medicor

medicinska föreningen’s student magazine

2021 #1
 #1 June 2021 #1 June 2021

student magazine

medicor
medicor
medicinska föreningen’s student magazine

medicinska föreningen’s
 #1 June 2021 #1 June 2021

medicor medicor
medicinska föreningen’s student magazine medicinska föreningen’s student magazine
 #1 June 2021
#1 June 2021

medicor
medicinska föreningen’s student magazine

medicor
medicinska föreningen’s student magazine
 #1 June 2021
2021 | ISSUE 1

medicor medicor
medicinska föreningen’s student magazine medicinska föreningen’s student magazine
 2021 | ISSUE 1

2021 | ISSUE 1

medicor
medicinska föreningen’s student magazine

medicor
medicinska föreningen’s student magazine
 #1 June 2021 medicinska föreningen’s student magazine

medicor
medicinska föreningen’s student magazine

medicor

2021 | ISSUE 1
 2021 | ISSUE 1 medicinska föreningen’s student magazine 2021 | ISSUE 1

medicor medicor
• •

Prelude Contents
Dear Reader,
After a two-year hiatus in the publication of Medicor, I am

20
pleased and proud to present to you the first issue of 2021.

As much of our lives moved online for the past year, so did
Medicor. We hope to strike a balance between the classic
look and feel of the magazine.

Unlike previous issues, you won’t find this issue at your

doorstep or scattered around campus. For the first time,
we’re trying to go fully digital. It is fitting time to try; as
much of our lives moved online with the pandemic, so did
Medicor.

As you may have gathered, our cover story discusses the

Covid-19 vaccinations that currently stand in the global
spotlight. As editor-in-chief, I have – ironically enough – left
this story largely unedited.

We take a lens to how vaccine development, acquisition,

and distribution intertwine with the abilities and agendas of
different parts of the world.
30
Along the same lines, you will find within these pages
resources at MF and KI that can help you navigate life
more easily.
Photo by Matthjis Dorst for Medicor

At Medicor, we welcome constructive discussion and

discourse, so if you find yourself wanting to respond to any
content in the magazine, I offer you a platform on our
website or in the next magazine issue. Do reach out to us!
18
48
Warm regards,
Inika Prasad

medicor
Editor-in-Chief | Inika Prasad
Editor-in-Chief

50
Associate Editors | Sumedha Jassal, Vinciane Allicar
Editorial Team | Rebecka Klingberg, Chang Wei-Tse, Nadine Gelmar, Tom Enriko Kelt SCIENCE CAMPUS CULTURE
Layout Design | Anny Truong

28 Music’s role in the pandemic 4 Medicinska Bokhandeln 40 Colors of Spring

30 The science behind cravings 7 TEDxKI returns 42 Queerolinska

Cover photo attributed to: Diana Polekhina, Unsplash

Medicor Magazine 32 X, Y, and Autism 8 Blåslaget 44 Netflix recommendations
Founded 2006. Fifteenth year.
Published by Medicinska Föreningen in Stockholm
ISSN: 1653-9796 36 Humans & blood 10 Humans of KI - meet Malin 46 Project Wisdom - book
Responsible editor: Inika Prasad Sandell recommendations
Address: Medicinska Föreningen i Stockholm
Nobels Väg 10, Box 250, 171 77, Stockholm
Contact Medicor: chefredaktor@medicor.nu 12 SiF 48 Cooking at KI - Penne alla vodka
www.medicinskaforeningen.se GLOBAL FOCUS
http://medicor.nu
16 Student Health at KI 50 The Dice Method
Freelance material: Medicor retains the right to edit incoming mater-
ial and does not take responsibility for unsolicited texts or pictures, 20 Vaccine inequity
and printing mistakes. The contributor agrees that, through pub-
18 Ombudsperson
lished and signed Medicor material, their opinions do not necessarily
represent those of Medicor or Medicinska Föreningen.

16 medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1 medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1 17

CAMPUS • MEDICINSKA BOKHANDELN
Medicinska
Bokhandeln
– the student’s bookstore
AUTHORS: MIKAEL YILMAZ & JULIA EHRENSTRÖM
Medicinska bokhandeln (MB) has long been the students' safe haven for finding course
literature. The bookstore has, over the years, contributed to a more vibrant campus. Many
people know MB as it is located in front of the lecture hall Berzelius. The admirable, detailed
anatomical drawings from Andreas Vesalius' masterpiece, De humani corporis fabrica
(published 1543), decorate the glass walls. However, only a few know the view from MB’s
perspective. We have been permitted to interview the operations manager – Svetlana.
What is MB?
MB is a small business bookstore that is mainly owned by
Medicinska Föreningen (MF). It is run in the form of a
limited company. The company is divided into two units
that cooperate; these are MB in Solna and Harrys böcker
in Huddinge. We have a small staff group, where I am
operations manager and two employees. Furthermore, we
have a board where a couple of students from KI are
included.
How did you come to join MB?
Photo attributed to: Anny Truong
I have an education as an economist. A consistent thing
throughout my career has been meeting on the store floor,
exchanging words, and making customer contact, which
has always been fun. In addition to my background, I have
liked books since I was very young. The trade itself
becomes fun when the product you sell is valuable for
oneself. Therefore, MB was an obvious choice for me.
The operations manager, Svetlana, is sitting at the checkout.
18 medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1
Do you have a favorite book?
When it comes to books, I like
detective stories. My favorite author
is Elizabeth George. These are
beautiful bricks that you can relax
with.
Why is MB’s slogan “By and for
students”?
MB is owned by MF, a student union.
Likewise, our customer clientele
mostly consists of students from KI
and Södertörn University. Moreover,
our assortment is mainly based on
the courses used on campus. We
look at the statistics and see what
sells the most among the students,
and consequently order. It is this
adaptation for the students that
distinguishes MB from the bigger
dragons (bookstores).
To make the books more affordable
for students, we have started to sell
second-hand books. Additionally, we
mediate free books given to us by
donors.
We already know that corona has
affected many businesses. But
how has it been for MB?
The pandemic has hit us very hard
because students have not been on
the campus. Nowadays, KI has
lectures digitally. Unfortunately,
Harrys böcker has been hit harder as
closure in Södertörn University has
been stricter than KI. Right now, it
looks like we are approaching a
clearing, and KI intends to open
campus during the autumn. But we
have been hit hard. No students, no
income.
Do you have a strategy to
overcome the pandemic?
We have finally set up an online
webshop https://medicinskabokhandeln.se/
that facilitates sales. The webshop is
an additional sales channel where
customers can order without being on
campus. Also, we have reduced
costs and adapted to the
circumstances.
medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1
CAMPUS • MEDICINSKA BOKHANDELN
To reduce the spread of the virus, we
limit the number of people that
simultaneously enter the store. In
addition, we have a protective shield
glass between me (checkout) and the
customer.
What do you think about the usage
of e-books instead of actual
books?
There is nothing MB can do about it,
but I generally do not like illegal
downloads. In the end, there is
someone who has worked, written,
printed, sold the book. A long chain of
people work hard to produce a book,
and to download it for free on the
web undermines these people.
I am a bookworm, and opening a
book is something special. Opening a
new book, throwing yourself into the
action, creating your own thoughts;
gives a different feeling. I also like
audiobooks when the thoughts fly
away; then I am in another world.
What would you like for KI
students to know about MB?
Our aim at MB is to offer a wide
range of books to students. If a
product is missing, we can always
order it. The waiting time for Swedish
and foreign literature is 2-3 days and
two weeks, respectively.
19
CAMPUS • MEDICINSKA BOKHANDELN CAMPUS • TEDx

Photo attributed to: Anny Truong

The anatomical images from De humani corporis fabrica.

TEDxKI returns to From Mirage to Oasis

"In the midst of the always-changing and

Unveiling the history of MB Karolinska Institutet

imperfect world we live in, we often find
ourselves in need of an "oasis". A place of
rest and respite. So going from mirage to
AUTHOR: MARIA PAVLOU oasis means finding, creating, or
HOW transforming an illusion into a reality."
MB started by the initiative of the MF board. The task to operate MB was TEDx events are about bringing a agenda. The last weeks before the - Lukas & Inika
assigned to the then vice-chairman of MF – Ulf Ala-Mutka. community together to discuss, event were the hardest, as
listen, learn and share our ideas. everything was coming together and
WHY After a decade , TEDx returned to final preparations took place.
The reason behind starting a student’s bookstore was the market prices Karolinska Institutet with the theme
of course literature were relatively high in Stockholm. So the purpose of “From Mirage to Oasis”. This theme Our team wanted to make sure that behind our work and having an
MB was (and still is) to have high availability of course literature with the has an open interpretation. For me, it this event stayed with the attendees interactive role in online presence
lowest possible price. represents a journey, a transition. for a long time, and therefore we that made my time as part of the
Being part of the team as one of the wanted to make it memorable. This is team very enjoyable. Furthermore, I
WHEN Public Relations Directors of TEDxKI, why we implemented a buddy got to improve my communication
23rd of August, 1993, on a Monday, MB opened as a small bookstore in this journey began in the middle of system, as we understood that - competence through social media
Kårhuset (MF’s student union house). The student’s interest was through March. We had to create a plan and attending one more event online - and sharpen my graphic design
the roof; many stood in a long serpentine queue. coordinate our responsibilities, with could be tiring. We wanted our skills. Also, I met new amazing
the guidance and tips of our audience to receive a full TEDx event people which made this process fun!
AFTERMATH organizers. Creating an image and experience. We also had breakout
After MB’s opening, other competitors were forced to lower their prices profile for TEDxKI was one of the rooms, interactive activities, and a Overall, I am so proud of being part
significantly. It was a great win for students! priorities. post-event mingle where everyone of this team, and I am so happy that
had the chance to talk to the our social media campaign was a
However, having a social media speakers and the other attendees! successful and fully realized event! If
presence is an unrelenting task that you are interested in being part of the
2008 2012 2021 requires communication with all the And even though there were plenty future team organizing the next
MB expands to sell MB moves to the MB is online and members of the team on an ongoing of things to consider and manage, TEDxKI event, stay tuned for
in Huddinge as current locale in sells through the basis. Attending regular meetings, the best part is that we had a blast, upcoming announcements!
Harrys böcker. Berzelius väg 3. webstore. sharing our thoughts, and not only on the day of the event, but
brainstorming, are elements that all of those months preparing. For
ensure a well-tempered and prolific me, it was the creative thinking

20 medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1 medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1 21

CAMPUS • BLÅSLAGET CAMPUS • BLÅSLAGET

Find musical &

dance terms!

NO STYLE,
ONLY HITS!
Welcome to Blåslaget
AUTHOR: MAYA TOURKAMAN
Need some help on the way?

