SJK Audio Edition

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/how-can-tardigrades-survive-without-water/ or watch at: https://youtu.be/4TacrV1zxegSummary: Researchers studied how different tardigrade species survive difficult conditions.Abstract: Tardigrades (also called water bears) are tiny, eight-legged animals that live all over Earth. They need water to be active, but have an amazing ability to survive long times without water. Tardigrades can even survive being in space! They survive by drying out into a hard little lump called a tun. We wanted to know how different species of tardigrades handle drying out. We found that some tardigrade species recover from their tun stage faster than others. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/what-can-we-learn-about-dinosaur-skin-using-a-laser/ or watch at: https://youtu.be/XnEJihYBR6ESummary: Scientists used a new laser method to analyze a dinosaur fossil to learn more about its skin.Abstract: Have you ever wondered how we know what dinosaurs looked like millions of years ago? We analyze fossils! When you think about dinosaur fossils, you might think about bones and footprints. But sometimes fossils contain pieces of skin. One example is the Psittacosaurus fossil located in a German museum. Many scientists examined the scaly skin of this specimen. We then re-examined this fossil using a technique called laser-stimulated fluorescence. This technique helped us gather information that was not visible under normal light. We found that the shape and size of the scales of the Psittacosaurus are not the same everywhere. We also learned that there are patterns in the scales. These patterns are unique to the family of dinosaurs to which the Psittacosaurus belongs. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/how-can-we-protect-valuable-marine-habitats-for-fisheries/ or watch at: https://youtu.be/SJ2uS368HL4Summary: Researchers determined the habitat value for fisheries in Jersey and France to help develop sustainable management plans in the future.Abstract: Have you ever wondered where the fish you eat comes from? Many fisheries all over the world are declining and need protection. But it is hard. Fishery species don’t stay in one place. In fact, many fishery species use many habitats over their lifetime. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) can help protect marine ecosystems and fisheries. They can restrict fishing or ban harmful fishing equipment.We wanted to understand the role that MPAs and different habitats have in supporting fisheries. So we looked at data from fisheries in Jersey and France. We found that subtidal sediments were the most valuable habitats. Yet they were the least protected by MPAs. We also found that different species were protected to varying degrees depending on the habitats they relied on. It will be important to consider species habitat use when designing management plans for fisheries in the future. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/how-can-offshore-mussel-farms-help-to-repair-the-ocean/ or watch at: https://youtu.be/rvDeDogDogYSummary: Scientists observed how installing a mussel farm in the ocean changes the undersea habitat.Abstract: Lots of people around the world love eating seafood! Unfortunately, some fishing practices harm seafloor habitats. Is there a way to enjoy resources from the ocean and help the environment at the same time? Mussels are a kind of shellfish that can be farmed at sea and collected for food. They grow in clumps, which may attract other animals looking for food and shelter. We wondered if building an offshore mussel farm could help restore ocean habitats damaged by years of harmful fishing practices. We used underwater videos to investigate how the number and type of animals found inside and outside a mussel farm changed over four years. We found that the areas inside the farm contained more mussels than areas outside. There were also more fish and seafood (such as lobster and crab) inside the farm than outside. Our findings show that offshore mussel farms may revitalize damaged ocean habitats. They also benefit humans and other marine animals. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/how-can-being-sick-with-covid-19-in-the-past-protect-you-in-the-future/ or watch at: https://youtu.be/k0fXnPD6SD8Summary: Researchers wanted to know how well a past COVID-19 infection protects people against reinfection with SARS-CoV-2 different variants.Abstract: Did you have COVID-19? Maybe you are better protected than you think! COVID-19 has changed a lot during the past three years. This makes it harder to fight. To try to stop the virus from spreading, scientists created vaccines. And many people got vaccinated! But some people who had COVID-19 might not need a vaccine because they are already protected. We wanted to know if this is true. We looked at 65 studies and found out that a past infection offers good protection. This is especially true for older variants of the virus. The protection against the newest variant, Omicron, is weaker. It also declines faster with time. But the good news is that a past infection will still protect you from getting really sick! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/how-do-estuaries-improve-water-quality/ or watch at: https://youtu.be/DwugXqp1BzUSummary: Scientists wanted to know how a restored estuary works throughout the year.Abstract: Estuaries are very special. They act like a natural filter that helps clean the water before it enters the ocean. But we don’t fully understand how this works and how the processes change throughout the year. So, for a whole year we took samples from various sites along the Western Scheldt estuary. It’s a restored estuary that used to be very polluted. The samples were taken from freshwater, marine water, and brackish water. We analyzed them for several nutrients. We wanted to check how the concentration of nutrients changes in different seasons. Thankfully, our results show that the Western Scheldt estuary is healthy! We discovered that each section of water works differently as a filter. We also found out that temperature is a very important factor in how they work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/what-can-we-learn-from-carbon-on-mars/ or watch at: https://youtu.be/_GdN7QtBoIcSummary: Researchers used the Curiosity Rover to determine the origins of carbon on the surface of Mars.Abstract: Mars is currently dry and cold and doesn’t have much of an atmosphere, but what was it like in the past? Did Mars ever have a climate or environment that could support life? Luckily, we have rovers on Mars that can help us investigate!We used the Curiosity Rover on Mars to sample the planet's surface where there might have been a lake long ago. We looked at the carbon in our sample to see how much there was and where it came from. This could give us clues about what the environment was like and if there used to be organisms living in the area. Our data suggest that there is more carbon on Mars than we had expected. Most of the carbon came from meteorites and volcanic rock. We can’t rule out that it came from living things, but we need a lot more information to help us figure it out. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/how-can-we-track-life-in-the-ocean/ or watch at: https://youtu.be/fcDYmzxjtb4Abstract: Have you ever tried to count all the different species in a pond? It’s very hard, especially when you try to find all the tiny animals hiding among the weeds. Now, imagine if you wanted to count all the species in the sea! Scientists struggle to monitor life in the ocean because it is so vast and deep. Yet, we need to know exactly what’s down there in order to protect it.We wanted to use the bits of DNA that organisms leave behind in their environment to work out which species were present. This is called environmental DNA (eDNA). We looked at interactions between different life forms in Monterey Bay, California. We also looked at how they responded to seasonal and environmental change.We found that different species were present throughout the year. Warmer waters changed what was there. We also found that certain species (such as humpback whales) can be especially useful for telling us about the environment. Environmental DNA proved to be an exciting new method for tracking and protecting life in the ocean! