3-D Printers build Artificial Organs from Human Cells

By Ryan Deal ’16 For years, it has taken hands-on experiments in laboratories for scientists to recreate blood vessels, human urine and skin tissue. The idea of producing fully-formed organs appeared to be a pipe dream. That was until the emergence of 3D-printers, which have given hope to scientists that printing organs can be possible. For many, the evolution of … Read More

Scientists use Stem Cells to Grow Medicine Organs

By Chase Wilson ’17 In recent years, the field of regenerative medicine has seen landmark advances. Scientists have been able to grow and implement organs from a lab into human patients. They have implanted blood vessels, tear ducts and windpipes, but they aren’t stopping there. The University of Texas Medical Branch is working to rebuild lung tissue. A Dr. Alex … Read More

Stem Cells Could Provide New Ways of Reproduction

By Steven Witkin ’16 Stem cells have made headlines recently in all sorts of medical innovations. The rare cells, which are able to develop into many types of specialized cells, have shown potential to transform into reproductive cells. Stem cells are already controversial, but the possibility of using these cells to create “manufactured” genetic combinations will have great implications, and … Read More

Genome Project Leads to Genetic Tests

By Kira Yates ’16 In April 2003, the human genome project was completed. The international effort sequenced and mapped all of the genes present in the human species. With this wealth of information, huge advances have occurred in the medical world. For example, doctors are now capable of testing an individual’s DNA for diseases, which he/she inherit from their mother … Read More

Technology Shows Promise in Blood, Cancer Testing

By Jack Armstrong ’15 Whether tracking our steps, our sleep, our calories or other aspects of our health, our smartphones have become an essential tool for helping us live a more organized, connected and, well, healthy life. There are now more ways technology is improving our health. New medical advances such as nano blood testing and GoogleX’s cancer detecting nano … Read More

Publication planned for Prequel to Harper Lee’s Classic

Critics question the motives of attorney who handles author of “To Kill a Mockingbird” By Milan Polk ’16 Every year, freshmen at Sherwood read “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, a classic in which a young woman recounts her childhood and remembers a court case that changed her hometown. In February, the media was in frenzy with the announcement … Read More

Senior Gets His SSL Hours in Air

By Catherine Jou ’15 In MCPS, students are required to fulfill at least 75 hours of volunteer work commonly known as SSL hours before they graduate. Many students go beyond and get upward to 260 hours—the number of hours needed to get an additional cord at graduation. Students can get hours in a number of ways: tutoring, volunteering for school … Read More

Food Bank Provides Fresh Perspective on Volunteering

By Ben Cooper ‘16 Manna Food Center, a local charity organization in Gaithersburg, offers students an opportunity to earn SSL hours by giving food to those who cannot afford it. Throughout each month, Manna gives students the chance to come into its warehouse where they can help pack boxes of food that will be sent to the needy. While it … Read More

Senior’s Band Gains Popularity

By Milan Polk ’16 Exit 216 came together three years ago at the Treehouse School of Music in Fulton, where Sherwood senior Dani Banda learned to sing and play guitar. There, she and her friends Jonas Lee (guitarist), Justin Alexander (bassist) and Jon Thompson (drummer) started Exit 216. Their first show was at Looney’s Pub and Bar in Maple Lawn. … Read More

Young Star Rises with Hit Single on iTunes

By Kaleigh Homer ‘15 Sophomore Caitlin Deerin has had a passion for music ever since she was little. She has been playing the guitar and piano since she was seven years old. At the age of nine, she started singing professionally with the help of a voice coach. Her music career really set off when she started getting involved with … Read More