Hello there! Are you also tired of long days that consist of only Zoom lectures that then transition to evenings of Netflix’s See page X for the answers!

rude: "Are you still watching?"? Did you also dream about a vibrant student life that now feels as remote as Narnia? Don’t
give up yet! Because now, you actually have the chance to ensure a student life VIP seat for this fall’s semester! How?
Simply, by joining the Medicinska Föreningen’s student orchestra, Blåslaget, with its associated dance group, Dragplåstret!

So, who are we? Blåslaget consists

of approximately 25 musicians (band
instruments, wind instruments and Down
singers) and Dragplåstret, which has
about 10 dancers. All the musicians 1. Where does “Blåslagare” hang out?
and dancers have different
backgrounds and educations. In 3. The person that leads an orchestra.
Across
Created using the Crossword Maker on TheTeachersCorner.net
other words, everyone is welcome!
We have rehearsals every Tuesday 4. If a song is out of your range to sing or play, you
at 18:00 sharp at the Medicinska 2. What is the smallest instrument in the orchestra? can always … it.
Föreningen’s aula, always starting
with a traditional fika! So if you would 5. You will probably have to do this quite often with 7. Which instrument is the largest and lowest-pitched
like to be part of an active student life your guitar to not have it sound awful, but it also in the brass family?
Group pic – The concert “Värmeslaget” November 2019. in Stockholm with a lot of concerts, needs to be done with.
festivals, tours and other fun 8. An action to keep the muscles flexible, strong, and
Find Blåslaget online: activities, then you should join 6. When a musician plays a note strongly. healthy, which is needed to maintain a range of
Instagram: blaslaget Blåslaget! motion in the joints.
Facebook page: Blåslaget 9. A fabulous person who designs a dance to be
Email: ordf@blaslaget.se performed on stage. 10. A classical ballet term meaning “raised”.

22 medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1 medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1 23

CAMPUS • HUMANS OF KI CAMPUS • HUMANS OF KI

If you are a student at KI, you most

likely had an email exchange with
Malin Sandell. Malin is not just the

After all,
Student Counsellor for 6 different
programmes at KI – she is also the
first point of contact for students who
struggle with stress, harassments,
discrimination, mental health/illness
or other problems related to your

these years
studies.

Malin has been working for about 6

years as student advisor; first at KTH
and now for a year at KI. Since her
studies in ethnology Malin has been

should be as
interested in people and especially
students; “in their different stories,
cultures and experiences”.

“I think it's always difficult as an

international student to come to

memorable as
another country because there's so
many small details that I as a
national take for granted and I just
know, but as an international you
have to learn everything from
scratch”.

possible
Her mission is to be the bridge, the
smoothing hand between all the
different customs and life here at KI.
Her job was never easy but, of
course, it has not been made easier
by the pandemic. Before, students
AUTHOR: MATILDE OVIEDO could interact with their classmates
during lectures and seminars and
Malin Sandell is the Student Counsellor for 6 different programmes at KI - we met her could therefore help each other out;
for an interview to get to know the person behind all these emails a bit better. the online format has taken away this
support system, and left many of
Illustrative elements made by Mikail Yilmaz
“I can't imagine what it must be like
not to know anyone, in a country I
know very little about, staring at a
computer screen in my room alone”.
Many students have now turned to
her for more help. In addition to
providing advice on Swedish life,
Malin has now also taken it upon
herself to interact with the students,
to have fika or take a walk.
She is at her happiest doing these
students, longer and ‘funner’
introduction weeks - and perhaps
introducing a physical space that can
serve as a hangout place as well as
a place for questions and advice.
“Internationals are a great resource
for research and investigation that KI
is so invested in, so it makes sense
to give them attention as well”
This is where Malin calls for help.
Because the pandemic has taken a
toll on the amount of physical

these students vulnerable to
loneliness. She explained that most
of her students now complain that
they feel alien to Sweden, and feel
like they don’t live or participate in
society.
walks, so it is her favourite part of the
job - but she feels KI could make
more of an effort. Malin’s current
project is to make internationals
more of a priority for the university;
with more seminars for incoming
actives; she is constantly searching
for ideas and contributions that
students can think of to make the
university more inclusive for
international students.

24 medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1 medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1 25

CAMPUS • SiF
Research for students – Q & A with the SiF board
1. How did your journey in
Say hello to SiF research start?
DIDAR: I actually have not started
my academic research journey yet! I
only recently started gaining an
Are you a research-lover? Do you want to get into research but don't know how? interest in it when I noticed how
Studenter i Forskning (SiF) might have the answers that you are looking for! interesting research is.
JENNY: When I was in high school I
What is SiF? started volunteering at a lab in
molecular biology and genetics at a
SiF stands for Studenter i Forskning which is Swedish for Students in Research. We are a student-run local university. I learned the ropes
organization that holds events like journal clubs and research seminars, as well as provides valuable around the different lab techniques
information to students that want to pursue research at Karolinska Institutet. and eventually got to work on my
own project, which I subsequently
won a scholarship for at a science
competition for high school students.
MARIA - NEFELI: During my
bachelor studies at Karolinska
Institutet, I started working in a
laboratory part-time. I greatly enjoyed
learning new techniques while
applying my knowledge from my
bachelor courses, so I have
continued doing research in parallel
to my studies to this day.
ALI: In my first semester I came in
contact with a bunch of students
researchers, in the semesters above.
I landed my first research assistant
job through them .
CAROLINE: I got my first research
position with one of my lecturers in
my first semester of medical school. I
Board left to right: CAROLINE SCHAGERHOLM - President, LINA ABDEL-HALIM - Vice President, CHRISTINA TSAGKOGIANNI - Events Manager, had been in contact with her due to
IIDA TYNKKYNEN - Recruitment Manager, LINDA KOGERMAN - Event Manager, MARIA - NEFELI CHRISTAKOPOULOU - PR Manager, JENNY SUL - an international exchange and just
Event Manager, DIDAR FARES - Event Manager, ALI RASSOLIE - PR Manager, LINA CAO ZHANG (not in picture) - Recruitment Manager asked her if she wanted to take in a
student – and she did!
26 medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1
2. What advice would you give to
someone that wants to get into
research but doesn't know where
to start?
DIDAR: Find out what you think is
interesting, take a few steps in that
direction and see if you like it. (You
can find a list of professors who is
interested in hosting students at
studenteriforskning.se)
JENNY: If you keep an open mind
and you’re in it for the experience
and to learn, anything is possible. I
would start with reaching out to as
many labs of your interest as you
can; talk to supervisors and staff at
the lab and go from there. Research
requires a lot of patience so I’d give it
time to figure out your ultimate life’s
calling.
medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1
CAMPUS • SiF
MARIA - NEFELI: In the biomedical
programme, all lecturers are also
conducting research and they always
talk briefly about their work in the
beginning or end of the lecture. If you
find their research topic interesting,
make sure to approach them and
discuss their research, laboratory
techniques they use in their lab, and
ongoing projects that you could
potentially join.
ALI: I would definitely start by
scouring the internet–more
specifically KI sites and SiF’s
website–for interesting research
groups. After finding one, we enter
the stage of spamming and
religiously attempting to come in
contact with the PIs or researchers at
the lab, asking for a job!
CAROLINE: investigate your interest
and ask around! Maybe you have an
interesting seminar leader, know
someone who does research or
similar? There are so many ways to
get into research and the most
important advice I can give is to
show your interest and to be honest
about your background and what you
are capable of in both terms of time
and skillset.
27
CAMPUS • SiF
3. What is something you wished
you knew before getting into
research?
DIDAR: What I have noticed a lot of
people mention is that professors
choose their research path for a
reason, so talking about their work is
fun for them. This is why, if you are
interested in doing what they do, you
should not be afraid of inviting
Professors for a cup of coffee to talk
about their work.
28
JENNY: That it’s not necessarily
about the results. As I said, research
requires a lot of patience so it’s
mostly about the journey and the
process.
MARIA - NEFELI: That this is a
learning process and things won’t
always go as planned. You should
see every mistake and failed
experiment as an opportunity to learn
more and improve yourself. Also,
always remember that many great
discoveries happened by mistake!
medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1
ALI: Be willing to change labs early!
Evaluate carefully if the current
research group will benefit you in
your own development.
CAROLINE: Think about what type
of research you want to do.
Research is so different, from
working in wet labs, with patient
registries, computer softwares and
being in the clinic having patient
meetings. Not all needs to suit
everyone and it can be a deal
breaker!
4. What was your favorite event
that SiF organised and why?
DIDAR: The “How To Research
Lecture” for sure! Gave me
everything I needed to know about
starting my research journey, as well
as a few resources.
JENNY: The different webinars we’ve
organized so far. I find it interesting
to learn about the different fields of
research and what the latest
discoveries are.
MARIA - NEFELI: The psychedelic
research webinar was a great event
where top researchers in the field,
both from Sweden and abroad,
spoke about this rapidly advancing
field of research.
CAROLINE: Research colloquium, a
very nice gathering in Gamla Stan
with dinner and discussions of a
research topic from different
perspectives.
medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1
CAMPUS • SiF
5. What has being part of SiF
taught you?
DIDAR: Researchers can be fun
people too :)
JENNY: That research students
aren’t antisocial mythical creatures
but actually are fun with active social
lives.
MARIA - NEFELI: That researchers
are so fun that they have created a
parody of the Nobel prizes called the
Ig Nobel prizes, which are awarded
every year for achievements that
"first make people laugh, and then
make them think".
CAROLINE: How many researchers
that are encouraged to work with us
students and to engage us!
Where to find SiF:
Website: https://studenteriforskning.se
Facebook page: Studenter i Forskning Stockholm
Instagram: sifstockholm
29
CAMPUS • STUDENT HEALTH CENTER CAMPUS • STUDENT HEALTH CENTER

A reminder
from the Student Health
Center at KI
AUTHOR: FRIDA KOLASA

Sometimes, little to nothing can feel like a lot - especially during uncertain times.
The KI Student Health Center is here to help when things get too much.