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/how-can-leopard-seals-survive-climate-change/ or watch at: https://youtu.be/4_xacxdeqSUSummary: Researchers studied variability in the traits and behaviors of leopard seals to assess how well they may adjust to climate change.Abstract: Have you ever been by yourself and needed to get something off a high shelf, but couldn’t reach? Now imagine you had your whole class with you. It’s likely that someone in your class could reach the high shelf. Variability in traits (and behaviors) is a good thing. It means that groups of organisms can adjust and survive when environments change. We know that animals living at the North and South Poles, especially large predators, are in danger because of the changing climate. We wanted to look at variability in the traits and behaviors of polar predators to assess how they will adapt to climate change. We tagged and studied a population of leopard seals in Antarctica. We looked at their morphology, movement patterns, and diving behavior. We found lots of variability in these traits in the leopard seal population, especially between males and females. We think this high variability may help leopard seals survive better in the changing Antarctic environment. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/can-armadillos-show-us-how-to-regrow-a-liver/ or watch at: https://youtu.be/8ubRTNLrvL4Summary: Researchers find that leprosy infection causes armadillo livers to grow, offering clues to organ regeneration.Abstract: What if we could make our body’s old or sick cells act young again? Surprisingly, the bacteria that cause leprosy may show us how. Previously, we discovered that infecting cells with leprosy bacteria in a laboratory dish “reprogrammed” the cells back to an immature state. The cells may then be able to produce many different types of cells in the body – and maybe even regenerate an organ. To test this in an actual animal, we infected nine-banded armadillos with leprosy bacteria. We compared their livers to the livers of uninfected armadillos. The livers of armadillos infected with leprosy were larger than those of uninfected armadillos. Importantly, these larger livers were healthy, with no signs of damage. We performed genetic analyses on the liver cells to determine which genes were active. Our results show that leprosy infection “reprograms” adult liver cells to make them resemble immature liver cells.Maybe someday we can adapt this natural process to regrow aging and damaged livers in humans. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/how-do-glassfrogs-become-transparent/ or watch at: https://youtu.be/2EoQLNFYkfoSummary: Researchers discovered how glassfrogs avoid detection by predators by storing their red blood cells in their livers.Abstract: Glassfrogs earned their name not because they are fragile, but because they are see-through! These tropical frogs have transparent skin and muscles. When sleeping on green leaves, their bodies are almost impossible to see. This form of camouflage is rare. Most animals have colorful red blood cells that would be visible under transparent skin and give them away to predators. We used a special scanner to figure out how glassfrogs overcome this challenge. We discovered that these frogs are more transparent when they sleep than when they are active. They do this by hiding most of their red blood cells in their livers during sleep! This makes them nearly transparent to predators. Our results help explain how glassfrogs can manage this unusual kind of camouflage. This finding may also help doctors treat medical conditions in humans. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/where-did-south-american-wild-canids-come-from/ or watch at: https://youtu.be/o1rIhsW4lQcSummary: Scientists set out to discover the evolutionary history of South American wild canids.Abstract: South America has the most diverse group of wild canids in the world. There are 10 different species! But where did they come from? And how did they become so diverse? Also, why are some species really different from the others? We took DNA from 18 canids and sequenced their genomes. We also downloaded the genomes of 13 other wild canids that were already sequenced. Using computer software, we then looked through their genes. We discovered that all 10 species evolved from a single ancestor that came from North America using the newly formed Panama land bridge around 3.5 million years ago. As the ancestor spread through South America, it evolved into different species. This only took 2 million years – a blink of an eye for evolution! We were also excited to find the genes responsible for some of the wild canids’ unique adaptations. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/where-did-cats-first-start-living-with-people/ or watch at: https://youtu.be/QGJa0UROGOISummary: Researchers analyzed the DNA from over 2,000 cats to find out where cats were first domesticated.Abstract: People all around the world love their cats. Cats are cute, and they can also be helpful! Cats are great at catching mice and other small animals. Long ago, cats evolved from wildcats that started hunting for prey around human settlements. When and where did this happen? We analyzed DNA from over 2,000 cats from around the world. We found that cats’ DNA tells a story that follows ancient human travels. Our data show wildcats were most likely first domesticated in the eastern Mediterranean (Near East). Cats spread out to the rest of the world as traders and sailors brought them on their journeys. We are still learning new things even about the animals we know best! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/how-can-black-rats-change-the-behavior-of-reef-fish/ or watch at: https://youtu.be/eygqUtAndtYSummary: Scientists discovered that invasive black rats on islands in the Indian Ocean affect the territorial behavior of reef fish.Abstract: Every animal needs an environment where it can survive and thrive. Unfortunately, humans are having a serious impact on the natural world. Our behavior can harm ecosystems and the animals that call them home. In the 1700s, black rats arrived with humans on tropical islands in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Seabirds play an important role in providing nutrients to coral reefs around these islands. But the invasive rats feed on the seabirds and thus reduce their population. So, the amount of nutrients reaching the coral reefs also decreases.Coral reef fish need lots of energy from their food to be aggressive and defend their homes from intruders. We thought there might be a connection between black rats, the nutrients available on coral reefs, and the behavior of small reef fishes. Indeed, we discovered that invasive rats on land directly affect the behavior of fish in the sea! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/which-type-of-people-tend-to-help-others/ or watch at: https://youtu.be/GVssR3mtBAYSummary: Researchers investigated factors that contribute to a person’s willingness to take part in prosocial behaviors.Abstract: Have you ever helped a friend find a lost item? Or donated old clothes or toys to a charity? When you help someone, you are taking part in prosocial behaviors. In our study, we analyzed data to determine which factors relate to prosocial behavior. We explored life satisfaction, positive emotions, and negative emotions. We found that people who are more satisfied with their life take part in more prosocial behaviors. We also found a relationship between positive emotions and prosocial behaviors. We learned that negative emotions are more difficult to use as a predictor for prosocial behaviors. Negative emotions often relate to less prosocial behaviors. But the relationship between negative emotions and prosocial behavior was less consistent. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/how-can-we-recycle-plastic-more-sustainably/ or watch at: https://youtu.be/4CB0N9LxH8cSummary: Researchers discover a new enzyme that can help make plastic recycling more efficient and sustainable.Abstract: Plastic is all around us: in our toothbrushes, pens, cars, and even clothing! It is very useful. But plastic trash ends up in the environment and is bad for animals and humans. It can take hundreds of years to break down. Recycling this plastic can take a lot of energy and often still leaves waste. We wanted to find a better way to break plastic down and reuse it to make new plastic. We discovered an enzyme that “digests” plastic in the same way that humans can digest food. Using this enzyme to break down used plastic means we will need much less energy to recycle plastic. Plus, we can even use the products of the process to make plastics that are just as good as new ones! