Entry 10 - Cybersecurity

What is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity or computer security is "the protection of computer systems from theft or damage to the hardware, software or the information on them, as well as from disruption or misdirection of the services they provide" (Wikipedia). Cybersecurity has become more important as the Internet has become more widespread. Currently, most electronic equipment, like computers, laptops, and smartphones, comes equip with a built-in security system. However, these security systems are not 100 percent accurate as there are ways to get around them. It is important for cybersecurity systems to improve as more tasks are being completed through computers.

How this relates to Computer Science
Cybersecurity works in many different ways depending on what specifically is being protected. For example, the process of encryption is used to hide sensitive information such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, personal details, etc. Encryption encodes information so that only the person can decode it. Another type of security is firewalls. Firewalls generally come with electronic devices and are used to monitor network traffic based on built-in security rules. Firewalls can be built into either the software or hardware and determine if networks can be trusted. Although there are different methods in order to keep computers and information safe, all cybersecurity is dependent on algorithms. The algorithms help determine if sites and networks are safe as well as encode information to keep it safe from outside threats.

References
1. Tyson, Jeff. "How Encryption Works." HowStuffWorks. N.p., 06 Apr. 2001. Web.
2. "Computer Security." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web.
3. "Firewall." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web.

Entry 9 - Computer Graphics

What are Computer Graphics?
Computer graphics are "pictures and films created by using computers" (Wikipedia). Computer graphics are known for being used in animation, movies, advertising, video games, and graphic design. Computer graphics is a relatively new aspect of computer science and is becoming more advanced as technology improves. A specific type of computer graphics is CGI or computer genereated imagery. CGI is "the application of computer graphics to create or contribute to images in art, printed media, video games, films, television programs, shorts, commercials, videos, and simulators" (Wikipedia). CGI has been used to create widely popular movies, like Toy Story and Finding Nemo, as well as video games, like Grand Theft Auto.

How this relates to Computer Science
Computer graphics are related to computer science because its existence is entirely dependent on computers. Computer graphics are based off of digital images that provide the illusion of movement. In order to create computer graphics, specialized hardware and software is needed. The software allows for models to be created and programmed to act accordingly. For example, if an animal is being created, the software allows the user to program the graphics to act and move like that specific animal. All graphics rely on algorithms that effect the frame rate and make it appear as though the image is moving.

References
1. "Computer Graphics."Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web.
2. "Computer-generated Imagery." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web.

Entry 8 - Blood Sampling

What is Blood Sampling?
Sampling is "gathering of matter from the body to aid in the process of a medical diagnosis and/or evaluation of an indication for treatment, further medical tests, or other procedures" (Wikipedia). Blood sampling is often used to find diseases, organ function, etc. It can also be used for drug tests.

How this relates to Computer Science
Recently, UCLA researchers have developed a computer program that can detect cancer cells. The program detects cancer cells based on "chemical modification of DNA circulating in blood"(UCLA Newsroom). This cancer detecting program has "outperformed two common approaches and was superior in detecting cancer in blood samples containing low levels of target DNA, which reflect early-stage disease" (UCLA Newsroom). The computer program is specifically meant to detect "methylation patterns" that are common across different types of cancer (Science Daily). Methylation patterns were gathered from both cancerous and non-cancerous samples so that samples can be compared. This technology is important because now cancer cells can be detected with more accuracy and increase chances of survival as people can get treatment earlier.

References
1. Lamar, Elise. "New Computer Program Detects Cancer by Blood Sampling." UCLA Newsroom. N.p., 28 Mar. 2017. Web.
2. "Computer Program Developed to Diagnose and Locate Cancer from a Blood Sample." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 4 Mar. 2017. Web.
3. "Sampling." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web.

Entry 7 - Streaming

What is Streaming?
According to Wikipedia, streaming media is "multimedia that is constantly received by and presented to an end-user while being delivered by a provider." Streaming usually refers to listening or watching digital content through the internet. Streaming allows people to watch content without first downloading a file. However, unlike downloaded files, streaming services are dependent on Internet connection. If there are problems with Internet connection, streaming tends to become slow or stops working entirely. Popular streaming services include Netflix and YouTube.

How this relates to Computer Science
Streaming is related to computer science because all streaming is dependent on Internet access. In order to play a stream media, computers require plug-ins or stand-alone players. These players allow the computer to access and play the media files. It is important to note that streamed files are never saved to the computer. Computer science is needed to make these media players function properly. Streaming technology has increased greatly over the last decade and now it is even possible for regular people to live stream (deliver content in real time). Streaming technology continues to improve to create an enjoyable watching experience.

References
1. Wilson, Tracy V. "How Streaming Video and Audio Work." HowStuffWorks. N.p., 12 Oct. 2007. Web.
2. "Streaming media." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web.