientific American, one of the oldest scientific magazines, claims that “Genetic variation shapes both human diversity and disease prevention”, meaning the same code that gives someone their hair color can also influence how their body faces illnesses. By understanding these patterns, scientists and doctors are able to better predict health conditions, and can then suggest personalized treatments that are meant to fit that incoming person’s genetic makeup.

Genetics isn’t only about what we inherit. It's also about how our DNA can change over time, specifically when passed down. These changes are known as mutations, which change up a gene’s instructions. Some mutations can lead to health problems, but others are harmless or even beneficial. Traits like dimples and widow’s peaks come from small genetic variations making them a little more distinct. In some cases, mutations have even helped humans adapt to their environment. An example can be seen with people who have higher resistance to certain diseases. These differences show us that our genes don’t always have to go through something wrong when they’re mutated, but can instead aid in better human survival.

The future of genetics, however, doesn’t stop at what we’re naturally meant to get. With modern tools like CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats), scientists have the ability to edit genes directly. Its purpose is to correct harmful mutations before a child is even born. Bayside High School Biology Teacher, Mr. Francis, shared his thoughts on this growing field. “The future of genetic research is very promising. We are making major strides in understanding the genetic basis of diseases and improving medicine. However, we have to be careful with how it gets used. It’s important that we prioritize ethical guidelines and safety.” His words support the idea that we need to be responsible and stay out of moral hazard; just because we can change life’s code doesn’t mean we should. As we take steps to get on level with genetics, questions of morality and responsibility must be asked alongside the science itself.

Still, others see the rise of genetic technology as a step forward for humanity. Bayside senior Dea Dulla believes the benefits outweigh the risks. “I think research in genetics will only keep advancing to the point where altering the genetics of children will become easier. Even though it could be misused for cosmetic purposes, I believe the pros outweigh the cons because curing diseases is much more impactful.” Her perspective reflects the hope that many young people share — that science can be used not to control life, but to sustain it. The World Health Organization echoes this optimism by sharing that with strong ethics we could “transform medicine and prevent millions of deaths.” Together, these views paint a future worth looking forward to, one both uncertain and inspiring — one where genetics can define, not just what we study in biology books, but, the next chapter of human possibility.

The Power of a Positive Mindset: Does It Truly Help, and How Do We Build It?

By: Jasmine Zheng

A positive mindset simply means having an optimistic and hopeful attitude—finding the good in situations rather than the bad. It’s not about ignoring problems, but about facing them with hope and believing in your ability to find solutions. On the other hand, a negative mindset would mean blaming yourself for everything and seeing the worst scenario. Often, when we face struggles, we tend to think the worst—but what if we viewed them differently? Does having a positive mindset help us in any way? 

According to experts from the Mayo Clinic, a positive mindset boosts the immune system, lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease and depression, and helps build coping skills for challenges.  This goes to show that positivity has many benefits.  Having hope and staying positive could help us make better choices and live more fulfilling lives. 

Some students from Bayside High School shared their thoughts on how they work towards achieving a positive mindset. Bayside High School sophomore Iris Wu says, “I work toward a positive mindset by focusing on growth every day, seeing challenges as opportunities to learn and improve instead of setbacks.” 

Similarly, Bayside High School junior Rachel Yu says, “I try to replace negative thoughts with positive ones and focus on what I can do better instead of what I’m doing wrong.”

There are many ways to help us become more positive. According to What is Positive Psychology and Why is it Important? on positivepyschology.com by Courtney E Ackerman, a list is compiled of some of the most popular and scientifically backed tips to achieve positively. Some include positive affirmations, surround yourself with supportive people, look at challenges as an opportunity to grow, and practice gratitude. Developing the right mindset doesn’t mean thinking positive all the time or ignoring your negative thoughts, but considering both and choosing to be optimistic and not give up when facing struggles. 

In “The Power of Positive Thinking”, published by Hopkins Medicine, experts recommend maintaining good relationships with your family, accepting change as part of life, and taking actions on problems as ways to build resilience to struggles. For instance, Bayside High School sophomore Florence Yan says, “I set positive and realistic goals. I want to be surrounded by people who make me happy rather than those who bring me down.”  

Bayside High School junior Leonardo Caragliano agrees. “I try to look on the bright side of things.”  

Thinking positively helps us grow, overcome failure and also makes us happier people. It is possible to achieve a positive mindset by working towards it. You can start by believing in yourself.