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/can-we-use-bacteria-to-make-renewable-rocket-fuel/ or watch at: https://youtu.be/w89zniBxgucSummary: Scientists explored whether bacteria could be used to make high-energy biofuels to make rockets, airplanes, and ships more sustainable.Abstract: NASA’s space shuttle has to reach speeds of almost 18,000 miles per hour (29,000 kilometers per hour) in only 8.5 minutes. That’s necessary for it to reach outer space. That’s 300 times faster than a car traveling at 60 mph (97 km/h)! To reach these speeds, rockets need particularly high-energy fuels. It’s the same for airplanes and cargo ships, too.At the moment, these high-energy fuels are made using petroleum – a fossil fuel, and the leading cause of global climate change. So, there’s an urgent need for scientists to develop more sustainable high-energy fuels.We explored whether bacteria could make molecules we could turn into high-energy biofuels. We looked into bacterial DNA and used clever chemistry to produce new biofuels using Streptomyces bacteria. These “POP biofuels” seem to be even better (higher energy) than the current petroleum-made rocket fuels! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/how-do-bacteria-help-plants/ or watch at: https://youtu.be/53P-RR4eMXQSummary: Scientists investigated bacteria that promote nitrogen fixation which could cut down on the use of fertilizers.Abstract: All plants need nitrogen to grow. Farmers use chemical fertilizers to add nitrogen to the soil. But this creates a lot of problems for the environment. So, scientists have been working on alternative ways to get nitrogen to their plants. We found a way to edit the DNA of rice plants so that they produce a compound that helps the formation of bacterial biofilms in the soil. These bacterial biofilms are very important to plants. They help them to absorb more nitrogen from the air. The edited rice plants in our experiment did grow better! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/why-are-people-more-likely-to-get-sick-when-it-is-cold/ or watch at: https://youtu.be/gvSTjL4zOwISummary: Scientists determine how cold weather affects the nose’s ability to prevent viruses from infecting nasal cells.Abstract: Did you know that your nose protects you from germs? The nose makes small sacs called extracellular vesicles. These sacs prevent bacteria from causing infections. In this study, we investigated how the nose uses extracellular vesicles to fight viruses. We hypothesized that cold weather decreases the nose’s ability to prevent viruses from infecting cells. Our findings confirmed that the nose does make extracellular vesicles when exposed to a virus. They contain molecules that attach to and kill the viruses. But the amount of extracellular vesicles decreases in colder weather. Furthermore, when it’s cold, the extracellular vesicles do not contain as many molecules that can kill the virus. That means that we are more likely to get sick when it is chilly outside! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/what-can-tusks-tell-us-about-the-lives-of-mastodons/ or watch at: https://youtu.be/bv5h6B0_8aASummary: Paleontologists analyzed a male mastodon’s tusk to reveal his behavior during his life.Abstract: Did you know that tusks are enormous teeth? Many animals have them, but the biggest ones belong to elephants and their relatives, including mastodons. Mastodons are now extinct, but paleontologists can use fossil tusks to study the lives of these ancient giants. For our study, we analyzed the right tusk of a male mastodon found in 1998. We also analyzed two chemical elements preserved in the tusks: oxygen and strontium. Using different forms of these elements (called isotopes), we tracked the season when a particular layer of tusk was grown, as well as where he grew it. We learned that he traveled long distances to mate with females. He also had fights with other mastodons and even died during his final battle! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/can-a-robotic-arm-be-controlled-by-the-brain/ or watch at: https://youtu.be/pDFzjAQyLXMSummary: Scientists test a new system that allows a person to control a robotic arm with their brain.Abstract: Picking up an object and moving it from one place to another might seem like an easy, everyday task. But for many people with tetraplegia, it is not possible. They have spinal cord injuries and cannot grasp, move, or feel objects with their hands. This is because the connection between the brain and limbs is damaged. In a previous study, we made a device that allowed a person to control a robotic arm using small implants in their brain. Using their sense of sight, they guided the arm to an object, picked it up, and placed it in a new location. In this study, we improved this system to include implants in the part of their brain that senses touch from the hand. We found that touch feedback improved a person’s ability to complete tasks with the robotic arm. The time it took to complete the assigned tasks was cut in half! This is because the study participant could grasp the object faster using both senses. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/what-was-the-impact-of-a-delayed-second-covid-19-vaccine/ or watch at: https://youtu.be/HsWs4qYyqFcSummary: Researchers wanted to know the impact of delaying the second COVID-19 vaccine dose in England.Abstract: Do you remember the first days of the COVID-19 pandemic? It got quite scary at times. There were many unknowns and governments had to make hard decisions. At first, there were lockdowns. Then, less than a year later, scientists developed vaccines. The UK was the first country to start national vaccination. A full vaccination course required 2 doses for each person. But some evidence suggested that even one dose could provide decent protection for some time. So the UK government decided to delay the second dose and have more people receive the first dose as fast as possible. What was the impact of this decision? We used a mathematical model to find out. It turned out that delaying the second dose prevented around 58,000 hospitalizations. It has saved more than 10,000 lives! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/what-can-tree-frogs-in-chernobyl-tell-us-about-radiation/ or watch at: https://youtu.be/3fM7TkhsjKASummary: Scientists investigate the effect of radiation on the skin coloration of frogs in Chernobyl.Abstract: Have you ever heard of Chernobyl? It was a nuclear power plant that released large amounts of radiation into the environment after an accident. While the people nearby left the area, the wildlife remained. Many plants and animals died because of the high levels of radiation. But others, such as tree frogs, adapted. We collected tree frogs from different areas surrounding the Chernobyl power plant. We analyzed their skin coloration. We found that the frogs closer to the power plant had darker skin coloration. That’s because they have higher levels of melanin. Melanin is known to protect organisms from radiation. We think that darker colored frogs better survived the higher levels of radiation closer to the power plant. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/how-does-farming-impact-air-quality/ or watch at: https://youtu.be/SRWUd38gXhASummary: Researchers wanted to understand the link between farming our food and air pollution.Abstract: Farming releases small particles of pollution into the air. This lowers the quality of the surrounding air and has serious impacts on human health. In fact, air pollution caused by farming results in 17,900 deaths in the US every year! We wanted to understand more about which farming processes and foods caused the most pollution. That way we could look for ways to reduce it. We calculated the total farming-related air pollution released in the US. We broke this data down into different categories for further analysis. We found that animal waste, fertilizer, and tilling caused the vast majority of deaths. Animal-based foods caused nearly four times more deaths than plant-based foods. Finally, we looked at interventions that could decrease air pollution. We found that changes in diet were the most effective. But farming interventions alone could lower deaths considerably. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/how-can-the-eruption-of-a-volcano-affect-the-ocean-everywhere-on-earth/ or watch at: https://youtu.be/bOyBXmkTVbYSummary: Scientists analyze weather and ocean data to better understand the effects of the January 2022 Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcanic eruption in Mexico.Abstract: Did you know that a volcanic eruption can affect the entire world? When the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano erupted on January 15, 2022, it affected the ocean everywhere. That's because it created an atmospheric wave that disturbed the ocean. It also generated a tsunami. We analyzed weather station and tidal gauge data to learn more about the effects of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcanic eruption on Mexico. We learned that the atmospheric wave moved across the world many times. We also learned that the tsunami reached heights of up to 2 meters (6.5 feet) along the Pacific coast of Mexico. Our analysis of the tsunami warning system in Mexico showed that most people were not informed to stay away from the ocean. Based on our analysis, we recommend making changes to tsunami warning systems. