Authors:Eric Betzig Abstract: When I was young, I wanted to be an astronaut and I was a hard-core science fiction fan. I was always drawn to heroic characters that invented something new that resulted in an amazing breakthrough. When I started my scientific career, I did not want to do something small—I wanted to do something that would be really different and impactful. This is why I chose to work on one of the most difficult problems in the field of optical (light-using) microscopy—how to see objects that are smaller than the wavelength of visible light. This meant challenging a limit that was long believed to be unbreakable. In my research, I developed a method called photoactivated localization microscopy (PALM), which enabled us to break that limit with the help of glowing (fluorescent) molecules. Using the PALM method, and other methods based on glowing molecules, scientists can learn new things about living cells and single molecules and significantly advance our understanding of life. PubDate: 2023-09-19T00:00:00Z
Authors:Randy Schekman Abstract: Secretion is a fundamental process in which cells release substances to their external environments. Secretion is essential for many body functions, including growth, digestion, and cell communication. To be secreted, proteins must pass through various stations inside cells, which together form what is called the secretory pathway. In this article, I will tell you about the secretory pathway and the stages that proteins go through from their production up until their secretion. Then, I will present the original work that we did in our lab to identify genes related to the secretory pathway in yeast cells. Finally, I will explain the importance of our work to the overall study of the secretory pathway, both in yeast and mammalian cells. PubDate: 2023-09-19T00:00:00Z
Authors:David Gross Abstract: In the field of particle physics, we try to understand what our universe is made of. We study the basic properties of matter, describe the elementary particles that compose matter, and try to understand how the various particles that build our world work together. In this article, we will dive into the heart of atoms—the building blocks of matter—and try to answer some intriguing, basic questions about the universe such as: “What are protons and neutrons, the particles that make up the nucleus, made of'” and, “Can those components be divided into even smaller particles'” PubDate: 2023-09-19T00:00:00Z
Authors:Martin Chalfie Abstract: This article is based on an interview between Prof. Martin Chalfie and Noa Segev.Scientists investigate things by observation. They look at a phenomenon that interests them and try to understand it, using the most advanced tools they have. It is often challenging for scientists to see and measure what they want to study, often because they want to go beyond what had been previously seen. The development of modern imaging techniques has allowed scientists to see things that they could not see before. In this article, I will tell you about one of those breakthroughs in imaging, based on a wonderful glowing protein called green fluorescent protein (GFP). GFP not only changed my life, but the lives of many other scientists, and ultimately of many non-scientists as well. Among other things, GFP allows us to detect and observe the activity of proteins and whole cells in living animals, and to detect the activity of genes that code for specific proteins. By the end of this article, I hope you will understand much more about GFP and how it lights up science. PubDate: 2023-09-19T00:00:00Z
Authors:Ada Yonath, Elinor Breiner Goldshtein, Noa Segev Abstract: Proteins are small biological machines that work in our bodies as well as in the bodies of all animals, plants, viruses, and bacteria. They are responsible for a wide range of vital activities. Proteins are synthesized based on instructions contained in the genetic code, within their DNA, by a cellular organelle called ribosomes. The ribosome assembles proteins very quickly and accurately. Most of my scientific research is devoted to understanding the function of the ribosome, based on its structure, as we determined it. In this article, I describe the major findings of my research, some important applications of these findings, and the challenges I have faced along the way. PubDate: 2023-09-19T00:00:00Z
Authors:Thalita Mázala-de-Oliveira, Priscila Fernanda Peres de Oliveira, Aline Loureiro Barreto, Liana Catarina Lima Portugal, Priscilla Oliveira-Silva Bomfim Abstract: Talking about someone else’s life is an interesting topic for a group conversation. Sometimes it can turn into gossip! We often think of gossip as something negative, and it certainly can be! Gossip can even be a part of bullying. But have you ever thought about whether gossip might also play a positive role in our lives' In this article, we will tell you about some research on why people gossip, and how it might help to build social bonds. We will also explain the complex network of actions that happen in the brain every time we participate in gossip. Hopefully you will learn that, while gossip can sometimes be negative, it is also a normal part of our social lives. PubDate: 2023-09-18T00:00:00Z
Authors:Kay I. Ohshima, Sienna Blanckensee Abstract: Like a cake, the ocean is made up of several layers. The heaviest (highest density) layer of water on the bottom of the ocean is called Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW). AABW forms around the coast of Antarctica in areas where lots of sea ice is produced due to freezing temperatures and strong winds. When sea ice is formed, most of the salt from the sea water is left behind, so the water underneath the sea ice becomes very salty and cold, making it heavy and dense. This dense water sinks to the bottom of the ocean to become AABW. AABW acts like a pump, powering the circulation of ocean waters all over the world. With climate change, warming temperatures and melting ice sheets will influence the formation of AABW, which could affect global ocean circulation, climate, and the plants and animals living both in the oceans and on land. PubDate: 2023-09-07T00:00:00Z
