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SCI/TECH: New Apple updates, what to expect

by Madison Storm, Kai Young–

Apple released their latest software update recently and users are already enjoying the new features. iOS 14 was rumored for several months before it’s actual release date which was re-scheduled multiple times due to COVID-19 related issues. This update is said to give users to ability to customize their device more than ever before. However, correction updates have already started being released to fix issues many are experiencing.

We also discussed new technology Apple users can be expecting to be released later this year including the rumored iPhone 12, a new watch, and iPads. Apple has also been working on Bluetooth connection devices and at home devices similar to the Amazon echo. It’s unclear the effect COVID-19 will have on the release of these new products. Check out this weeks podcast to hear more.

ARTS/CULTURE: Creatively adapting

Photo by JSmith Photo on Foter.com / CC BY-ND

by Bobby Trono, Sarah Wormald–

The performing arts world has drastically adapted in response to Covid-19. On a local level, Virginia Tech’s School of Performing Arts has moved all of its fall events online, except for the Progeny Film Festival which has physical and online options for viewing selected films.

Coronavirus complications have resulted in different creative ways for Virginia Tech artists to share their craft, one of which being an audio play called “The Cretans.” This audio drama surrounding ancient Greek myth will be presented online in three different parts early October.

Other online events include film screenings, artist lectures, and concerts that range from celebrating the 250th birthday of Beethoven to local ensemble performances.

The Moss Arts Center also has an online season with a variety of events that feature artists from their homes and performances through Zoom. However, the Moss Arts Center galleries will be open Sept. 10 for the public to view various art installations while proper protection and sanitation precautions are taken.

SCI/TECH: What scientists are doing to understand COVID-19

by Skyler Adkins, Christine O’Donnell–

Photo by EpicTop10.com on Foter.com / CC BY

As a result of the global pandemic, scientists and doctors are working diligently to try and find a cure for COVID-19. There are clinical trials taking place to allow doctors to study participants between the ages 18 and 55 and they are paid in order to incentivize people to help.

Major League Baseball is doing their part by participating in the largest nationwide COVID-19 study on antibodies. Out of the 30 MLB teams, 27 of them are involved in this study. The 10,000 participants range from players to stadium ushers who have all agreed to take blood tests in order to help doctors understand the infection rate and spread patterns of this novel coronavirus.

Scientists are also looking at HIV medications as a possible cure for the virus. An antiviral HIV medication known as Kaletra has emerged on the black market. According to doctors in China, this drug has showed promising signs to be a possible treatment for coronavirus.

SPORTS: MLB’s plan to start 2020 season

by Dan Demski, Andrew Webb–

Due to Covid-19, the Major League Baseball season has been delayed. Opening day of the 2020 season was set for March 26 but because of health concerns for players, coaches and fans, the season was unable to start then.

In this podcast, we discuss a new plan by Major League Baseball to bring baseball back in the coming weeks. According to a CBS Sports article, The plan includes having three different sites where all games to be played. The sites would be professional and minor league facilities in Arizona, Texas and Florida. This would require all the divisions to be changed for the 2020 season. There are currently no set plans as far as a timetable for return.

https://audiomack.com/embed/song/the-news-feed/sports-podcast-for-4-21-20-newscycle-mixdown

POLITICS: How does Trump’s ‘reopening plan’ contradict state governors?

Capitol Dome at Sunset — Photo by John Brighenti on Foter.com / CC BY

by RJ Garza, Hannah Brown–

President Donald Trump has proposed a three-phase plan to reopening the nation following the COVID-19 pandemic. The guidelines for Trump’s plan give the authority to state governors to decide when it’s safe to reopen businesses despite his earlier comments of having “total authority” over the state government’s decisions.

The new plan will allow states to raise restrictions by May 1, which is when the federal government guidelines are projected to end. However, states that currently have an overwhelming amount of cases will likely plan to keep restrictions in place for a couple more weeks. State governors across the nation are working together to determine the best time to reopen businesses. States like California and New Jersey don’t currently have an end date for their stay-at-home orders and warn that some restrictions may extend until summer.

Among disagreements between the state and federal government, there have also been protests erupting around the nation against the shelter-in-place orders. Kentucky, Ohio, and New York are some of the states that have had protests pop up during the past week. Trump has defended these protestors while state governors continue to claim the federal government isn’t doing enough to help.

SCI/TECH: COVID-19, tracking apps, and privacy

by Drew Jones and Celia Holubar–

Person using mobile phone | Free for commercial image create… | Flickr — Source: Rawpixel Ltd. Via Flickr.com

The COVID-19 pandemic has required all hands on deck. A large group of technologists and executives have called on top technology companies in an open letter to help in the fight against COVID-19. A part of the letter singled out top companies such as Apple and Google to use their extensive knowledge to create a contact tracing app for the United States, similar to ones that have been used in other countries.