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/what-was-life-like-in-medieval-england/ or watch at: https://youtu.be/yWigSrXWHP4Summary: Researchers found signs of intestinal worm infections in people who lived in medieval England.Abstract: We looked for signs of parasitic worm infection in people who lived in Cambridge, England during the Middle Ages. We compared two groups of people who had very different lifestyles: Augustinian friars and common laborers. The friars had better food and lived longer than the common people. They also were more likely to have access to running water and better toilets. Surprisingly, the friars had a higher worm infection rate! We think the reason might be that the friars used human poop to fertilize their vegetable gardens. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/can-you-get-vaccinated-without-a-needle/ or watch at: https://youtu.be/IMpGT-dKR10Summary: Scientists develop a new COVID-19 vaccination method using vaccine patches, eliminating the need for needle-based vaccinations.Abstract: Vaccines are an important tool to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19. Despite their importance, it can be difficult to get such important medicine to everybody who needs it. We developed a painless vaccine patch that can make vaccines easier to transport. It could also increase access for everyone, especially those who are scared of needles! In this study, we wanted to determine if our vaccine patch could produce an immune response, increasing our bodies' protection. We measured the amount of antibodies produced by the immune systems in mice who received the vaccine patch and showed that this vaccine tool is just as effective as traditional needle vaccinations. We also found that the vaccine patch protected the mice from COVID-19 after a single application. These discoveries proved that the vaccine patch can be a safe and effective form of delivering vaccinations. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/how-can-polar-bears-survive-longer-in-a-changing-climate/ or watch at: https://youtu.be/M69lyTjV78QSummary: Researchers identified a new subpopulation of polar bears in Southeast Greenland that hunt for food on glacier ice.Abstract: Polar bears are decreasing in number because of climate change. Polar bears depend on Arctic sea ice to hunt for their food. In a warming climate, sea ice is disappearing. Because of this, many polar bears around the Arctic are expected to disappear. Are there any places in the Arctic where polar bears might have a chance to survive when the sea ice disappears? What would those habitats look like? Would the polar bears that live there look or act differently?We found a group of polar bears in Southeast Greenland that live in fjords. They use ice from glaciers as well as sea ice to hunt. We conducted a study looking at their movement, genetics, and demography. We found that Southeast Greenland polar bears don’t travel much because of the rugged environment. They have been isolated from other polar bears for about 200 years and are a genetically distinct group. Future studies of these polar bears will help with conservation efforts for the species. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/what-can-termites-teach-us-about-better-building-materials/ or watch at: https://youtu.be/NDD8PxRrmmISummary: Termite mounds inspired scientists to create alternative building materials that are stronger and more environmentally friendly than traditional clay bricks.Abstract: There is a global need for more sustainable and environmentally friendly construction materials. The large, stable mounds that termites build for their homes are inspirational! Termite mounds form when the termites mix soil with their saliva. This mixture contains simple sugars that act like glue and give it stability. Cassava is a starchy root vegetable that also contains simple sugars. To mimic termite mounds, we mixed soil with hot paste made from cassava flour. Then, we made bricks containing different amounts of cassava flour paste, from 0% to 6%. We tested the physical properties of these different bricks. Our aim was to see how suitable they would be in building construction. Bricks made with 1.5% cassava flour paste performed best in tests of strength, durability, shrinkage, and water absorption. They were even better than traditional clay bricks with no cassava flour! Our termite mound-inspired bricks provide an inexpensive, accessible, and safe alternative to current building materials. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/how-did-organoids-help-scientists-understand-covid-19/ or watch at: https://youtu.be/jAGVEmHiQK0 Summary: Scientists conducted a literature review to summarize the role of organoids in COVID-19 research.Abstract: Have you ever wondered how scientists know how a virus affects the human body? Or how they develop medicines and vaccines to reduce the impact of viruses like the one that causes COVID-19? The answer is organoids! These miniature models of human organs are grown in the laboratory. Scientists use organoids to determine how a virus attacks the body and identify possible treatments for the virus. We conducted a literature review of the organoids used in COVID-19 research. We found that COVID-19 research used many different types of organoids. We also learned how scientists created these organoids and what they taught us about the SARS-CoV-2 virus. We identified ways to improve this new method of disease research in the future. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/can-a-spray-make-our-crops-better/ or watch at: https://youtu.be/nrZg9NQ7M8wSummary: Researchers developed a nanocarrier spray to better crops without modifying their genome.Abstract: Did you know that the first genetically modified crop was a tomato with delayed ripening? Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have been around for decades now. And they offer a lot of benefits, such as an increased food supply, resistance to diseases, and more. Yet there are a few downsides as well. Producing them takes a lot of time and is often expensive. Plus, many people have concerns about their safety, since they include foreign DNA in their genome. But what if we can alter the crops without changing their genome? We tried using bioactive molecules which can change cell activity. To insert them into the plant cells we tested sprays with nanocarriers. It turned out to be a success! Many nanocarriers were able to penetrate the plant cells. We also successfully inserted bioactive molecules in the cells through spraying. In this way the cell could express a new gene or silence an existing one. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/how-does-sunscreen-make-corals-sick/ or watch at: https://youtu.be/Mf-Xd3ER6sMSummary: Researchers wanted to know how a chemical in sunscreen affects coral reefs.Abstract: Picture yourself diving into a tropical ocean. The sun is bright, and the water is clear and warm. What do you see? Colorful fish, playful dolphins, waving seaweed? Maybe you even see something that looks like a beautiful underwater garden – a coral reef! Coral reefs are important habitats for a huge diversity of animals. But sadly, warming oceans and pollution threaten most coral reefs. An example of this threat is actually sunscreen! Oxybenzone is a chemical found in many sunscreens that can harm corals and other animals. But scientists didn’t know exactly how oxybenzone harmed corals. We set up an experiment to find out how corals and sea anemones (which are closely related to corals) reacted to oxybenzone in the water. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/how-are-aging-and-gut-bacteria-related/ or watch at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSvnTbZErwESummary: Scientists investigated how the diversity of our small intestinal microbiome changes as we age.Abstract: We know that bacteria can be harmful and can cause a lot of diseases. But did you know that not all bacteria are bad? In fact, there are trillions of bacteria inside us that help us to live! These bacteria make up the gut microbiome. We wanted to understand the relationship between our gut bacteria and how we age. We found that as we get older, the different types of bacteria in our gut microbiome change. We also discovered that diseases and medication can affect this change. Knowing more about how our gut bacteria work can help us live healthier lives! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

