Uncategorized
- Planets
A giant, busted planet fuels a nebula’s mysterious glow
This Helix Nebula is like a colorful explosion frozen in time. Its center seems to be steadily radiating X-rays.
- Life
Research without lab animals? New tech is making it possible
For decades, scientists have worked to phase out the use of animals in research. AI, ‘lungs’ on a chip and more are bringing that goal closer.
- Animals
Tick, tick, tick. In a first, a shark is heard making noise
The undersea world can host a symphony of fish grunts, hums and growls. Now add tooth-clacking sharks to the score.
- Environment
Eco-friendly sunscreen? That’s bananas!
Bananas make their own natural sunscreens. A teen thinks these could work to protect our skin as well, while being safe for aquatic life.
- Health & Medicine
Three U.S tick species may trigger a mysterious red-meat allergy
This little-known allergy, known as alpha-gal syndrome, is potentially deadly. Here’s what we know about it — and how to avoid the tick bites that seem to cause it.
- Tech
You can ‘grab’ these virtual displays and manipulate them midair
Such interactive floating graphics and virtual objects could be used to make more immersive video games and museum exhibits.
- Earth
Scientists Say: Caldera
These gigantic craters form when a volcanic eruption empties magma chambers underneath, allowing the mountain to crumble into the void.
- Space
A nearby star system is likely sending lots of comets our way
This Alpha Centauri system loses comets and dust particles, but it produces only about 10 of the several trillion meteors that Earth sees each year.
- Plants
Magnets mimic gravity’s guiding hand for plants growing in space
Without constant gravity, plants waste energy twisting and coiling, trying to reach toward the sun. Teen ISEF finalists might have found a solution.
- Health & Medicine
Two cities stopped water fluoridation. Kids’ teeth suffered
As calls to end fluoride in water get louder, worsening dental health in children of Calgary, Canada, and Juneau, Alaska, offer a cautionary tale.
- Brain
Brain cells that make you feel full also make you crave dessert
If you want a sweet treat when you feel full after a big meal, blame your brain. Tests in mice and people suggest that the same cells signal satiety and a hunger for sugar.
- Chemistry
Experiment: Blow the best homemade bubbles
What’s the best recipe for blowing the most impressive bubbles? Let’s find out.
