Charged 2026

Author: Mala Niverthi

  • What Organelle Are You Based on Your Favorite 2000s Movie?

    Have you ever wondered what organelle you’d be in a cell? Just like characters in iconic 2000s movies, organelles have unique roles that contribute to the cell’s life story. Take a look at the movies below and find out which one matches your style. From managing all the work in the cell like “The Devil Wears Prada,” to keeping everyone energized like “The Incredibles,” here’s your ultimate guide!

    1. Mean Girls (2004) – Nucleus

    Quote: “That’s why her hair is so big; it’s full of secrets.”

    If Mean Girls is your jam, you’re definitely the Nucleus. Just like Regina George, you’re the center of attention, calling the shots and directing everyone around you. The nucleus is where all the DNA is stored, holding the key to the cell’s identity and future. Just as Regina’s word determines who’s “in” or “out,” the nucleus controls which genes are expressed, setting the tone for everything the cell does.

    1. The Devil Wears Prada (2006) – Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

    Quote: “Details of your incompetence do not interest me.”

    Love The Devil Wears Prada? Then you might be the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)! Like Miranda Priestly’s finely tuned office, the ER is responsible for protein and lipid synthesis, making sure everything runs smoothly. The rough ER even has ribosomes attached—just like Miranda has assistants—to help with the workload. Your organizational skills are unmatched, and everyone in the cell (or office) depends on you to get things done.

    1. Finding Nemo (2003) – Mitochondria

    Quote: “Just keep swimming!”

    If Finding Nemo is your favorite 2000s movie, you’re definitely the Mitochondria! Known as the powerhouse of the cell, the mitochondria provide energy, keeping everyone going, just like Dory’s endless optimism. You’re always there to keep things running smoothly, and you don’t give up, even when the current gets strong. Adventure and resilience are your strong suits—just like Dory’s!

    1. The Incredibles (2004) – Golgi Apparatus

    Quote: “We get there when we get there!”

    Fans of The Incredibles are a perfect fit for the Golgi Apparatus. This organelle sorts, packages, and ships proteins to their final destinations, making it just as dependable and versatile as the Parr family. You’re all about teamwork and keeping everything organized, just like how Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl manage their superhero family. Plus, you know how to handle the pressure of saving the day (or cell).

    1. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) – Lysosome

    Quote: “You best start believing in ghost stories, Miss Turner… you’re in one!”

    If you’re a Pirates of the Caribbean fan, you’re the Lysosome! The lysosome’s job is to break down waste and unwanted material, a bit like Captain Jack Sparrow sailing through rough seas and obstacles. Just as Jack finds clever ways to solve problems, the lysosome is like the cell’s cleanup crew, digesting whatever needs breaking down. You thrive in chaos and love a good challenge, no matter how messy things get.

    1. Shrek (2001) – Cell Membrane

    Quote: “Ogres are like onions; they have layers.”

    If you’re a Shrek fan, you’re the Cell Membrane. Like Shrek’s swamp, the cell membrane has layers and acts as a boundary, deciding what can come in and out. It keeps the cell safe, much like Shrek’s protective nature, and is essential for maintaining stability. You’re a no-nonsense protector who values boundaries and has no problem saying, “This is my swamp!”

    1. Legally Blonde (2001) – Ribosome

    Quote: “What, like it’s hard?”

    If you love Legally Blonde, you’re definitely the Ribosome. The ribosome is the site of protein synthesis, which means it’s constantly producing new things, just like Elle Woods is always working toward her goals. No challenge is too big for you, and you can handle multitasking like a pro. You’re both hard-working and underestimated, always ready to prove yourself with a “bend and snap!”

    1. High School Musical (2006) – Cytoplasm

    Quote: “We’re all in this together!”