Read this article here: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/why-do-sharks-sleep/ or watch at: https://youtu.be/EEucn4KdiA4Summary: Scientists wanted to understand more about sleep in sharks.Abstract: We all know what it feels like when we have not had enough sleep. You might feel tired, have trouble concentrating, or even be grumpy and irritable. Despite it being such an important part of our daily lives, sleep still remains a bit of a mystery! To help answer the question of why we sleep, scientists have started researching sleep in other animals. This can help us understand how and why sleep evolved.Sharks are hundreds of millions of years old. In fact, they are the oldest living group of jawed vertebrates! Because of this, we think they could help unlock important information about the evolution of sleep. So far, only one study has focused on sleep in sharks. We wanted to change this!We studied the metabolic rate and behavior of draughtsboard sharks (Cephaloscyllium isabellum) over a 24-hour period. Our results show that when sharks sleep, they typically have a flat body posture and a reduced metabolic rate. Our study supports the hypothesis that the conservation of energy is a core function of sleep. It also provides insight into its evolution. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

Read this article at https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/why-can-some-monkeys-live-high-in-the-mountains/ or watch at https://youtu.be/Gkv2pyifmIwSummary: Scientists studied a high mountain monkey called the gelada to figure out how they survive in a harsh, low-oxygen environment. Abstract: Geladas are an unusual primate. They eat mostly grass instead of fruit or meat. They are known as “bleeding heart monkeys” for the bright red patch of skin on their chests. They also live high in the mountains instead of in the jungle or the savanna. The air is thinner high in the mountains, so it is harder to get enough oxygen. How can geladas thrive in that environment? That’s what we wanted to find out. We studied the DNA of wild geladas. We found a surprising difference in how DNA is packaged between geladas from two different regions of Ethiopia. Also, we know that some animals react to low oxygen by increasing the amount of hemoglobin in their blood. But we learned that geladas don’t do that. Instead, they might have evolved to have larger lungs to help them get more oxygen with each breath.About us: Science Journal for Kids is a non-profit organization that “translates” academic papers into easy-to-understand science articles for school students. Why? Because children have the right to know about the latest scientific discoveries. #science #article #teach #STEM #students #readaloud #monkeys #hypoxia #highaltitude #adaptations #speciation This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

