By  Minjae Hong

Received: 2024-11-11 / Accepted: 2024-12-21 / Published: 2024-12-26

PDF Main Manuscript (254.03 KB)  DOI: https://doi.org/10.37906/isteamc.2024.7

Abstract This Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear disaster and Chernobyl nuclear disaster are two specific examples of an event that involved an issue with the nuclear power plant that led to a high amount of radioactive materials to get released into the surrounding environment. Radiation is known to be harmful to the human body as it has the potential to cause genetic damage. However, this paper specifically examines the effect of ionizing radiation on reproductive health on both males and females. It was discovered that at certain dose exposures, it is enough to cause biological changes that lead to infertility. With the very high levels of anxiety among the Japanese public on the radiation exposure, many fear that the radiation released from the Fukushima disaster is going to have a negative effect on their life. Consequently, it is key to analyze the potential health, more specifically reproductive health, issues that the radiation from the Fukushima disaster might have on an individual. The effect of radiation on reproductive health was observed in Chernobyl but not as much in Fukushima. This can be attributed to the fact that there was an overall lower amount of radioactive material that was released in the Fukushima disaster compared to the Chernobyl disaster. Any reproductive health issues that emerge surrounding the Fukushima area are likely to be caused by certain psychological effects such as anxiety or even exposure to endocrine disruptors. 
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By  Juho Shin

Received: 2024-11-4 / Accepted: 2024-12-21 / Published: 2024-12-26

PDF Main Manuscript (290.8 KB)  DOI: https://doi.org/10.37906/isteamc.2024.8

Abstract Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide, with Guam exhibiting notably higher rates of CVD and obesity compared to the mainland United States. This review examines the potential link between microplastic (MP) consumption and the elevated prevalence of CVD and obesity in Guam, where the Pacific Islanders' diet involves high seafood intake, a major source of MPs. Research indicates that MPs can lead to oxidative stress and inflammation, which contribute to endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis, and other CVD-related conditions. Animal model studies demonstrate that exposure to MPs accelerates oxidative damage, resulting in myocardial fibrosis and apoptosis, thereby linking MPs to cardiovascular complications. Additionally, the association between MP ingestion and increased adiposity implies that MPs may exacerbate obesity, a significant CVD risk factor. This review underscores the importance of further investigation into the impact of MPs on human health, especially in populations with high seafood consumption, and their potential role in cardiovascular risk elevation in regions like Guam.

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By  Helen He

Received: 2023-11-27 / Accepted: 2024-3-7 / Published: 2024-12-21

PDF Main Manuscript (394.42 KB)  DOI: https://doi.org/10.37906/isteamc.2024.9

Abstract Although the world has at large moved on from the social distancing and isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, the issues presented then remain relevant; many teenagers still struggle with mental health issues in the aftermath of COVID-19. While social isolation itself is not harmful, the depression and severe loneliness seen during long periods of involuntary social isolation is a prevalent issue among teenagers, and numerous teenagers find themselves socially isolated or struggling with mental health, even without the many restrictions placed during COVID-19. This paper mainly focuses on the correlation between social isolation, loneliness, and depression, in teenagers, as well as how this presented itself during the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper also proposes a study based on determining whether nature walks or FaceTime calls are more effective in combating social isolation and loneliness to better maintain good mental health.  [More...]