Hello! How are you in these peculiar times? Are you finding
a good balance between spending time online, looking at
the screen, and the rest of life? Perhaps it's a little bit
simplified, but we often speak to students about these
topics. Most of us know what to do when we have a lot of
studies to get through; we need to eat healthy, take
pauses, make sure we move our bodies, make time for
social interaction, and, of course, sleep well.
But why is it so hard to achieve?
Sometimes the simple, small things are the most difficult to
embrace. When we are stressed, feel low, and are not
allowed to see friends and family that we need to in order
to keep well, cognitive abilities can decrease. Decisions
are more difficult to make, routines are harder to keep up
with, and our patience wanes. At the Student Health
Centre we meet many students that struggle with these
problems. Sometimes it can be helpful to get some support
around these issues; it seems so simple but can actually
be quite tricky. We are here to support you; do get in touch
to discuss any difficulties you might be experiencing.
Photo attributed to: WHERE?
About the Student Health Center
We offer assessment, advice and supportive counselling
sessions when you experience study-related difficulties or
other problems that may impede your studies in any way.
Common reasons for contacting us are stress,
performance-anxiety, or feeling low.
Currently we only offer online video-sessions. To make an
appointment you can either phone us or make a booking in
our web-based booking system. Click on the link below for
easy access: https://utbildning.ki.se/studenthalsan
We also regularly offer seminars on various topics that you
may want to take part in - previous topics have ranged
from Stress Handling to Public speaking anxiety. Watch the
space on our website for upcoming seminars!

30 medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1 medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1 31

CAMPUS • OMBUDSPERSON CAMPUS • OMBUDSPERSON

Medicinska
Föreningen’s
ombudspersons
AUTHORS: NAZIRA HAMMOUD SHAHWAN & NINNA OOM

Did you know that Medicinska Föreningen (MF) has two

ombudspersons that can help students and doctoral students The ombudspersons’ area of
with matters related to their studies? Ninna and Nazira are there jurisdiction used to be divided in two
for all students at KI, regardless of membership in the union, and — one for students and one for
– it should go without mentioning – they work under complete doctoral students. However,we are
confidentiality. now striving towards gradually
merging our roles. This means that
the two of us can handle cases with
How can you help students and What’s a typical case for you as For how long have you as both students and doctoral students.
doctoral students? ombudspersons? ombudspersons been around? A big pro with this is that we are
more available to everyone – if one
We can, for example, help them Well, our job varies a lot and the KI initiated the role of the of us can’t help at the time, the other
understand their rights and cases that we work with are quite ombudspersons in 2003, because one probably can. Furthermore, we
obligations, be a neutral and different from each other. But when it they wanted the students to have an are able to discuss cases with each

Photo attributed to: Daniella Nordman

independent instance between them
and KI in a possible conflict, and
investigate whether KI follows the
rules in handling their case.
However, we do not take sides or
decide on a matter.
When can students and doctoral
students contact you?
Always! No question is too big or too
small and we do our best to get back
as soon as possible. If we are not the
right people to answer a question, we
refer the student to someone who is.
Just remember — our door is always
open!
comes to student matters, we often
give support to students that have an
upcoming claim with the disciplinary
board. We also counsel students that
feel that they have been mistreated
by their teachers or peers and others
who, for example, want to know how
to have a grade reviewed. When it
comes to doctoral students, the
cases are usually connected to their
work environment and employment.
We can help them with the process
of changing a supervisor or informing
them about their rights concerning
prolongation of their contract of
employment.
independent person/persons outside
of KI to turn to if something
happened during their studies at KI,
someone employed by the student
union for example. I, Nazira, have
worked as an ombudsperson at KI
for five years so I’ve seen quite a lot
during my time here. Everything from
more simple cases regarding
misleading and plagiarism to more
difficult cases involving sexual
harrasments during an internship
(VFU) etc. And I, Ninna, only started
working last summer. It’s a really fun
and interesting job, but I still have
much to learn!
other if we find it necessary and in a
particularly tricky case, we can show
support in numbers.
How can students and doctoral
students reach you?
The easiest way is to fill out a form
on MF’s website. On the form, the
student can tell us a bit about their
problem after which we contact them. You can find the form here:
Usually, we arrange a meeting with https://medicinskaforeningen.se/en/student-rights/ombudspersons/
the student to ensure that we
understand every aspect of the The ombudspersons visiting addresses are:
problem and discuss how we can be MF Solna, Nobels väg 10 and MF Flemingsberg, Alfred Nobels Allé 8.
of help.

32 medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1 medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1 33

CAMPUS • OMBUDSPERSON CAMPUS • OMBUDSPERSON

Medicinska
Föreningen’s
ombudspersons
AUTHORS: NAZIRA HAMMOUD SHAHWAN & NINNA OOM

Did you know that Medicinska Föreningen (MF) has two

ombudspersons that can help students and doctoral students
with matters related to their studies? Ninna and Nazira are there
for all students at KI, regardless of membership in the union, and
– it should go without mentioning – they work under complete

Photo attributed to: Daniella Nordman

confidentiality.

How can you help students and What’s a typical case for you as For how long have you as
doctoral students? ombudspersons? ombudspersons been around?

We can, for example, help them
understand their rights and
obligations, be a neutral and
independent instance between them
and KI in a possible conflict, and
investigate whether KI follows the
rules in handling their case.
However, we do not take sides or
decide on a matter.
When can students and doctoral
students contact you?
Always! No question is too big or too
small and we do our best to get back
as soon as possible. If we are not the
right people to answer a question, we
refer the student to someone who is.
Just remember — our door is always
open!
Well, our job varies a lot and the
cases that we work with are quite
different from each other. But when it
comes to student matters, we often
give support to students that have an
upcoming claim with the disciplinary
board. We also counsel students that
feel that they have been mistreated
by their teachers or peers and others
who, for example, want to know how
to have a grade reviewed. When it
comes to doctoral students, the
cases are usually connected to their
work environment and employment.
We can help them with the process
of changing a supervisor or informing
them about their rights concerning
prolongation of their contract of
employment.
KI initiated the role of the
ombudspersons in 2003, because
they wanted the students to have an
independent person/persons outside
of KI to turn to if something
happened during their studies at KI,
someone employed by the student
union for example. I, Nazira, have
worked as an ombudsperson at KI
for five years so I’ve seen quite a lot
during my time here. Everything from
more simple cases regarding
misleading and plagiarism to more
difficult cases involving sexual
harrasments during an internship
(VFU) etc. And I, Ninna, only started
working last summer. It’s a really fun
and interesting job, but I still have
much to learn!
The ombudspersons’ area of
jurisdiction used to be divided in two
— one for students and one for
doctoral students. However,we are
now striving towards gradually
merging our roles. This means that
the two of us can handle cases with
both students and doctoral students.
A big pro with this is that we are
more available to everyone – if one
of us can’t help at the time, the other
one probably can. Furthermore, we
are able to discuss cases with each
other if we find it necessary and in a
particularly tricky case, we can show
support in numbers.
How can students and doctoral
students reach you?
The easiest way is to fill out a form
on MF’s website. On the form, the
student can tell us a bit about their
problem after which we contact them.
Usually, we arrange a meeting with
the student to ensure that we
understand every aspect of the
problem and discuss how we can be
of help.
You can find the form here:
https://
medicinskaforeningen.se/en/
student-rights/
ombudspersons/
The ombudspersons
visiting addresses are:
MF Solna, Nobels väg 10 and
MF Flemingsberg, Alfred
Nobels Allé 8.

34 medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1 medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1 35