Read this article at https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/what-can-fossils-tell-us-about-the-nervous-systems-evolution/ or watch at https://youtu.be/69sv6Tf9HEoSummary: Paleontologists examined a well-preserved fossil of the central nervous system in an extinct horseshoe crab. Abstract: What can we learn from fossils? We can estimate the shape and size of an extinct animal. Anything else? Well, if soft tissues (like the brain or muscles) fossilize, it could tell us how the animal functioned or behaved. Unfortunately, soft tissue decomposes quickly after an animal dies. They aren’t preserved as fossils very often. That’s why we felt really lucky when we came across a fossil of an extinct horseshoe crab with a preserved central nervous system (CNS). We discovered that the organization of the CNS in our fossil is the same as in horseshoe crabs living today. It hasn’t changed in over 300 million years! We also figured out how our unique fossil might have formed. This could help others discover similar fossils in the future. About us: Science Journal for Kids is a non-profit organization that “translates” academic papers into easy-to-understand science articles for school students. Why? Because children have the right to know about the latest scientific discoveries. #science #article #teach #STEM #students #readaloud #paleontology #horseshoecrab #fossils #CNS This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

Read this article at https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/how-can-we-know-about-dinosaurs-social-lives/ or watch at https://youtu.be/3HN_G6JcOCUSummary: Paleontologists learned about the social lives of Mussaurus patagonicus from a huge fossil find in southern Argentina. Abstract: Fossils tell us a lot about how dinosaur shapes changed over time. But learning how dinosaur behavior changed over time is a lot harder to do! That’s why we were so excited to find a treasure trove of Mussaurus patagonicus fossils in Patagonia in southern Argentina. We found fossils of eggs, hatchlings, juveniles, and adults. Mussaurus lived in the early Jurassic, about 193 million years ago. It is an early cousin of the giant sauropods like Diplodocus. Clues from our fossil find tell us about Mussaurus’ social lives. They lived in herds, nested in colonies, and spent time in age-separated groups. This is the oldest fossil evidence of dinosaur social behavior ever found! About us: Science Journal for Kids is a non-profit organization that “translates” academic papers into easy-to-understand science articles for school students. Why? Because children have the right to know about the latest scientific discoveries. #science #article #teach #STEM #students #readaloud #dinosaur #socialbehavior #Mussarus #xraytomography #fossils This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

Read this article at https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/how-can-oyster-farms-create-homes-for-fish/ or watch at https://youtu.be/rqJOTkL26xISummary: Scientists wanted to find out whether oyster cages could provide important habitat for fish. Abstract: Fish are fascinating animals. Individual fish have places they call home as well as their own daily routines. We wanted to find out whether oyster cages (gear used to farm oysters) provide habitat for fish. Do they like to hang out there? Do they live there? Which species spend time there and what do they get up to? We used two methods, underwater video cameras and environmental DNA, to uncover the secret lives of fish. The videos let us see which species hung out at the cages and watch their behaviors. Environmental DNA helped us find the species that are hard to see on camera, like very small or nocturnal fish. We found 7 fish species on video and 42 species using environmental DNA. Some species were abundant at the oyster cages. We even watched them getting up to behaviors like foraging for food and sheltering from predators and currents. Oyster cages can act as artificial reefs, providing valuable habitat for fish! About us: Science Journal for Kids is a non-profit organization that “translates” academic papers into easy-to-understand science articles for school students. Why? Because children have the right to know about the latest scientific discoveries. #science #article #teach #STEM #students #readaloud #oysters #aquaculture #fishhabitat #artificalreefs #ecosystemservices #estuary This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

Read this article at https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/do-fish-have-a-home/ or watch at https://youtu.be/1tZQwbFrXk0Summary: Researchers wanted to see how fish used coastal habitats in an effort to identify specific areas where protection would be most helpful. Abstract: Do you have a favorite place? One that makes you feel safe and has everything you need to survive? Now imagine you are in your favorite place and a skunk wanders in. You run away because you don’t want to end up stinky. This same thing happens to young (juvenile) fish when their favorite places get polluted or are not protected. Fish might even get caught by fishermen. A lot of fish populations are in danger because: - too many individuals are caught - there aren’t enough safe places for juveniles to hide. If we protect their favorite places, we might be able to keep fish populations from decreasing. We tracked European bass (an important fish in Europe) for a year to figure out where their favorite places were. We found that most European bass stayed close to the coastal sites we caught them from. Our goal is to identify more of these coastal sites. That way, humans can protect them, and fish populations can thrive. About us: Science Journal for Kids is a non-profit organization that “translates” academic papers into easy-to-understand science articles for school students. Why? Because children have the right to know about the latest scientific discoveries. #science #article #teach #STEM #students #readaloud #fishing #fishhabitat #coastaldevelopment #estuary #recruitment #fishingpressure This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

Read this article at https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/how-can-we-protect-the-seabed-from-storms/ or watch at https://youtu.be/GVASuv1B8ecSummary: Scientists wanted to see if protecting an area of UK seabed from destructive fishing would help it be stronger against extreme storms caused by climate change. Abstract: Have you seen any unusual weather recently? One of the changes we may see because of climate change is more severe storms in the UK. When storms hit the coastline, they create strong waves. This really shakes up the organisms living on the seabed. But do methods of fishing also make a difference? Some areas of the sea are protected from destructive fishing methods. These areas are called Marine Protected Areas. We wanted to find out if the organisms in these areas are better at facing and recovering from severe storms than fished areas. About us: Science Journal for Kids is a non-profit organization that “translates” academic papers into easy-to-understand science articles for school students. Why? Because children have the right to know about the latest scientific discoveries. #science #article #teach #STEM #students #readaloud #marineprotectedarea #resistance #resilience #temperatereefs #climatechange #storms This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

