MTC’s team of six — Craig Elliot, Robert Ferguson, Emmi Rosario, Will Turner, Kayioko Jenkins-Fisher, and Jordi Fernandez
Back in March,Midlands Technical College (MTC) was selected as one of 37 to participate in the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP) Mission 18. Fun fact: MTC is the first and only college in SC chosen to participate in the SSEP + research done by MTC students will be sent to the International Space Station (ISS).
The research
A team of six — four students, a lab technician, and a faculty advisor — are trying to understand how microgravity affects the production of calcium oxalate crystals in edible greens. Let’s break that down.
Calcium oxalate, produced in plants like spinach, can lead to kidney stones forming more easily in microgravity. The research will help inform what nutritional sources can be grown in space during long-duration spaceflights. This week, the MTC Mavericks traveled to Kennedy Space Center in Florida to watch their project blast into space. Watch the launch.
What happens now?
Over six weeks, astronauts aboard the mission will experiment + then return to Earth. The teams will perform an analysis, comparing the results to their control experiment on Earth, and then present their findings at a conference, likely to be held at The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. Learn more about the mission by visiting the SSEP website or NASA’s website.
Events
Events
Friday, Nov. 8 Veterans Day Breakfast | 7-9:30 a.m. | Russell House at USC | Free | Veterans and military service members are invited to meet for the 15th annual Veterans Day Breakfast with university officials.
Steel Hands Brewing’s Grand Opening | 4:30-11 p.m. | Steel Hands Brewing; the Vista | Free | The Steel Hands shuttle will be running back and forth between the brewery in Cayce + its distillery in the Vista.
Saturday, Nov. 9 Accessibility Morning | 9 a.m. | South Carolina State Museum | Free | Guests who are neurodiverse or have other disabilities are welcome to participate in the optional activities or explore museum exhibition galleries at their own pace.
Family Storytime: Native American Heritage Month | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Richland Library Northeast | Free | Gather together for a storytime featuring books by Native and Indigenous authors and illustrators with stories, songs, and more.
Spanish Wine Tasting | 3-4 p.m. | Hampton Street Vineyard | $33 | Enjoy the diverse array of wines that Spain offers in this comprehensive wine tasting.
Sunday, Nov. 10 “Something’s Afoot” | Times vary | Town Theatre | $15+ | Get ready for a murderously fun night of entertainment as Town Theatre presents “Something’s Afoot,” a hilarious musical murder mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat – while laughing – through every twist and turn.
Quavo — a popular American rapper and singer-songwriter — is set to headline this year’s 2025 Cockstock, happening on Wednesday, Jan. 29 at 8 p.m. inside Colonial Life Arena. Tickets are $5 for students and $40 for the general public. (The Daily Gamecock)
Community
This year’s Official City Ornament has been unveiled and showcases The Arcade Building on Main Street. This is the 32nd ornament in the collectors’ series + each ornament is 24-karat gold on brass and comes in a felt case. Ornaments cost $24 and support the Babcock Center Foundation.
Sports
Freshman Gamecock football player Dylan Stewart may receive a large — we’re talking potentially seven-figure — NIL deal, according to The State’s sources. Though not written up yet, a new NIL deal for the 19-year-old freshman defensive standout is expected by year’s end.
Seasonal
The holiday season is almost here — The official South Carolina Christmas Tree will arrive at the State House between 9:15-9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 12. Get there early. A press conference will precede the tree’s arrival and take place at 8:45 a.m.
Health
Don’t miss the Shandon Turkey Trot and Burn 5K, happening on Friday, Nov. 29 at 10 a.m. Trot through the historic neighborhood + finish near Craft and Draft where the awards ceremony will be held. Prizes will be awarded to those with the most creative Thanksgiving-themed outfits.
Listen
How will South Carolina stop Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the South Carolina Gamecockswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Try This
The Columbia Museum of Art invites you to witness the radiant colors and revolutionary brushstrokes that redefined perspectives, artistic expressions, and even reality itself. From Monet’s tranquil waves to Matisse’s bold lines, the “French Moderns” exhibition is a celebration of the avant-garde spirit.*
Eat
Craving Southern comfort food without the health hiccups? Dr. Kalpana Puri at Mid Carolina Internal Medicine spills the secrets to lightening up Southern dishes so you can savor the flavors while keeping your heart and health happy.*
Finance
How much could you borrow from your home? Get HELOC quotes now — calculate your payment.*
Drink
Stocking your holiday bar cart can add up fast. Get 18 bottles of wine for $79 plus shipping from Swirl Wine Shop, including award-winning brands.*
Category
Try This
⛲️ Culture, creativity, and community
Fountain in Five Points | Photo submitted by Sylvie S. | sylvie smith
The Five Points Association + Cola Love are hosting the Philosophy of Five Points, where local businesses will stay open late on Friday, Nov. 15 to offer guests the opportunity to participate in a Curiosity Crawl where they interact with thought-provoking experiences, philosophers, and local artists.
How to participate
Between 5:30 and 8 p.m., crawl through Five Points and stop by 10 activation sites within several local shops. Each activation site features an interactive merge of art, philosophy, and local culture of Five Points. Each time a participant comes across an activation site, they will collect a charm for a chance to win a raffle prize at the after-party. The event is free, but you’re encouraged to register.
The after party
Don’t miss the after party, taking place from at 8 to 9 p.m at Proof at Claussen’s. Enjoy a DJ, beverages, and the company of fellow crawlers to keep the community conversations going.
The Buy
The Buy
This organic plant-based protein powder. It features 18g of protein per serving as well as a functional mushroom and adaptogen blend that boosts immunity + brain balance.
Yesterday, we shared that Publico at BullStreet will soon be known as Miracle at BullStreet + Naughty by Boku will transform into a Grinch pop-up bar for the holiday season. Well, add one to the list — Publico in Five Points will also turn into Santa’s Pub beginning Wednesday, Nov. 13. Expect decor based on the 1980’s, 90’s and early 2000 Christmas movie classics, snow, igloos, and festive drinks.