GLOBAL FOCUS • VACCINE INEQUITY
Vaccine Vaccine appetite: endowing lessons
learned from previous epidemics
The COVID-19 pandemic largely deviates from
other modern-day pandemics by the effect it has
had on different sectors of life. However, the most
inequity
prominent has been its scope. As it strongly
affected enterprises on the global market, the
developed countries saw their usual response of
turning a blind eye impeded. In contrast, the
global emergency twisted into a global display of
power and privilege.
The speed of crisis mitigation and mobilization
within the developed regions has been truly
astounding. Since the initial months of the
pandemic, the administrations of the developed
countries have reversed the shrinking trend in
vaccine development. A loss of interest in vaccine
research investment persisted for years before
the COVID-19 outbreak due to high research
costs, relatively low prices of vaccines, and a
decrease in demand within a few years appearing
3
on the market. The European Union and the
United States poured billions of dollars into the
research and development of SARS-Cov-2
vaccines, luring large pharmaceutical companies
and small research groups alike to endeavor on
the path of vaccine exploration and related
fundamental research. They adjusted legal
frameworks and secured virtual doses from the
most promising suppliers, prompting SARS-Cov-2
AUTHOR: JULIA TERPINSKA vaccine research to be lower in risk and more
profitable for the vaccine industry. Coupled with
As vaccination systems against SARS-Cov-2 are rolling out in the developed existing immunological knowledge from the
countries, the differences between the access to equitable healthcare around the previous epidemics, vaccine development was
world become more striking than ever. With the ambitious plans of the EU Commission faster than ever before.
to vaccinate 70% of the EU adult population by summer 20211, and the hopes of
containing the spread in the US by fall 20212, the developed countries hold the end of Several epidemic crises before COVID-19,
the COVID-19 pandemic in sight. Yet, questions about systemic privilege and vaccine markedly SARS and MERS outbreaks, saw a
inequity have blatantly started to be unveiled once more. The devastating example slower response from the market and states.
spotlights the humanitarian crisis and medical apartheid in the Gaza Strip, a part of the However, they also sparked curiosity around
Occupied Palestinian Territory under the control of the State of Israel. coronavirus vaccine research and revealed the
virus family’s central mechanisms at the
molecular and immune system levels.
36 medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1
GLOBAL FOCUS • VACCINE INEQUITY
Particularly interesting mechanisms, are antibody
coupling and T-cell responses that cause
inflammation and worsen disease onset during
reinfection in a process called vaccine-associated
disease enhancement (VADE).4 Moreover, the
coronavirus spike protein was found responsible
for the initial infection process and identified as a
molecular target. Accounting for these and other
processes, SARS-Cov-2 vaccine safety and
efficacy could be more easily optimized, which
subsequently accelerated SARS-Cov-2 vaccine
development.5
Although coronavirus vaccine research has
grown with knowledge on previous epidemics, it
lacked an additional factor that would bring
profits. Since COVID-19 had high mortality, is
more contagious, and took its toll on a massive
number of people, its overall exerted impact was
larger. However, it became the most momentous
due to the effect it had on the global market, as
well as socio-political attitudes, healthcare
systems, and education within the developed
countries. States with prolific infrastructure
experienced a direct need for crisis mitigation,
and successfully prompted productive SARS-
Cov-2 vaccine development.6
This highlights a subtler aspect of vaccine
inequity, where such countries and enterprises,
building on the best available science and their
knowledge capital, hold the power to direct
resources and overcome large public health
issues. On the other hand, states with shortfalls in
healthcare and research infrastructure have an
impaired potential to implement structural
solutions - such as vaccine development, which
often leads to more severe public health
outcomes. It is curious to notice that COVID-19 is
not the only pandemic crisis we are living in at the
moment, with the example of the ongoing HIV/
AIDS global epidemic, but its mitigation has been
faster due to its socio-economic scope, as well as
microbiological differences.7
medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1 37
GLOBAL FOCUS • VACCINE INEQUITY
Vaccines are ready - but that doesn’t
mean you will get one
Following vaccine development and
manufacturing, the access to the vaccines in the
market has been largely compromised by
economic positions as well as infrastructural
factors, which led to stark vaccine inequities and
earned critique from WHO Director-General
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.8
The issue exacerbates with the strength of the
capitalistic market, where profit plays a central
role. Developed countries claimed the entitlement
to the first servings of the vaccine and were able
to gobble up twice or thrice the number of doses
needed to cover their population, due to their
prior investments or financial grounding.9
Concurrently, low-income, fragile states, often in
the Global South, cannot offer substantial prices
and, thus, compete individually for the vaccines in
the market.
Additionally, SARS-Cov-2 vaccine development
and acquisition turned into a diplomatic and
political asset. Alongside the developed countries,
Chinese and Russian administrations sprinted
towards vaccine research and Russia proudly
named its first SARS-Cov-2 vaccine in the world
– SputnikV. Now they proceed to strengthen their
global influence by distributing vaccines to
countries in the Global South in bilateral deals,
often in exchange for other benefits. It prompts
these countries to increase their dependence on
external bodies and consent to more
compromises, which forces them to pay a higher
10
price and deepens vaccine inequity.
However, drastic differences in vaccine inequity
do not only span across the Global North and
South; they are even more striking a few
kilometers apart. Israel, having vaccinated more
than 63% of its population by June 2021, ranks
as the world leader in COVID-19 mitigation. Its
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu centered the
promise of an effective vaccination program
during his reelection campaign; he kicked off the
Israeli vaccine rollout by paraphrasing Neil
Armstrong’s first words on the moon and
38
GLOBAL FOCUS • VACCINE INEQUITY
mirroring his vaccine syringe to a rocket.11 Capital and quality step in, licenses pharma participation in pool patenting. Covid-19
Although Israel did not actively partake in vaccine keep them safe – and shrink vaccine Technology Access Pool was established at the
research as Russia, China, the EU and the US availability beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to integrate
did, it was largely successful at vaccine several patents and technologies in one package
diplomacy. Due to the available resources and Although COVAX managed to gather some of the and enable easier access to vaccine
rapid response, it was able to pay top prices for essential funds, it experienced large issues with manufacturing in low- and middle-income
the doses and acquire them in bulk as early as the supply chain. The manufacturing step, under countries.20
December 2020. the current legal regulations, is milk and honey for
the pharma companies; and it presents itself in Currently, more vaccine companies are
Currently, while Israel launches vaccinations for the form of patents. Large market demand for committing to ship doses to COVAX for more
Israeli youth, a debate sparks on the legal and SARS-Cov-2 vaccines allows the few enterprises equitable distribution.21 Scaling up of vaccine
moral accountability of Israel’s vaccination to steer the vaccine prices. production is essential when we think about the
program. Its epidemic relief success is threat of potential, more dangerous, and vaccine-
internationally bound to translate to a similar Currently, a limited number of manufacturers are immune SARS-Cov-2 variants, as well as basic
outcome in its occupied territories, as stated in licensed by pharma companies to produce human decency.
the Fourth Geneva Convention.12 Yet, to this day, SARS-Cov-2 vaccines. Irrespective of vaccine
the Occupied Palestinian Territory (oPt) has research being partially funded from state Unfavorably, more bottlenecks are starting to
managed to vaccinate a mere 8% of its resources, the intellectual property rights over the emerge in the COVAX system, including export
13
population. The Palestinian Authority has developed vaccines, as well as confidential know- controls, syringe shortages, and a deficit of skilled
received only 2000 doses of Moderna vaccine how information, are owned by the pharma vaccine workers.22 Moreover, with other
from the Israeli officials, according to the UN companies. By keeping their procedures secret, manufacturers remaining passive in the initial
OCHA report for June 2021.14 With 369 thousand the leading vaccine parties protect their heavy stage of COVAX vaccine rollout, AstraZeneca
individuals in a 2 million population vaccinated investments and knowledge capital, which allows supplies from Serum Institute of India powered
with the first dose by June 10th, the Gaza Strip them to reduce competition and collect the the COVAX system by up to 90%.23
remains hundreds of thousands of vaccines highest profits. However, it also results in a much
short.15 Moreover, although the general infection lower throughput of vaccine production. Such a one-party-oriented supply was also
rate remains low, its COVID-19 cases had risen condemned to failure. It transpired alongside the
by 58% from March to April 2021 before the Different regulatory maneuvers ensure company infection surge and emergence of massive
coronavirus testing was impeded by Israeli control over a certain vaccine and a handful of farmers’ protests in India, which were grounded in
violence escalation in May 2021. This others that enable an increase in manufacturing. the extreme events of climate change.24 In March,
demonstrates how within the same legal authority Paid or voluntary licenses are examples of the Indian manufacturer was forced to reroute the
(concerning pandemic mitigation), the access to variations where the main enterprise has a choice resources meant for other countries to counteract
vaccines remains divided between religions and over which companies would produce its vaccine. rapidly spreading infections on Indian streets,
ethnicities. At the beginning of vaccine distribution, it was effectuating delayed COVAX supplies from
only AstraZeneca that decided to disclose the AstraZeneca.25 With the developed countries
Palestinian Authority and Hamas-run Gazan vaccine protocol in such a way to large third hoarding up the doses, and the manufacturing
governance were hindered from swift vaccine parties, i.e., Serum Institute of India, and thus, chain curbed and disrupted, Occupied Palestinian
purchase due to fragile position in the market scale-up production. Territory managed to receive the first COVAX
(which further deteriorated upon the border doses only on March 17th, 2021.26
16
blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt in 2007. Yet, it still fell short in scope, with other
Instead, oPt had to rely on global governance to manufacturers preferring to license smaller On the other hand, Israel ensured a firm head
obtain the doses. The issue of inequitable companies, and seek investment in the extension start through an agreement with Pfizer with
18
vaccine distribution stimulated WHO, CEPI, Gavi, of their own production lines. As a rationale, competitive funds and solid infrastructure. While
and UNICEF to cooperate in the establishment of concerns were raised over the quality of vaccines Israel prevails as a model in a successful
Photo attributed to: www.unsplash.com
19
a COVID-19 vaccination program for low-income from the third parties and potential counterfeit. vaccination sprint for the general public, it stands
countries, called COVAX. Up to date, it secured Nevertheless, it resulted in a bottleneck of as a country-wide model on pandemic mitigation
enough doses to cover 20% of low-income vaccine production and a WHO call to strengthen for Pfizer.
countries’ population.17
medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1 medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1 39
GLOBAL FOCUS • VACCINE INEQUITY
Rolling up the sleeves –
infrastructure at hand
Medical data in a highly functioning healthcare
system contribute an enormous asset in
negotiations, adding another dimension to
vaccine diplomacy. For years, Israel has been
operating a detailed medical database on, among
others: age, sex, co-existing medical conditions,
and side effects of the vaccinations, which
encompassed the whole of its relatively small
population. Such information is invaluable both
for the optimization of vaccines in the present
sprint, as well as for the position in the evolving
world of Big Data, which tempted Pfizer to center
27
Israel in its vaccine distribution. Moreover, the
digitalized system allowed Israel to optimize its
vaccination rollout and prioritize the most
vulnerable groups.28
Good healthcare supports vaccine distribution;
differences between healthcare quality contribute
to vaccine inequity. Infrastructure preparedness
may consist of vaccination centers, access to
personal protective equipment, skilled staff, and a
comprehensive, digitized medical platform - all of
which balance the utility of vaccine supply and
become essential for smooth pandemic
management. The Gazan Ministry of Health
struggled with the supply of basic health services
