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January 18, 2021

...continued Flu Shot

Me: “How does my body kill the virus?” 

Doctor: “Your immune system, basically what protects you from viruses like these, recognizes the influenza virus as a hostile creature, or antigens. Once the antigens are identified, the immune system develops antibodies. They kill the influenza and take note of how to defeat it in case it comes back.”

Me: “So you guys are going to put a virus on purpose into my body?

Doctor: “Yes.”

Me: “I got my flu shot a year ago. Why do I need it now?”

Doctor: “Because the strains are different every year.”

Me: “Now you are speaking a language I don’t understand.”

Doctor: “Oops, sorry. A strain is a genetic variant of a living organism. The strains of influenza virus are different every year, so that is why you have to take the flu shot every year.  Scientists take the three most common types of influenza virus and combine them into a sort of liquid. They then put that in the syringe and put it into your body. That is the flu shot”

Me: “So, if I take the flu shot, I won’t get the flu this year?”

Doctor: “I can’t guarantee that but the chances are very high that you won’t get it. For all you know, you may not get either of the three strains; you may get a different one altogether!”

Me: “Well, I hope this will be worth it. Thanks for the explanation.”

Doctor: “You’re welcome!”

That day, I took my flu shot happily, knowing it will help me pass the winter. But still…

Me: “Ouch!”

...continued Drones

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Drones have many parts. Here are a few basic ones:

  • Rotors: Rotors are the propellers on drones. They let the drone go up and down. This is also what helps the drone hover in the air. When the speed of the rotors increases, the drone goes up, while when the speed of the rotors decreases, it goes down.

  • GPS and 4G wireless connector:  The 4G wireless connector connects the drone console/controller to the drone itself. The GPS is used to go to certain coordinates.

  • Accelerometer and Altimeter: The Accelerometer tells the drone how fast it's moving. The altimeter tells the drone how high it is. These two features together help the drone land on the ground slowly and safely.

  • Cameras: Some drones have cameras, which allows the person controlling the drone to steer it and see everything from the sky. People can also see things that are difficult to see from the ground using drones.

 

Well, now that you know how drones work, try performing some experiments on them or start flying!

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