Read this article at https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/can-materials-made-of-the-same-elements-have-different-properties/ or watch at https://youtu.be/l9ALWuVKbxUSummary: Researchers create two polymers with different properties by rearranging the atoms in a sugar-based molecule. Abstract: Did you know that everything around you contains special molecules called polymers? These molecules form long chains that make up plastic, protein, and even your DNA! The great thing about polymers is that we can design them to have the properties we need. But the polymers we design can sometimes have a negative impact on the environment. That is why we wanted to see if we can create different polymers from the same natural product, such as sugar. We wanted to determine how the placement of atoms in the polymers affected their properties. We found that by rearranging the atoms of a monomer, we could get two different polymers. One behaved like a stiff plastic, and the other behaved like stretchy rubber. The results of our research made us realize that the placement of atoms does change a polymer’s properties. It also proved that we can make strong and flexible polymers from more natural materials. About us: Science Journal for Kids is a non-profit organization that “translates” academic papers into easy-to-understand science articles for school students. Why? Because children have the right to know about the latest scientific discoveries. #science #article #teach #STEM #students #readaloud #stereoisomers #biodegradable #sugars #chemistry #tensilestrength This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

Read this article at https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/what-happens-to-mother-bees-brains-as-they-age/ or watch at https://youtu.be/d7jR3xfEj9gSummary: Scientists wondered if the brains of solitary bees grow larger as they age, like the brains of honeybees do.Abstract: You’re probably familiar with honeybees and bumblebees. But did you know that there are over 20,000 species of bees, and most of them are solitary? In worker honeybees, certain brain areas grow larger as the insects get older and have more experiences. We wanted to know if this was also the case for solitary bees. We studied a particular type of solitary carpenter bee named Ceratina calcarata. We collected female bees of three different ages. Then we measured their brains and other body parts under a microscope. As expected, older female bees had smaller ovaries and more worn wings. But surprisingly, older bees had smaller brains than younger bees. We think that female C. calcarata bees invest their energy and resources into reproduction, rather than growing bigger brains.About us: Science Journal for Kids is a non-profit organization that “translates” academic papers into easy-to-understand science articles for school students. Why? Because children have the right to know about the latest scientific discoveries.#science #article #teach #STEM #students #readaloud #solitarybees #pollination #beebrains #beereproduction This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

Read this article at https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/how-can-we-prevent-cervical-cancer-in-mongolia/ or watch at https://youtu.be/3wYUR4J83dESummary: Researchers wanted to find out if introducing HPV vaccination in Mongolia would be a cost-effective way to prevent cervical cancer. Abstract: Have you ever heard of cervical cancer? It’s one of the most common forms of cancer among women. Most of the cases occur in countries with lower incomes and fewer resources. The leading cause of cervical cancer is human papillomavirus (HPV). There are several effective vaccines against HPV. But introducing them in the vaccination calendar could cost a lot. Would it be worth it? We used a mathematical model to see if HPV vaccination would be cost effective in Mongolia. It helped us estimate the benefits and costs of introducing an HPV vaccine there. We found out that it would cost between $2.4 and $3.1 million (USD) but could save nearly 4,000 lives! We believe that introducing HPV vaccines in Mongolia would be cost effective. About us: Science Journal for Kids is a non-profit organization that “translates” academic papers into easy-to-understand science articles for school students. Why? Because children have the right to know about the latest scientific discoveries. #science #article #teach #STEM #students #readaloud #HPV #vaccination #sexuallytransmitteddiseases #Mongolia #health This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

Read this article at https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/how-do-gender-stereotypes-impact-girls-interest-in-science/ or watch at https://youtu.be/7DCPPLAPoGg Summary: Researchers investigated the impact of gender stereotypes favoring boys in computer science and engineering on children and adolescents. Abstract: Has anyone ever said that you couldn’t or shouldn’t do something because of one of your traits? If so, you’ve probably been the victim of a stereotype. A stereotype is a set of shared beliefs based on a trait or the identity of a group. A common stereotype is that women are not as good at or interested in science as men. This can result in fewer women participating in the sciences. We wanted to know if and when these gender stereotypes about science affect children and adolescents. We also wanted to know if stereotypes cause girls to be less interested in and take part less in these fields. To find out, we conducted surveys and laboratory experiments. We found that very young students believed these gender stereotypes. Girls were less interested in participating in computer science and engineering if they believed the stereotypes. So, teachers and schools should try to generate interest in these fields at an early age. About us: Science Journal for Kids is a non-profit organization that “translates” academic papers into easy-to-understand science articles for school students. Why? Because children have the right to know about the latest scientific discoveries. #science #article #teach #STEM #students #readaloud #genderinequality #genderstereotypes #computerscience #engineering This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

Read this article at https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/how-much-plastic-from-the-pandemic-ends-up-in-the-ocean/ or watch at https://youtu.be/PZwgm9WVgAoSummary: Researchers wanted to find out how much extra plastic waste from the pandemic has entered the ocean. Abstract: Have you ever noticed facemasks littering the streets? They’ve become a part of day-to-day life, but where do they end up? It’s estimated that around 1.5 billion facemasks entered the oceans in 2020! And it’s not just masks. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have made a lot more plastic for different uses. We wanted to find out how much extra plastic waste there is due to the pandemic. We also wanted to find out how much enters the ocean, and where it eventually ends up. We used data from lots of different sources to work out how much extra plastic has been made for the pandemic. We then used scientific models to work out how much of this plastic ended up in rivers and then the ocean. We found out that over 8 million tons of extra plastic waste has been made globally due to the pandemic. Over 25,000 tons of this has entered the ocean, where it can harm marine wildlife. About us: Science Journal for Kids is a non-profit organization that “translates” academic papers into easy-to-understand science articles for school students. Why? Because children have the right to know about the latest scientific discoveries. #science #article #teach #STEM #students #readaloud #COVID19 #plasticpollution #microplastics #PPE #beachcleanup This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