due to the 2007 blockade, which led to insufficient
medical equipment and electricity access that
powers it. The blockade strained Gazan
infrastructure even before the COVID-19
outbreak – 1.5 million Gazans do not have
adequate access to healthcare provision, as
40
GLOBAL FOCUS • VACCINE INEQUITY
Knocking down infrastructure;
boosting vaccine inequities
However, the situation worsened on account of
the eviction of Palestinians from Sheikh Jarrah,
fire opened by Hamas, and subsequent attacks
from the Israeli military in May 2021. At the most
severe moment, 113 thousand Palestinians were
internally displaced, and presently, this number
reported by the International Medical Corps.29 remains at 9 thousand IDPs. Early detection and
Another threat to infection spreads is also posed prevention were also impeded by 70% when the
by large clusters in refugee camps and a main lab testing center was bombed.33 The
population density within the Strip that is 32 times growing number of residents experiencing
higher than that of Israel. It is further exacerbated physical trauma and requiring immediate
by hampered water, sanitation, and hygiene treatment placed tremendous stress on the Strip’s
(WASH) systems. healthcare system. Simultaneously, 9 (out of 30)
hospitals, 19 (out of 147) primary healthcare
All these factors, induced by the blockade, centers, and key hospital accessways were
contributed to an immense risk of untamable damaged by the Israeli airstrikes.34
infection surge and large dependence of Gazan
healthcare on international medical and It posed an immense threat to the uncontrolled
humanitarian aid. During the COVID-19 spread of COVID-19. The hospitals and clinics
pandemic, as of June 1st, 2021, the region served also as vaccination centers, and with
received 196 500 doses of the vaccine from sustained damage, their vaccination capacity
COVAX, country-specific donations, and bilateral plunged.35 It represents a situation, in which the
30
deals. However, they still cannot accommodate drastic inequities in both vaccine supply and
for more complex systemic issues attributable to related infrastructure are worsened by direct
the blockade, such as import restrictions and a military violence. It had implications in aggravated
31
deficit of resources. Therefore, it positioned vaccination rollout, which further deepened
Israel and the Gaza Strip at significantly different inequities in vaccination programs between the
levels of preparedness attributable to the Israeli and Gazan regions.
healthcare system and infrastructure prior to the
COVID-19 outbreak.
Counterintuitively, the same rigorous blockade
allowed for early detection and isolation of
infected individuals before they crossed the
border. All travelers must pass through land
controls, since the region is surrounded by
military forces, and there is no airport or seaport.
With the help of humanitarian aid, several
quarantine centers were established, and the sick
could be directly referred there. Therefore, up
Photo attributed to: www.unsplash.com
until May 2021, the spread was significantly lower
than in other regions of the world.32
medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1 medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1 41
GLOBAL FOCUS • VACCINE INEQUITY
What is to come?
Vaccine inequity has many faces, some of them
more obvious than others. Prominently, they
entail differences in the production and supply
chains – from vaccine research and development,
through manufacturing and diplomacy, to the
distribution capacity of related healthcare
infrastructure. These inequities can also be
actively exacerbated by military violence,
straining vaccine rollouts even in places under
the same pandemic mitigation authority, like Gaza
Strip and Israel. Regardless of the legal,
economic, and scientific complexities, vaccine
inequity directly impacts the livelihoods of billions
and exposes some social groups to more severe
outcomes of pandemics like COVID-19.
Yuval Harari writes in his book “21 lessons for
21st century” about the threat of growing
biological differences between humans, where
one group can diverge from another due to their
advanced biological adaptations, mainly
grounded in economic prospects. Although in my
judgment, it is currently a far-fetched scenario,
differences in immunities of certain groups
doubtlessly are a brick in the wall that supports
such division.
Vaccine inequity is also not an isolated problem.
With the expected mass immunizations in low-
income countries not kicking off before 2022 or
2023, it exposes weaker states to prolonged
pandemic crisis management and puts additional
weight on their economies and healthcare
42 medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1
GLOBAL FOCUS • VACCINE INEQUITY
systems.36 At that time, the SARS-Cov-2 virus
risks mutating to more dangerous variants and
further straining global public health. It also exerts
a strong impact on social and economic
inequities, such as compromised education
during school closures. UNESCO predicts 23.8
million youth to drop out of school due to the
COVID-19 crisis, including 11.2 million girls.37
Girls’ education has a stronger effect on the
country’s economy, as it affects adolescent
pregnancies, women’s emancipation, and
household earnings to a larger extent.38 Many
outcomes of the COVID-19 crisis are yet to be
observed in the decades to come.
Equitable vaccine distribution could diminish the
COVID-19 pandemic’s negative upshot. Ideas
about patents sold in bulk under COVID-19
Technology Access Pool have the potential in
satisfying large demand for SARS-Cov-2
vaccines and could be more warranted and
encouraged by the respective states. A prospect
of assigning SARS-Cov-2 vaccines equitably
stands, for instance, in stronger global
governance through COVAX as a leading vaccine
authority. In the spirit of a frequently repeated “no
one is safe until everyone is safe”, the developed
countries and large pharma companies should
step up and rely on WHO in vaccine distribution.39
Now, more than ever, efforts from all socio-
economic bodies need to be amplified to prevent
and eradicate the occurrence of stark vaccine
inequities. And the health, social and economic
inequities that follow.
Photo attributed to: www.unsplash.com
medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1 43
SCIENCE • MUSIC’S ROLE IN THE PANDEMIC
Music’s role in the pandemic
– a source of escapism?
AUTHOR: ISABELLA BLOMBERG
This past year and half has been life
changing for the vast majority of the
population, globally. The prevailing
pandemic has forced many people to
live in confinement, isolated from the
world around them due to lockdowns
and rules on social distancing. The
isolation has subjected them to an
increased risk of feeling anxious and
lonely. This truly unique situation has
affected the general mental health
1
negatively. What measures have
been taken by individuals to subside
the distress of this pandemic? Has
there been a way to escape?
One tool that numerous people have
used to escape their depressing
reality is listening to music during
their times of long isolation and exile.
This behavior can be described as
escapism. The word escapism is
defined as a “tendency to seek
distraction and relief from unpleasant
realities, especially by seeking
2
entertainment”. In the field of
psychology, the word escapism can
have a negative connotation, since it
is often correlated to escaping
responsibilities and avoiding reality.
However, during the ruling pandemic,
Photo attributed to: www.unsplash.com
44 medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1
SCIENCE • MUSIC’S ROLE IN THE PANDEMIC
it might have had a more positive
significance and impact on people’s
mental health. Music, subjective to
the one listening, might have let
people escape reality, and feel better
about the situation.
Music stimulates a range of
emotional responses that give rise to
the sensations of “chills”. “Chills” can
be described as a euphoric
response. Brain imaging shows that
these chills give rise to a feeling of
reward. The rewarding feeling is
similar to that which arises due to
biological stimuli such as sex and
food or those that are artificially
stimulated by drugs. Music induces
the release of high levels of
neurotransmitters such as dopamine
which gives rise to the rewarding
sensation. Activation of the reward
system is also correlated to a
decrease in brain activity associated
with negative emotions. Survival-
related stimuli has been strongly
correlated with music and thus
proved to be biologically relevant
when it comes to connections in the
brain that are involved with feeling of
reward and pleasure.3
medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1
Studies have shown that listening to
music reduces anxiety and improves
the mental state4, which has been of
great importance during the past
year and a half. Music has been a
source of meaningful escapism,
where the redirection of the mind has
been favourable in the case of well-
being, thus showing that the power of
music has had an undeniably
positive effect.
Do you want to escape your reality or
feel less anxious? Well, then this is
an encouragement, to listen to your
favourite song, even if it is just for a
moment, to see if your mood
changes, and if it elicits a feeling of
reward which might boost your
mood.
45
SCIENCE • MUSIC’S ROLE IN THE PANDEMIC
Music’s role in the pandemic
– a source of escapism?
AUTHOR: ISABELLA BLOMBERG
This past year and half has been life
changing for the vast majority of the
population, globally. The prevailing
pandemic has forced many people to
live in confinement, isolated from the
world around them due to lockdowns
and rules on social distancing. The
isolation has subjected them to an
increased risk of feeling anxious and
lonely. This truly unique situation has
affected the general mental health
1
negatively. What measures have
been taken by individuals to subside
the distress of this pandemic? Has
there been a way to escape?
One tool that numerous people have
used to escape their depressing
reality is listening to music during
their times of long isolation and exile.
This behavior can be described as
escapism. The word escapism is
defined as a “tendency to seek
distraction and relief from unpleasant
realities, especially by seeking
2
entertainment”. In the field of
psychology, the word escapism can
have a negative connotation, since it
is often correlated to escaping
responsibilities and avoiding reality.
However, during the ruling pandemic,
Photo attributed to: www.unsplash.com
46 medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1
SCIENCE • MUSIC’S ROLE IN THE PANDEMIC
it might have had a more positive
significance and impact on people’s
mental health. Music, subjective to
the one listening, might have let
people escape reality, and feel better
about the situation.
Music stimulates a range of
emotional responses that give rise to
the sensations of “chills”. “Chills” can
be described as a euphoric
response. Brain imaging shows that
these chills give rise to a feeling of
reward. The rewarding feeling is
similar to that which arises due to
biological stimuli such as sex and
food or those that are artificially
stimulated by drugs. Music induces
the release of high levels of
neurotransmitters such as dopamine
which gives rise to the rewarding
sensation. Activation of the reward
system is also correlated to a
decrease in brain activity associated
with negative emotions. Survival-
related stimuli has been strongly
correlated with music and thus
proved to be biologically relevant
when it comes to connections in the
brain that are involved with feeling of
reward and pleasure.3
medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1
Studies have shown that listening to
music reduces anxiety and improves
the mental state4, which has been of
great importance during the past
year and a half. Music has been a
source of meaningful escapism,
where the redirection of the mind has
been favourable in the case of well-
being, thus showing that the power of
music has had an undeniably
positive effect.
Do you want to escape your reality or
feel less anxious? Well, then this is
an encouragement, to listen to your
favourite song, even if it is just for a
moment, to see if your mood
changes, and if it elicits a feeling of
reward which might boost your
mood.
47
SCIENCE • FOOD CRAVINGS
The Science behind
Cravings
AUTHOR: MENOSHA SIVA
With the upcoming summery days,
my mind is constantly foiled with
trying to find the best way possible to
do something fun – be it learning to
ride a bike at the ripe age of 21 or
experiencing the cool, refreshing
water of the Nordic lakes by fine
tuning my cannonball skills.
However, there seems to be one
incessant, nagging feeling in the
back of my mind – cravings. The
scorching sun somehow makes me
crave ice creams, watermelons,
colas and such. Naturally, that got
me thinking, what is the reason I
yearn for hot chocolate during the
winter, and cocktails during the
summer? In fact, why do I have
random urges to eat chocolates
regardless of season?
I was glad to find out that I am not
alone in my seemingly unexplainable
cravings. Many people around the
world tend to crave and indulge in
their “guilty pleasure” foods.
Statistically, 68% of men and a
whopping 97% of women have
experienced cravings at one point of
their lives. Globally, the most
common cravings include salty foods
(think along the lines of potato chips,
48
Therefore, it seems reasonable to
conclude that we are genetically
predispositioned to want high calorie
items and store the excess precious
calories as fats to be used later on.
However, at the end of the day, there
is a biological factor playing its hand
in our urges to reach for the
seemingly sinful snacks. Humans
and many other mammals are driven
by hormones. Our emotions, bodily
rhythms, and even growth is highly
fries, buttered popcorn), chocolate, regulated by these hormones; a
and fatty fast food such as burgers or deviation from normal will translate