    If High School Musical is your top pick, you’re the Cytoplasm. The cytoplasm is like the cell’s main environment, where everything happens. It supports the organelles, keeps everyone connected, and ensures that the cell is functioning properly. Just like the Wildcats, you’re all about teamwork and unity, providing a safe space for everyone to thrive. Your mantra? We’re all in this together!

    Each organelle has a role to play, just like each character in a classic 2000s movie. So, which organelle are you?

  • Noses Know: The Fragrant Connection to Our Memories

     

    https://unsplash.com/photos/macro-shot-of-yellow-flowers-t0ZfzT8FopE

    Imagine walking into a café and being instantly transported back to your childhood—an aroma of freshly baked cookies, a hint of vanilla, and suddenly you’re twelve years old again, standing in your grandmother’s kitchen. This is the power of our sense of smell, intricately woven into the fabric of our memories.

    When we think of our senses, vision and hearing often take center stage. However, the olfactory system, responsible for our sense of smell, has a unique and profound influence on our memories and emotions. Let’s dive into how this remarkable connection works and why it matters in our daily lives.

    Did you know that the olfactory bulb, which processes smells, is directly linked to the amygdala and hippocampus—two brain areas critical for emotion and memory? This direct pathway is why certain scents can trigger vivid memories, often laden with strong feelings. It’s no wonder that many people report memories associated with particular smells more clearly than those tied to sights or sounds.

    Research shows that our brains are wired to associate smells with experiences and emotions. A study found that when participants were exposed to specific odors, they recalled personal memories more easily than when presented with neutral cues. This phenomenon, often referred to as “Proustian memory,” named after the famous writer Marcel Proust, illustrates how a single scent can unlock a floodgate of memories. You might find that a whiff of a certain perfume brings back a memory of a special person or event.

    The olfactory system doesn’t just process these smells; it helps encode them into our memory. When you inhale an odor, the olfactory receptors send signals to the brain, activating areas responsible for memory and emotion. This process allows us to remember not just the smell itself but the context in which we experienced it. The interplay of memory and emotion creates rich, vivid recollections that can be both comforting and nostalgic.

    Understanding the link between smell and memory has real-world implications, especially in therapeutic settings. For example, reminiscence therapy often employs familiar scents to help evoke memories in individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Kodak, for instance, recently released “memory shots” to allow users to create AI images of memories. This triggers memories in people who have neurodegenerative conditions, which can reduce anxiety, stress, and depression. By harnessing the power of smell, caregivers can help patients reconnect with their past and enhance their quality of life. 

    Additionally, olfactory training—exposing individuals to various scents—can aid those with olfactory dysfunction, potentially improving memory recall and overall well-being.

    The olfactory system is a fascinating aspect of human biology that serves as a bridge between our senses and our memories. As college students navigating a whirlwind of experiences, being aware of how smells can evoke memories may help us savor the present while honoring our past. So next time you catch a whiff of something familiar, take a moment to reflect—what memories does it awaken for you?

    References:

    Bohbot, V. D. (2022, May 18). What smells tell us about our memories. Nature. https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-022-01626-x

    Hummel, T., Whitcroft, K., Fjaeldstad, A. W., et al. (2011). Olfactory dysfunction and its consequences for quality of life. International Journal of Otolaryngology, 2011, 1-9.

    Fischer, K. (2024, October 7). Kodak launches reminiscence therapy tool for people with dementia. McKnight’s Long-Term Care News. https://www.mcknights.com/news/kodak-launches-reminiscence-therapy-tool-for-people-with-dementia/

    Li, W., Zheng, F., & Hu, Y. (2010). Odor-evoked fMRI responses in the human brain: A review. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 34(8), 1204-1216.

    Renaud, M. (2020, February 25). How scent, emotion, and memory are intertwined—and exploited. Harvard Gazette. https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2020/02/how-scent-emotion-and-memory-are-intertwined-and-exploited/

    Wang, Q., Li, Q., & Li, J. (2020). Olfactory and memory: A review of studies from the 20th century to the present. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 577823.