Read this article at https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/how-do-chemicals-affect-animals-and-their-kids/ or watch at https://youtu.be/V3YXB_rMgyMSummary: Researchers wanted to compare the effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on different animals and their offspring. Abstract: Our endocrine system is very bossy. It controls many things in our bodies, like growth or mood. Sadly, there are chemicals that interfere with this important system. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are all around us. Their negative effects can even pass on to future generations. How does this happen? We reviewed many articles on endocrine disruptors and their effects on various animals. These chemicals have negative effects on fish, frogs, birds and mammals. Sometimes the effects pass on to many generations. However, the mechanism for this transfer is not genetic but most likely epigenetic. About us: Science Journal for Kids is a non-profit organization that “translates” academic papers into easy-to-understand science articles for school students. Why? Because children have the right to know about the latest scientific discoveries. #science #article #teach #STEM #students #readaloud #Endocrinesystem #endocrinedisruptors #epigenetics #multigenerational #animalstudies This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

Read this article at https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/why-do-ducklings-swim-in-a-line-behind-their-mother/ or watch at https://youtu.be/5mpFCPDto5gSummary: Scientists created a mathematical model to figure out why swimming in a line benefits baby ducks and geese. Abstract: Have you ever seen baby ducks or geese swimming in line behind their mother? They’re so cute! But why do they do that? Is it to keep everyone together? Or is it to make swimming easier for the babies? We wanted to figure out how swimming in a line benefits ducklings. We thought that swimming in a line behind the mother saves energy. Our research made us realize that if the ducklings try to swim in front or to the side of their mother, they need to use more energy. But if they swim behind her, they need less energy. We also learned that it is only easier at certain spots behind the mother. That’s because at these spots the waves created by the mother interact with the waves created by the ducklings. The resulting wave pushes the ducklings forward, saving lots of energy! About us: Science Journal for Kids is a non-profit organization that “translates” academic papers into easy-to-understand science articles for school students. Why? Because children have the right to know about the latest scientific discoveries. #science #article #teach #STEM #students #readaloud #ducklings #waves #dragforces #waveinterference This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

Read this article at https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/how-can-chemicals-influence-your-hormones/ or watch at https://youtu.be/thbgMoBvC88Summary: Scientists compiled a list of endocrine-disrupting chemicals and how they get into the environment. Abstract: Did you know that hormones not only influence your mood but also most of your body’s functions? They are messengers involved in telling you when to feel hungry or when to get tired, for example. It is very important to have the right levels of hormones in your body to stay healthy. But there are a lot of man-made chemicals that find their way into our environment. They can then disrupt those important biological messengers in the animals and humans living nearby. Hormones are particularly important in providing instructions for your development before you are born and when you are a baby. We reviewed the scientific literature to find out how these chemicals get into our bodies and the environment. We found that a lot of them get used in industrial processes or are in pesticides. But some also turn up in food packaging materials, cleaning products, or cosmetics. About us: Science Journal for Kids is a non-profit organization that “translates” academic papers into easy-to-understand science articles for school students. Why? Because children have the right to know about the latest scientific discoveries. #science #article #teach #STEM #students #readaloud #hormones #endocrinedisruptors #BPA #endocrinesystem This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

Read this article at https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/what-makes-you-choose-the-food-you-eat/ or watch at https://youtu.be/nizD88jGAbESummary: Researchers investigated what adolescents eat worldwide and what factors influence these food choices. Abstract: Have you ever thought about why you eat what you eat? Is it because it’s tasty? Healthy? Trendy? There are many factors that influence what an adolescent eats. But health is not always the most important one. We wanted to better understand these factors. So we did a scientific review of surveys and studies to see what adolescents eat worldwide. We also explored how economic status and food environment affect food choices. We learned that many adolescents value food as a way to express their individuality. It also gives them a sense of belonging with their peers. We also discovered that limited access to healthy food is a problem in many areas. So are advertisements promoting unhealthy food. That is why countries all over the world need nutrition programs that make healthy food more available, affordable, and appealing to adolescents. About us: Science Journal for Kids is a non-profit organization that “translates” academic papers into easy-to-understand science articles for school students. Why? Because children have the right to know about the latest scientific discoveries. #science #article #teach #STEM #students #readaloud #foodchoice #foodenvironment #foodinsecurity #adolescentautonomy This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

Read this article at https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/what-happens-to-plastic-in-the-soil/ or watch at https://youtu.be/xaL05ONEzkgSummary: Scientists conducted an experiment to determine what happens to different types of plastic when they are exposed to soil. Abstract: Can you think of life without plastic? Plastic is currently one of the most common materials. It’s used for most containers and it’s even in your clothes! But what happens to this plastic? Some gets recycled but a lot of it gets thrown away. That means it often ends up in the environment where it can break down and change. We wanted to see what happens to different types of plastic when we exposed them to different types of soil. We put small disks of plastic in different environments for 32 days. We then compared the plastics exposed to soil to plastic that was not exposed to soil to see how the surface and other properties changed. We also wanted to see whether any bacteria grew on the plastic. Our data proved that all plastics change when exposed to soil. But they experience different changes because they have different properties. About us: Science Journal for Kids is a non-profit organization that “translates” academic papers into easy-to-understand science articles for school students. Why? Because children have the right to know about the latest scientific discoveries. #science #article #teach #STEM #students #readaloud #plastic #recycling #scanningelectronmicroscope #soil #sludge This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com