pizza. The previous take used to be into a profound effect within our
based on ‘wisdom of the body’ – a body. Upon scarfing down a hearty
theory that the body knows what meal, the hormone Leptin is secreted
nutrients are deficient and pushes us by fat cells and signals to our brain
to crave foods that are rich in said that we are full. However, have you
nutrients. However, this theory has ever eaten a large meal, only to find
been abandoned due to the out you miraculously have some
overwhelming research disproving it. room left for dessert? This is
For example, one study revealed that because seeing, smelling, or hearing
obese adults who had been put on a about dessert can trigger your brain’s
low-carb diet for two years reported reward centre (which has the ventral
having significantly decreased tegmental area, the nucleus
cravings for carbohydrates and accumbens, and the prefrontal
sugar. To be precise, experts clarify cortex) while simultaneously
that we tend to lose our appetites releasing dopamine. Therefore, just
and veer away from our daily diets by the thought of a soft, oozy warm
when we have a severe nutrition chocolate cake, your mouth starts to
deficiency. salivate as you crave that rush of
dopamine. By that point, it’s a battle
So then, why do we crave certain of leptin versus dopamine, and it’s
foods? Well, people tend to crave not a fair game.
Photo attributed to: www.unsplash.com
food that generally has a high calorie
content, leading experts to believe
there may be evolutionary ”Statistically, 68% of
connections. Thousands of years men and a whopping
ago, food was scarce and hard to 97% of women have
obtain. People had to hunt or experienced cravings at
cultivate their own food. Famine was one point of their lives.”
rampant – almost as rampant as fast
food chains in this day and age.
medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1 medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1
SCIENCE • FOOD CRAVINGS
On a similar note, two other
hormones play a crucial role in
triggering cravings; Ghrelin and
Peptide YY. Ghrelin is famously
known as the ‘hunger hormone’ as it
stimulates food intake. Peptide YY,
on the other hand, reduces appetite.
For those midnight oil-burners out
there, you might want to learn about
a recent study in the Journal of
Sleep and Biological Rhythms that
found a correlation between sleep
deprivation and a change in these
hormone levels indicative of obesity.
This suggests that our actions,
directly or indirectly, can also be a
culprit in inducing our cravings.
Nevertheless, getting enough sleep
is not the only thing you can do to
put your cravings at bay. Eating more
protein, meal planning, managing
stress, and eating before grocery
shopping can all help to deter you
from caving in to your pesky
cravings. While the theory of ‘The
wisdom of the body” has been
debunked, mindful eating combined
with a healthy diet may help to deal
with cravings. John Hopkins’
Bariatrics department has a fun little
online questionnaire that can help
one distinguish between hunger and
cravings, while providing tips on
mindful eating. The link will be
provided at the end of this article.
However, if you’re craving non-food
substances, you may want to check
if you suffer from pica, a compulsive
eating disorder commonly found in
pregnant women and pre-
adolescents where people crave and
consume non-food items. In this
case, please reach out to a medical
professional.
49
SCIENCE • MALE & FEMALE AUTISM
X, Y, and Autism
AUTHOR: V. F.
1 The ABC of ASD
Today, as much as 1% of the population
carries the diagnosis of autism or autistic
spectrum disorder (ASD), which is
described by the American Psychiatric
Association (APA) as “a
neurodevelopmental syndrome
characterized by difficulties with social
reciprocity, social communication,
flexibility, and sensory processing”. This is
maybe why the term spectrum comes into
play: autism is truly a continuum of
developmental and cognitive states often
accompanied by comorbidities such as
epilepsy and other physical and
psychiatric abnormalities. Moreover,
individuals with ASD have varying
language skills, with the two extremities
being completely absent speech and fluent
language. Cognitive development may
also vary dramatically, with all the possible
conditions from profound intellectual
disability to above-average intelligence.
Thus, in the same way, as no two
snowflakes are alike, no two patients with
ASD will show exactly the same
phenotype. This extreme clinical
heterogeneity of the disease is probably
one of the primary obstacles in
understanding the pathophysiology and
causes of autism. On top of this, sex and
50 medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1
2 The Y chromosome
gender differences in the manifestation of
the disease complicate the matter even
more.
Genetics is known to have a major role in
the development of ASD, but the impact of
environmental factors cannot be
underestimated either. Even if some ASD-
specific alleles have already been
identified, the exact genotypic profile is still
to be mapped. The only fact that is clear
so far is that the mode of inheritance is not
Mendelian, with identical mutations
potentially being associated with highly
varying phenotypes. De novo mutations
are known to play a significant role in the
development of the disease along with the
identified inherited mutations.
3 What sets us apart
Generally, the age of diagnosis in ASD is
relatively high. Since today the diagnosis
is still set on a purely behavioral basis,
autistic people receive their diagnosis
when they are older than 3-4 years old on
average. This is, however, not always the
case. As will be discussed later, one of the
big problems with female autism lies in the
comparatively higher age of diagnosis
than for males.
ASD is known to be more prevalent
among males compared to females, with
the ratio being ca. 4-5:1 according to
different sources. The cause for this
difference is still quite poorly understood.
Notwithstanding, several theories have
been proposed, with the most common
ones being the potential involvement of
the X-chromosome in the etiology of the
disease, and the effects of hormonal
influences and epigenetic modifications in
utero. It should be noted however that
none of these theories are confirmed yet.
So one may wonder what it is that makes
female autism special. Some other
questions that might arise are if indeed
ASD shows a male bias in prevalence or if
it is something in the diagnostic methods
used today that makes it easier to
diagnose the disease in males compared
to females. And generally, should female
autism be classified as a separate
condition?
The complex interplay between sex/
gender differences and autism and the
male bias in the prevalence of the disease
has stimulated many research projects in
recent years, ranging from clinical and
neurobiological to etiological studies.
Many questions around this topic still
remain unaddressed and the findings are
extremely complex and quite inconsistent.
medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1
SCIENCE • MALE & FEMALE AUTISM
The typical “male-like” or the most neutral
phenotype that probably directly comes to
one’s mind in association with the concept
of ASD is the classical dyad: “difficulties in
social communication and restricted and
repetitive behavior, interests or activities”.
What could be interesting on a side note is
that atypical language development,
historically associated with the diagnosis
of ASD, has recently been removed from
the criteria. Since the language skills vary
so greatly between patients, it is now
referred to as a co-occurring condition.
In light of the fact that ASD already is
highly heterogeneous when it comes to
genetic patterns, it might be difficult to
distinguish a female-specific genetic
characteristic in patients with ASD.
Moreover, de novo mutations have been
proposed to have a more substantial role
in autism, compared to the inherited ones.
An interesting notion is the association of
paternal age with increased risk of de
novo mutations correlating with the
increased risk of autism only in females
but not in males.
When it comes to the phenotypic and
behavioral representation, studies
comparing male and female phenotypes
have revealed a number of typical
differences. In summary, females usually
tend to have more comorbid neurological
51
SCIENCE • MALE & FEMALE AUTISM
abnormalities, less RRBI (“restricted,
repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or
activities”), together with an overall higher
level of intellectual impairment. At the
same time, females exhibit better
expressive behaviors despite similar social
difficulties and different manifestations of
friendship-related behaviors. There are a
number of studies suggesting additional
characteristic features that may be more
associated with the female phenotype,
such as pathological demand avoidance.
Generally, females require a greater
genetic load and more co-occurring
conditions in order to reach the threshold
for diagnosis compared to males, often
referred to as the “female protective
effect”. This is also when one of the main
problems with female autism becomes
4 Diagnosing and understanding female autism
What could also be considered special
with female autism is that even within this
group, there are subgroups with highly
varying traits. The female patients with the
classical male-like traits usually also
develop a cognitive delay which therefore
allows a relatively early diagnosis and thus
an early possibility to get help.
However the main diagnostic challenge
lies in the subgroup of the higher
functioning female patients with atypical,
compensated, or camouflaged
characteristics, who therefore also are
more likely to be misrecognized, with the
age of diagnosis being much older than for
the first subgroup. Taking this fact into
account, some studies suggest that the
actual male:female ratio in the prevalence
of ASD is lower than it was thought before,
within the interval of 2–5:1. Thus even
among the female population ASD is a
common, though under-recognized,
problem.
52 medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1
significant: the diagnosis-setting is more
complicated and therefore usually occurs
later compared to males with a high risk of
the disease going completely
unrecognized.
It should be noted that modern studies
comparing the phenotypic differences
between the sexes with ASD use the same
diagnostic criteria and generally do not
take into account the social gender
differences. Therefore they may lack
sensitivity for the female ASD phenotype.
Thus the results of these studies can not
be considered completely reliable and to
what extent the aforementioned
differences arise due to male-biased
recognition remains to be determined.
However, this can also be seen from a
different perspective. Some studies
5 The conclusions
present the view that the comparatively
older age of diagnosis in females is not the
main problem per se. It is not that women
are prone to be underrecognized, but
rather that their need for a clinical
diagnosis being less pronounced
compared to males, or it can also be that
the need arises at later developmental
stages. This can simply indicate that
females with ASD generally tend to be
more socially adaptable than males and
manage without professional intervention
for a longer time.
So this is where the dilemma arises: to
diagnose or not to diagnose? Where is the
line between autistic and non-autistic in
this case? On the one hand, the late
diagnosis will decrease the woman’s
chance of timely getting help, while the
early identification of ASD may help to
mitigate the risks associated with the
disease, for example by identifying the
patient's special needs and providing
appropriate interventions. At the same
time, the lack of a diagnosis may help one
escape stigma and promote a feeling of
security and identity and thus improve the
overall quality of life.
The late diagnosis is, in any case, a
serious concern for the wellbeing of high-
functioning females with ASD. Many late-
diagnosed high-functioning female
patients report pretending “being normal”
throughout their life having to camouflage
the autistic traits in social situations,
something known as social mimicry. For
the majority, health professionals had not
noticed that their symptoms might be
caused by ASD, methods used due to
So, what can be concluded from the
existing studies is that the phenomenon of
the late diagnosis of female autism can be
explained both by the specific features of
the female ASD phenotype and also the
modern male-based diagnostic system
itself. Many questions about female autism
remain unanswered, however, while the
problem of differences in presentation and
gender bias in ASD diagnosis and
research is still highly valid. It is not
improbable that different diagnostic criteria
medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1
SCIENCE • MALE & FEMALE AUTISM
being masked by other co-occurring
mental conditions, such as anxiety,
depression, and eating disorders.
“Four to five years of depression and
anxiety treatment…years of talking
therapy…and not once did anyone
suggest I had anything other than
depression”, as one of the participants
recall in the study by Mandy et al.
On the other hand, it should be noted that
although timely identification of female
ASD and due support is highly important,
one should also remember not to
pathologize or stigmatize the females who,
even possessing high-risk autistic traits,
are able to manage on their own and/or do
not meet the criteria for a clinical diagnosis
or functional impairment.
may arise for the two sexes in the future,
so maybe we will then indeed once and for
all draw a line between the male and the
female phenotypes?
And yet, one of the most important and
obvious takeaways so far would be that
autism is a continuous spectrum, rather
than a binary condition and that the line
between pathology and norm can be
extremely thin, especially when it comes to
female autistic traits.
53
SCIENCE • HUMANS & BLOOD SCIENCE • HUMANS & BLOOD