The idea may have stemmed from a Home Quarantine app created in Poland. The app sends a random alert to your mobile phone and you have 20 minutes to respond with a selfie in your designated quarantine location or the police will pay you a visit and fines will be given. With this, it brings many ethical issues in terms of privacy and security on the internet and it begs the question; How much should we compromise our privacy for the fight against COVID-19?

In this podcast, we discuss the issues of privacy vs. security and some other crazy ways the government could know who is COVID-19 positive without their consent.

https://audiomack.com/embed/song/the-news-feed/scitech-covid-19-pandemic-brings-nations-privacy-into-question?background=1

POLITICS: State governments navigating COVID-19

Photo by Trans Silica on Foter.com / CC BY-NC-SA

by Skyler Adkins, Sloan Minor–

Every day, new regulations and orders are enacted in states to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Some states take a more financial approach, while others take a more social stance. As one may expect, the states with a high number of cases tend to use money to combat the spread of the disease. However, other states with a lower affected population use social measures like social distancing and stay-at-home orders as their way of combatting COVID-19. Uniquely, Utah has offered its appreciation to its Chinese population due to the overt discrimination against them due to the origin of this virus. Each state has made individual efforts while also watching and listening to what their neighboring states are doing. Here is a list of every states’ actions.

Telehealth is also an important concept that has arisen from this chaos. Telehealth allows patients to continue to meet with their doctors and physicians while still practicing social distancing. Not only can doctors see patients with COVID-19 with no fear of contraction, but patients can also still attend physical therapy appointments, counseling appointments, and more without the same fear. While only several states are using this program, the country hopes others will follow.

Life & Style: How to Stay Productive During Quarantine

by Hannah Brown, Christine O’Donnell–

Due to the global outbreak of the novel coronavirus, Americans are urged to stay home to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. President Trump extended guidelines to practice social distancing until April 30th, leaving many citizens unsure as to what the future holds. In this time of uncertainty, there are many activities people can do to be productive at home.

Physical activity like at-home workouts and yoga at home are ways to improve your health and elevate your energy levels. Exercising your brain is important, as well, and can be done by reading books and solving puzzles. Also, efforts around the house such as organizing and cleaning are a great use of this time spent at home.

An important thing to keep in mind is that it is okay to feel a loss of control right now, but you should try to not be too hard on yourself because this will pass and life will soon return to normal.

SCI/TECH: Augmented reality makes its way into daily lives

by Christina Dougherty, Brenda Nguyen—

Augmented reality is merging its way into everyday technology, providing more accessibility and convenience to users.

Augmented reality is when technology can produce computer-generated images on a user’s view of the real world. Though seemingly advanced, this technology is now available on most smartphones.

The world was introduced to an app in 2016 called “Pokémon Go”, an interactive game that allows players to “catch” the creatures in their area. This app gained great success, and really introduced augmented reality to a wide range of people.

Augmented reality is not only good for entertainment purposes, but for convenience as well. These apps are downloaded with a simple click on your smartphone. Augmented Reality is making its way into medicine as well, changing the way surgeons perform medical procedures.

Join us in this podcast as we discuss how augmented reality became well-known and to where the technology is expanding into our lives now.

SPORTS: Hokie football working through obstacles

: Photo credit: techsports on Foter.com / CC BY-ND

by Riley Wyant, Danielle Jeffers–

Following the loss to Old Dominion University on Sept. 22, Virginia Tech football has faced many struggles. During the matchup, starting quarterback Josh Jackson broke his left fibula and had to be carted off the field in the fourth quarter. He will be sitting out the rest of the season following an intensive repair surgery.

Post-game internal controversy in the locker room led to the dismissal of Defensive End Trevon Hill. Hill led the team in sacks and was one of the star players on the defense. His dismissal will impact Bud Foster’s defense in future matchups as the Hokies fight for a chance at the playoffs.

Ryan Willis, a transfer from Kansas, is now Virginia Tech’s starting quarterback but the team seems to be unfamiliar with the new dynamic. After the loss to ODU, the Hokies regained their confidence and beat Duke in Durham on Sept. 29. Unfortunately, the winning streak didn’t last as the team lost against Notre Dame last Saturday at home. There is an obvious lack of consistency and chemistry when it comes to the young team.

The Hokies are traveling to Chapel Hill this weekend to take on the UNC Tarheels. Will the team win and regain momentum or disappoint once again?