Scientists Say
A weekly word defined, in a sentence and in context. Click here to find the alphabetized list.
- Health & Medicine
Scientists Say: Carcinogen
We have all heard that some things — such as ultraviolent rays from the sun or dangerous chemicals — can cause cancer. These agents have a special name.
- Science & Society
Scientists Say: Forensics
When there’s blood, bones and fingerprints on a crime scene, it’s time to bring in the scientists. Their research is called forensics.
- Physics
Scientists Say: Photovoltaic
This effect allows us to convert sunlight into electricity and is a popular renewable energy source.
- Earth
Scientists Say: Eutrophication
When a body of water is filled with nutrients, algae and plants may take advantage. And their presence isn’t always a good thing.
- Animals
Scientists Say: Autopsy and Necropsy
Sometimes when animals die, they need to be investigated. These examinations have two special names. One is for people, the other for non-human animals.
- Life
Scientists Say: Taphonomy
Studying what happens to plants and animals after they die can teach us about ecosystems and evolution. This study has a special name.
- Brain
Scientists Say: MRI
MRI is a technique used to diagnose diseases and to study the body. The machine can map internal structures, all the way down to tiny blood vessels.
- Chemistry
Scientists Say: Ion
Some atoms and molecules have a positive or negative electrical charge. These are called ions.
- Environment
Scientists Say: Fracking
Liquid fuel sources such as natural gas and petroleum form deep underground between layers of rock. To retrieve them, engineers often use a technique called hydraulic fracturing, or fracking.
- Space
Scientists Say: Gravitational lens
A gravitational lens is an effect that occurs when a massive object lies between a viewer and something further away. The massive object’s gravity bends light arriving from the more distant object.
- Health & Medicine
Scientists Say: Hormone
This is a chemical that travels in the blood and acts as a signal. It can tell distant body parts what to do. When a chemical acts in this way, it has a special name.
- Earth
Scientists Say: Microplastic
Bits of plastic smaller than five millimeters are called microplastics. They can end up in the ocean, where corals might mistake them for food.