AnemiA, B, & O The idea is that an individual people of the same blood
A shortage of RBCs or without a certain sugar group. This blood group is rare

Humans
hemoglobin is called anemia
and is a common condition,
especially amongst people
who menstruate n. There are
many causes of anemia, but
one of the interesting ones is
molecule on their RBC cannot
take blood from someone with
that particular sugar molecule:
O blood type can’t take from A,
B, or AB. Similarly, Rh- can’t
take from Rh+. This means
and mostly found in the Indian
subcontinent. The purpose of
blood groups is not fully
known, but it’s suggested that
different endemic infectious
diseases can be a reason (e.g.

& blood called sickle cell anemia. This

anemia is caused by a genetic
mutation that renders the
RBCs “sickle-shaped” which
reduces the life span of RBCs
that blood group O- is a
universal giver, and AB+ is a
universal taker. There are in
fact hundreds of different
blood-grouping systems, but
malaria). A recent study found
A-blood type was linked to
worse Covid-19 infections.

AUTHOR: MIKAIL YILMAZ
Blood is necessary for humans. Without it, we The science of blood
would be cold, bleak, and, of course, dead. Blood Blood is essential to life –
is a vital fluid in our bodies where it circulates in a almost all animals have it.
complex network of arteries and veins. The Even insects have an
significance of blood in the human mind can be analogous liquid called
appreciated by the marks it has left in our culture; hemolymph. The blood’s main
contracts were sealed with blood; consumption of role is to help distribute
blood is forbidden in Judaism because it’s nutrients and oxygen to every
considered to be sacred; “bloody” is a common cell in our body so they have
intensifying word in British; warriors drank the the energy to survive. In
blood of their enemies; many traditional folk contrast, single-celled
remedies include blood as an ingredient; there organisms (e.g. bacteria, and
are stories of vampires with an endless taste for fungi) and animals of high
blood; and for more than 2,000 years, bloodletting surface/volume ratio and slow
was the dominating treatment in the doctor’s metabolism (e.g. sponges,
arsenal of remedies. However, the greatest corals, and jellyfish) can rely
impact of human’s fascination with blood has on passive diffusion of
been the discoveries of the blood’s scientific nutrients and oxygen from
properties, which have benefited millions of water to their body. Thus,
human lives. these animals don’t need
blood. Similarly, one part of the
human body is in direct contact
with the air and can get oxygen
by passive diffusion without the
need for blood – the cornea of
the eye.
In humans, blood is composed
of 55% plasma (water +
protein), 40% red blood cells
(RBC), and the remaining 5%
is platelets and white blood
cells. The characteristic red
color of blood is attributed to
the RBCs, which are discoid
bags that contain the iron-
based protein hemoglobin as
the oxygen-binder. All
vertebrates have red blood,
from sharks to birds. In
contrast, crustaceans, spiders,
and octopuses have blue
blood because their blood
contains the copper-based
protein hemocyanin as the
oxygen-binder. Moreover, the
breakdown of RBCs gives rise
to the colors in bile, urine, and
stool. A similar color transition
can be seen in contusions: first
red, then blue, then green,
then yellow, and lastly brown.
from the usual 4 months to a
mere 2 weeks. Interestingly,
this condition is a formidable
defense against malaria. As a
consequence of an
evolutionary adaptation, it is
common for people living in
zones of widespread malaria
(e.g. Africa) to have sickle cell
anemia. On a similar note, one
of the world’s most common
enzymatic mutations is G6PD-
deficiency – affecting 400
million people mostly around
the Mediterranean sea – which
causes hemolysis during
infections and thereby protects
against malaria.
Historically, as physicians
realized the importance of
blood as a life force, they have
tried to transfuse blood from
lambs and calves to humans.
These attempts had dire ends
(one physician recalls: “his
urine became black as soot
and then he died”). Therefore,
transfusion was often
prohibited, even between
humans. Then in 1901, Nobel
prize winner Karl Landsteiner
discovered the blood groups in
AB0-system and Rh-system.
With this knowledge,
transfusion became an
accessible treatment.
the two aforementioned
systems are most dangerous if
not considered in blood
transfusion. A serious
consequence of incompatible
blood groups is that a Rh+
woman being pregnant with a
Rh- fetus will lead to the
mother’s immune system
attacking the baby. However,
there are treatments for this.
Studies of ethnic distribution of
blood groups in the world have
found that native Americans
almost exclusively have O-
blood type. One explanation
for this is that the whole native
American population started off
of 8-10 families with high-
frequency of O-blood type and
wandered to Alaska around
14,000 years ago. O-blood
type is also common in
Malaria-spread areas in Africa,
and has protective properties
against malaria. Moreover, the
common blood type in Europe
is A, and the most common in
Asia is B.
One problematic blood group
that does not have any sugar
molecules connected to the
ABO-system is the Bombay
blood group, which can only
receive blood from other

54 medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1 medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1 55

SCIENCE • HUMANS & BLOOD SCIENCE • HUMANS & BLOOD

What blood can tell us In an emergency situation,

In the clinic, a patient’s blood
gives a variety of useful
information about bodily
functions. Thus, blood is
almost always analyzed in a
hospital, e.g., to measure
blood glucose level. Blood
might even be a more
significant diagnostic tool than
we’ve thought before, as new
research shows that
Alzheimer’s disease can be
potentially identified in a blood
analysis. Some cancers can be
detected through blood
analysis as well. In the future,
we might have the technology
to detect a myriad of diseases.
there might not be enough time
to make a blood group test of
the patient (in Swedish: BAS-
test). As such, O- blood is
given as it is highly compatible
with most blood types; this can
be life-saving. Blood is also
used for research. However,
”One bag of
blood is used
the source of that bag of blood
is blood donations. During the
Covid-19 pandemic, donations
have tapered off. One bag of
blood is used every minute in
Sweden. So don’t forget to
donate some of that red, life
force running in your veins.
The blood donor gets benefits
every minute
in Sweden”
such as checkup for anemia,
checkup for common blood-
borne viruses (HIV, hepatitis)
and you get to know your
blood group!

Tips:
You can donate blood in Odenplan (Blodcentralen, Norrtullsgatan 6),
which has a great view over Stockholm, offers free food and a
choosable gift after blood donation!

Interesting facts about blood:

- Research has shown that mosquitoes prefer blood type O.
- Our blood contains around 0.2 milligrams of gold.
- Irrational fear of blood is called hemophobia.
- The culture of bloodletting was taken over by barbers who hung a
bloody towel outside their stores, which have over time transformed
into the familiar Barber’s pole.

56 medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1 medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1 57

CULTURE • COLORS OF SPRING CULTURE • COLORS OF SPRING

COLORS
OF SPRING
Earlier this spring, we had a photo competition themed
“Colours of Spring” on the Medicor instagram
@medicor.mag. We asked our followers for their
favourites, and here are the results!

2ND PLACE: ADAMANTIA CHASSIOTI

Do you also want your picture

shown here? Keep an eye out

for future photo competitions

at Medicor's social media! 3RD PLACE: IIDA TYNKKYNEN

1ST
58 PLACE: MORGAN SÖDERSTRÖM medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1 medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1 59
CULTURE • CULTURE • QUEEROLINSKA

Can you solve the

Queerolinska word search?

BY: LUKAS LEHTONEN

Every word can be read…

• from left to right • from top to bottom • diagonally from bottom left to top right • diagonally from top left to bottom right •

Asexual
BDSM
Bisexual
Cisgender
Demisexual
Drag
Expression
Gay
Genderqueer
Heterosexual
Homosexual
Identity
Intersectionality
Intersex
Lesbian
Nonbinary
Oritentation
Pansexual
Pride
Pronouns
Queer
Rainbow
Spectrum
Straight
Transgender
Trans man
Trans woman

Definitions for the hidden words (and more!) can be found at https://lgbtqia.ucdavis.edu/educated/glossary
You can reach out to us at queerolinska@medicinskaforeningen.se to hear more about our association and what we do at KI!

Can you manage to find

all the words? See page X

for the answers!

60 medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1 medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1 61

CULTURE • NETFLIX RECOMMENDATIONS
RECOMMENDATIONS
AUTHORS: ANDREA WESTMAN, MADELINE FALCOTET, SUMEDHA JASSAL
With the pandemic going on for more than a year now, our visits
to movie theaters for entertainment purposes has declined
dramatically. With that, the shift to over-the top (OTT) platforms
such as netflix has seen an overwhelmingly positive response.
Here are a few Netflix recommendations from around the world
to binge watch if you haven't already!
AMERICA
New Girl Grey’s Anatomy
Follows the life of Jess who, after a Set at a hospital in Seattle,
breakup, moves into an apartment Washington and is centered around
shared with three other guys. Things the character Mereidith Grey. Over
are a little rough at first but as time the course of the series, Meredith
goes on they all become close goes from resident to successful
friends and some even share the surgeon all while grappling with
occasional romance. It's fun and trauma from her past and present.
lighthearted and definitely worth the The show is action packed with
watch. plenty of tragedy and relationship
drama.
62 medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1
FRANCE
Call My Agent
It sheds light on a job that’s different
from other tv shows; illustrating the
backstage stories of actors and
actresses that one does not think
about naturally. Additionally, the cast
includes very famous French actors
which further makes the show cool.
INDIA
Ajeeb Dastaans
This show comprises 4 short stories
which convey the stories of 5 women
in India. It discusses poignant topics
such as the prevailing patriarchal
society, the caste system, and
homophobia whilst also exploring
prejudice, jealousy, and unjust
entitlement. This anthology casts
very famous Indian actors and leaves
the viewer in a pensive state of mind.
SWEDEN
Marriage Story
Kalifat
It examines the divorce of Charlie
and Nicole and their struggle of trying This series discusses the impact of
to stay civil through the grueling radicalisation in Sweden by drawing
process. Things become complicated the connection between ISIS based
when Nicole moves from their New in Raqqa and Swedish immigration. It
York home back to California, taking also puts into perspective how
their son with her. To say the least, people in their teenage years may
lawyers get involved and it isn’t get brainwashed easily, unable to
pretty. distinguish between right and wrong
Icons attributed to: www.freepik.com
and end up putting themselves, their
families, and nations in danger.
Lupin
The main actor, Omar Sy makes you
glued to the story instantly. The story
is nice, fresh, and very entertaining.
Since it is adapted from a novel, it is
fun to see a good tv adaptation. Also,
it’s very nice to discover the
backstage of the Louvres during the
first few episodes.
Bombay Begums
This drama film rightly sheds light on
the plight faced by 5 women in
modern, working day, urban India. As
the film progresses, it explores the
layers of frustration and anger felt by
women after being subjected to male
suppression in the chauvinistic
society. It is an appropriate
representation of how the Me Too
movement emerged in India and its
impact.
Bonusfamiljen
This series explores the complexities
associated with modern day families.
It puts a humorous spin to
realistically displays how relationship
dynamics and people change with
time.
medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1
CULTURE • NETFLIX RECOMMENDATIONS
The Intouchables
It’s an amazing movie, the story is
passionate, the actors fantastic. It’s
sad and very happy at the same
time, it’s very heartwarming. The
story also touches upon issues in
France and this is quite interesting as
well.
Delhi Crime
Based on the infamous real-life Delhi
gang rape of 2012, this series fights
against the stereotypes on corruption
associated with the Indian police
force. It navigates through the
investigation of the rape case which
brought justice to the victim and thier
family. It is a gripping drama which
provides a sense of emotions
ranging from fear to pain.
63
CULTURE • PROJECT WISDOM CULTURE • PROJECT WISDOM

3 3. The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural 4. Astrophysics for People in a Hurry

2 4 5 History by NEIL DEGRASSE TYSON
by ELIZABETH KOLBERT
Astrophysics is a topic that seemingly has little to no

1 The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History highlights one of

the most important issues that the world faces today –
environmental and ecological destruction. This book
6 combines research from multiple disciplines and evaluates
relation to the medical field. However, there has been a
great demand for books that cover a broader scope of the
sciences, and so to match this demand one of the most
critically acclaimed popular science books on astrophysics

Photos attributed to: www.amazon.com

the myriad problems associated with human activity and
provides opportunities for readers to think about what they
can do to salvage the Earth's natural environment. Kolbert
argues that we are the catalysts of the sixth extinction, and
studying how we have altered and damaged the Earth
allows us to fix our mistakes and avoid repeating them. We
hope that readers can rethink the fundamental question of
what it means to be human and what we can give back to
the Earth.
was chosen. Renowned worldwide as an educator and
celebrity, Tyson gives us a perspective into his mind by
attempting to describe the infiniteness of the universe.
Written to be read while waiting for your morning coffee to
brew, or during your wait for the bus to arrive, we hope that
the book will not only provide useful knowledge but also
bring a momentary escape from the real world and allow
readers to wander into the magic of the universe.

