Students from Brown University launch satellite made from $20 microprocessor and AA batteries
The satellite, named SBUDNIC, was built and launched in only one year. Photo courtesy of sbudnic.space

Students from Brown University launch satellite made from $20 microprocessor and AA batteries

This March, students from Brown University have recently pushed the limits for robot hobbyists and professional aerospace engineers alike, by creating and launching a satellite built from a $20 microprocessor, 48 Energizer AA batteries and a drag sail made from Kapton polyimide film.  The National…

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Downright delirious diabetic debacle: Fake tweet leads to $35 insulin cap
A reminder to always read the fine print. Photo credit: Eli Lilly’s official website

Downright delirious diabetic debacle: Fake tweet leads to $35 insulin cap

On Mar. 1, Eli Lilly, also known as Lilly, a pharmaceutical company that prides itself on “integrity, excellence and respect for people,” announced that they will be capping their insulin products at $35 for a one month’s supply of the life-saving medication. The change seeks…

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New College Foundation abstains from voting on Corcoran’s salary, claims to have unallocated funds available
Nine of the Foundation Board of Directors members meeting in-person with Interim President Richard Corcoran in the Keating Center. Screenshot taken by Sophia Brown

New College Foundation abstains from voting on Corcoran’s salary, claims to have unallocated funds available

The New College Foundation—the direct-support organization that raises public and private funds for New College—has come under increased scrutiny this past month, starting on Feb. 13 when Board of Trustees (BOT) Chair Debra Jenks announced that the Foundation would be covering Interim President Richard Corcoran’s…

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A snapshot of Florida’s annual Strawberry Festival
There are many exhibits and competitions held at the Florida Strawberry Festival. This exhibit was presented by Parkesdale Farms, a local strawberry farm known for its strawberries and quality strawberry shortcake. Photo taken by Aria Lockman

A snapshot of Florida’s annual Strawberry Festival

It’s that wonderful time of year again: spring is back, red tide is suffocating the west coast of Florida and the Florida Strawberry Festival is in town. Located in Plant City, this festival is conducted to showcase agriculture, commerce, livestock, horticulture and other creative crafts…

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To drill or not to drill: President Biden’s approves Willow project
Photo of an oil drill site in Alaska. Courtesy of the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE).

To drill or not to drill: President Biden’s approves Willow project

Environmental and climate activists have been rallying online since early February against Alaska’s largest crude oil producer, ConocoPhillips, and its proposed Willow oil project—first announced in 2017. However, efforts proved futile as President Joe Biden’s administration approved the controversial plan on Mar. 13. The Willow…

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Alumni Letter addressing the New College Foundation
A photo of the Keating Center, where the New College Foundation office is location. Photo courtesy of ncf.edu

Alumni Letter addressing the New College Foundation

The following is a letter written to the New College Foundation on Feb. 21, 2023. It has been signed by 156 New College alumni, with cohorts ranging from the 1960s to New College's most recent graduating class. Dear Members of the New College Foundation:   The…

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Holiday hotspots in Sarasota
UTC celebrating the holiday season. (Taken by Aria Lockmann.)

Holiday hotspots in Sarasota

Earlier this semester, the Catalyst covered a trifecta of locally-owned businesses where one could get a good cup of coffee. Assuming the campus has been caffeinated—coupled with so many students being cooped up during the dreaded finals week—the best course of action would be to…

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iPhone plant employees in China protest over delayed payments, poor quarantine conditions
Factory workers at the Foxconn iPhone manufacturing plant in Zhengzhou city in China have accused the company of delaying bonus payments and not providing quarantining employees on factory grounds with adequate food. Photo courtesy of Flickr.

iPhone plant employees in China protest over delayed payments, poor quarantine conditions

Nov. 23, on the tail-end of Black Friday and with the holiday season fast approaching, Foxconn—the world’s largest contract electronics maker—was hit with a riot led by hundreds of protesting factory workers. Chants from employees of,  “Give us our pay!” grinded the usual bustle characteristic…

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Saudi Arabia’s ambitious zero emissions plan: is it even possible?
The logo for NEOM or The Line, part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 reform. Photo courtesy of Flickr.

Saudi Arabia’s ambitious zero emissions plan: is it even possible?

The future progression of civilization seems to be on a quite linear path, or at least quite literally a linear city in Northwest Saudi Arabia with claims that it will run on one hundred percent renewable energy. NEOM, as the city is called, was unveiled…

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The truth behind the 99 cent tag
Graphic depicting "charm pricing" in effect at a local Publix. (Made by Chloe Rusek.)

The truth behind the 99 cent tag

Why is it when going into a grocery store, or even shopping through your favorite e-tailer, everything is priced $19.99, $49.99 or $99.99 rather than just rounding up to the next whole number? This isn’t just a coincidence, or subliminal government messaging, but actually has…

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