Your summer reading list

– book recommendations from Project Wisdom 5. Factfulness: Ten Reasons We're 6. The Blind Watchmaker: Why the
Wrong About the World – and Why Evidence of Evolution Reveals a
Things Are Better Than You Think Universe Without Design
AUTHORS: ANASTASIJA ZUBOVA & AYU TAMAKI by HANS ROSLING by RICHARD DAWKINS

Project Wisdom is a student-led book club that curates a reading list every semester and Honoring the late Professor Rosling from Karolinska Evolution, evolution, evolution... Say it how many times
gathers KI students to read and discuss popular science literature. A wide array of books is Institutet, this worldwide best-selling book highlights the you want but do you really know what it is? In the
chosen to highlight different messages and to challenge the readers’ critical thinking. We lack of knowledge in public health of average people. Most eighteenth century, theologian William Paley developed a
would like to present you Project Wisdom’s selection of books for the spring semester of 2021. know surprisingly little about the world. When asked simple famous metaphor for creationism: that of the skilled
questions about global trends, such as why the world's watchmaker. If natural selection can be said to play the
population is increasing or how many live in poverty, we role of a watchmaker in nature, then it is a blind one—
frequently get the answers wrong. So wrong, in fact, that a working without foresight or purpose. In an eloquent
chimpanzee choosing answers at random can consistently manner, Dawkins illustrates the beauty behind evolution
1. Blindness 2. How to Argue with a Racist: What out-perform journalists, Nobel laureates, and investment that allows simple organisms to slowly change over time to
by JOSE SARAMAGO Our Genes Do (and Don't) Say about bankers. Inspiring and revelatory, Factfulness was chosen create a world of enormous complexity and diversity. This
Human Difference as an urgent and essential book for all current and future book challenges the readers to think critically of evolution
Blindness is a novel about a contagion that causes by ADAM RUTHERFORD scientists. We hope that this book will help students gain a and appreciate the elegant scientific proofs that went into
blindness and the chaos that ensues, putting forth the idea better and more realistic understanding of the world. evaluating problems of evolution.
of the public uniting to overcome a terrible disease. We This book was chosen to shed light on the racism that
chose this book because it reflects current social persists in society today. Racist pseudoscience has
circumstances amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. This book – become so commonplace that it can be hard to distinguish
first published more than two decades ago – gives us a but its toxic effects on society are evident. Stereotypes and
chance to compare our lives today to fictional ones, myths not supported by the modern study of human
highlighting the similarities and differences between the genetics are frequently propagated. We believe that racism
real world and the author’s imagination. As it is hard to face is not an issue to shy away from, butone we must face
the impacts of Covid-19 alone, we hope that this book will together to understand its underlying mechanisms. We You can join us at the beginning of every semester, and it is completely free! We

be a fantastic opportunity to come together to contemplate hope that readers are challenged to face how mis- also have a monthly newsletter that is always open for any submissions. Facebook: projectwisdomki
our lives critically and subjectively during this pandemic. information may be skewing their worldview and critical Contact us! We are always open for any questions, suggestions and feedback. Email: projectwisdomki@outlook.com
thinking.

64 medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1 medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1 65

CULTURE • COOKING AT KI CULTURE • COOKING AT KI

Cooking at KI
RECIPE BY: MAGNUS NYKVIST

Cooking at KI is an event planned by Global Friends INSTRUCTIONS

whose aim is to promote different cultures by
inviting international students to share recipes from 1. Finely chop the shallots 3. Add a few tablespoons of 5. Once the pasta is 1-2
their home country. Just like any other cooking and the Calabrian chilies (if olive oil to the pan and over minutes shy of al dente, drain
show, you can join the currently digital event from used). medium heat cook the onions and transfer to the sauce. Toss
the comfort of your home and follow the steps until they begin to soften. to combine.
demonstrated by the chef to cook and enjoy the Finely chop the garlic and
international dish of the day. grind to a paste using the back Add the basil stem, garlic Let the sauce and the pasta
of your knife or grate using a paste, Calabrian chilis (or chili mingle with each other for a
microplane. flakes) and sardine fillets. couple of minutes while the
Cook until fragrant and the pasta finishes cooking.
PENNE ALLA VODKA Grate your pecorino on the sardines have melted
finest setting on your cheese completely. Adjust the consistency of your
● 500 g penne of good quality grater. Push through a sieve to dish with the reserved pasta
● 2-3 garlic cloves, minced and create an intense pecorino 4. Add the vodka and reduce water if needed.
then pureed with the back of a powder. until most of it has evaporated.
knife or grated with a microplane 6. Plate up (preferably on
● 2 shallots, finely diced Puree tomatoes by hand in a Then add the pureed preheated plates) and enjoy
● 2 dl cream bowl. Push through a sieve to tomatoes. Bring up to a boil with pecorino on top.
● 3-4 tablespoons vodka remove seeds (this step is then immediately turn down
● 1 can of whole peeled tomatoes, optional but keep in mind that the heat and let it reduce until
pureed and sieved to remove tomato seeds can be bitter). the sauce is thicker than a
seeds (preferably San Marzano regular tomato sauce.
tomatoes) 2. Get a pot of salted water
● 5-6 Calabrian chilies, minced going on the stove and a wide- Add the cream, bring back up
(can be substituted for 1-2 bottomed pan next to it to cook to a boil then turn down the
teaspoons of chili flakes) the sauce in. heat once again and let
● 1 stem of basil simmer while you are cooking
● 1-2 sardine fillets the pasta.
● 1 dl pecorino, finely grated and
sieved
● 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
● 1 cup reserved pasta water to
adjust consistency
● salt to taste

66 medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1 medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1 67

CULTURE • THE DICE METHOD
The Dice Method
AUTHOR: LAURA VOLLE
Are you super busy and have
approximately a million things to
do? Don’t know where to start
between, say, staring at your
hastily scribbled notes for the
umpteenth time, reading your
assigned course literature or
actually answering those seminar
questions you’ll be quizzed on
tomorrow?
Boy, do I have the technique for you!
It’s coined (very imaginatively) The
Dice Method, and it consists of rolling
a six-sided die to determine your
next course of action.
Sounds simple? That’s because it is!
You just identify five things you want
to/really should/ need to do and
assign them numbers. “But a six
sided die has six (6) sides! Why only
five?”, one might ask. That’s because
number six is going to be your lucky
spot – a break!
Here’s an example of what that
might look like:
1) Read the course book
2. Go through notes
3. Rewatch recorded lecture
4. Explain 1 topic to friend
5. Try a past exam
6. BREAK
68
This might be helpful, especially if
you’re feeling stuck, because:
It forces you to split up what you
want to do into five small categories
– a good starting point for figuring out
what exactly you have to do and
what’s most important to you!
It can make routine procedures like
studying feel new and refreshing to
you! You never know what you’re
going to get in which order and that
element of surprise can shake a tired
brain out of its stupor (not literally).
It forces you to take breaks in semi-
regular intervals. At any given point
(unless there’s something wrong with
your die) you have a 1/6 chance to
get that sweet, sweet timeout – this
is pretty reasonable, and when you
do roll that six, you know you
deserve it!
medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1
It cuts down on the brainpower you
have to spend on deciding what to
study beyond identifying five general
categories. If you’re already tired
from slogging through endless
lectures, this is one less mental
weight your poor head has to
shoulder.
Now, if we’re thinking big here, the
applications for this ‘technique’ are
limitless. It’s useful for any situation
where you can figure out your top 5
priorities and then address them in a
random order.
You’ve got an essay due in a week,
dishes, that one pesky phone call,
your daily workout and sooo much
studying to be done and have spent
the last two hours aimlessly reading
through Medicor articles? No more of
that! (Until you roll a six, and then it’s
right back to the articles for a bit
CULTURE • THE DICE METHOD
And you can go even further – there
are so many decisions we make
throughout the day we spend
thoughts, spoons, and time on, but
Photo attributed to: www.CGPGrey.com
that are ultimately meaningless.
Picking what tea you’ll have for
breakfast! Deciding on an ice cream
flavour at that new shop! The hoodie
you’ll wear to obscure your bad hair Of course, this method isn’t for And lastly, the dice are not in control
day, general body shape, and other everyone. It’s important to remember – you are. If you haven’t seen a
clothing! that if you already know exactly what single six for hours, take a break! If
you want to do, this is more likely to you keep doing the same thing again
All of these are decisions that some frustrate you than help. and again, decide where you want to
people make happily, some people Consequential decisions should be draw the line and pick something
do not care about – and some people made with careful consideration – else! If there’s something on your list
may agonize over for twenty minutes would you toss a coin to decide what you really can’t bring yourself to do,
before deciding that it’s easier to stay degree you’ll take? Perhaps, but also take it off – or change the method!
in bed (that’s me). maybe don’t do that!
However, if you want to mix up your
I am one of those people that really Maybe address the urgent stuff studies, try out a new dish on the
struggle with making small decisions, before you do anything else. If menu, or spice up your house
and sometimes it’s just so much something is due in the next half cleaning – why not give the ol’ dice a
easier not to make them. In the hour, it might be a good idea to roll?
grand scheme of things, no one prioritize that over changing your
gives a damn about what teacup I bedsheets. But often, there simply is
slurp my English Breakfast out of – no obviously more important issue/
including me – and yet having to pick technique, and then the dice method
one may immobilize me for the rest can come in handy.
of the morning.
I’m a nerd and have several full dice
sets laying around at home, so
where a D6 isn’t enough, I may toss
a D12 or a D20 instead (for the
unaware: the number after the “D”
denotes how many sides a given die
has.) For numbers not covered by
my beloved dice, I consult
random.org – possibly my favourite
website in the world.
)
medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1 69
 ANSWER SHEET

Meet the team of

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Medicor 2021

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70 medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1 medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1 71

 Tell
your
story

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