Authors:Camilla K. Crockart, Margaret Harlan, Jordan R. W. Martin, Nancy Bertler Abstract: Antarctica is the coldest, driest, highest, and windiest continent, and it is home to 70 research stations from 29 countries. Antarctica is a remote and harsh place, without many weather stations or people. This means scientists must come up with creative ways to learn about the continent’s past climate. Scientists use sediment that builds up on the ocean floor to explore what Earth was like more than a million years ago; and they use satellites to learn about today’s climate. But how can we know what happened in the time between' This is where ice can help! When snow falls in Antarctica, it builds up in layers that get squeezed into ice. These layers hold traces of the past climate. The ice in Antarctica is the oldest anywhere in the world. Hundreds of thousands of years ago until now. These studies help us to better understand the past climate and to predict the future climate. PubDate: 2023-09-07T00:00:00Z
Authors:Minkyoung Kim, Eun Jin Yang, Hyung Jeek Kim, Dongseon Kim, Tae-Wan Kim, Hyoung Sul La, SangHoon Lee, Jeomshik Hwang Abstract: A sediment trap is a tool to collect small, sinking particles in the sea. Unexpectedly, we found deep-sea animals inside four traps placed in the Amundsen Sea, Antarctica. The animals were long, slim worms, sea urchins, and baby scallops. These animals do not swim, so how did they enter the traps' As this surprising finding happened mostly during winter, we think that ice may have helped them get into the traps. If enough of a certain kind of ice, called anchor ice, forms on an animal’s body, it can make the animal float. If the animal floats up to the sea ice on the ocean’s surface, it can attach and be transported as the ice moves around. When the anchor ice melts the animals are released, and they enter our traps as they sink to the ocean bottom. Future research is needed to know for sure if this is how the animals entered our traps! PubDate: 2023-09-06T00:00:00Z
Authors:Zachary J. F. Fedder, David R. Smith Abstract: Most of the world’s rich variety of life, called biodiversity, cannot be seen by the naked eye. But just because it is small does not mean it is boring or unimportant! Tiny organisms known as microbes, which are often made up of only a single cell, have many impressive abilities and weird qualities. A lot of the microbial diversity we observe today was made possible by the sharing of DNA between different species through a process called endosymbiosis—in which one organism (the endosymbiont) becomes trapped inside another (called the host). Indeed, an ancient endosymbiotic event resulted in the chloroplasts that trees and green algae use to convert sunlight into energy, for example. Chloroplasts were then passed along, like Pokémon cards, to other organisms through more recent endosymbiotic events, causing an explosion of photosynthesis across the microbial world. PubDate: 2023-09-05T00:00:00Z
Authors:Xin Rui Ong, Tharaka S. Priyadarshana, Li Si Tay, Marx Wen-Han Yim, Alexis Goh, Louisa May Fung, Eleanor M. Slade Abstract: Insects are the largest group of animals in the world—there are over a million species of insects, and they live just about everywhere! Insects provide essential services for us and for ecosystems, such as pollination, nutrient recycling, and pest control. Yet, most of us pay little attention to insects. Worryingly, insects also face many threats and, across the globe, their populations are at risk. Understanding insects, their importance in ecosystems, and the threats they face is vital for protecting these amazing creatures. In this article, we highlight our close relationships with insects, and the human activities that impact insect populations. We also present some of the current research efforts to better understand and protect insects and suggest some simple steps that each of us can do to support them. PubDate: 2023-09-05T00:00:00Z
Authors:Ines Mürner-Lavanchy, Leona Pascoe Abstract: Your brain possesses a group of superpowers called executive functions. These special abilities work together to help you reach your goals or complete challenging tasks. Executive functions are supported by the communication between various areas of the brain. Just like the rest of the body, the brain grows and develops from childhood to adulthood. This is what allows your executive functions to mature as you get older, and this can happen faster in some children and slower in others. Just as you can train the muscles in your body, training and using your brain’s executive function superpowers can help them strengthen and grow! PubDate: 2023-09-05T00:00:00Z
Authors:Stefanie Haase, Fanny Barz, Michele Casini, Karin Hüssy Abstract: Have you ever lost your phone and used its GPS function to locate it' To learn about fish, scientists are interested in where fish go and what they experience but GPS technology does not work underwater. Scientists therefore developed small electronic data loggers that can be attached to fish, to record conditions in a fish’s environment. When the fish is recaptured, this information can be downloaded and returned to the scientists. The fish’s movements can then be reconstructed by comparing the recorded measurements with the conditions in the sea. In this article, we explain how this method works and tell you the story of two cod with very different fates: Wally, who moved around to feed and to produce offspring, and Wilma, who went on an adventure with a surprising ending. PubDate: 2023-09-01T00:00:00Z
Authors:Divyangana Rakesh, Caio Seguin, Vanessa Cropley, Sarah Whittle Abstract: The neighborhoods children grow up in can influence how their brains develop—but we do not yet know exactly how this happens. In a sample of 7,500 children aged 9–10 years, we found that the quality of neighborhoods, which can be measured in various ways including access to parks and libraries, was associated with differences in the communication between brain regions involved in planning, goal setting, and self-reflection. Some of the patterns of brain connectivity that were associated with neighborhood quality were also associated with brain function and mental health. We also found that, for children with more positive and supportive home and school environments, neighborhood quality was less important for brain connectivity. Our findings suggest that the environments we grow up in may shape the way our brains develop in complex ways. PubDate: 2023-08-31T00:00:00Z
Authors:Megan Barkdull, Colleen R. Miller, Monique A. Pipkin, Corrie S. Moreau Abstract: Biodiversity is the word used to describe the rich variety of life on Earth. Right now, Earth’s biodiversity is threatened. Museums, zoos, and other kinds of natural history collections help to protect biodiversity. One way they do this is by helping researchers study life on Earth. Another way is by teaching people, through exhibits and events. Natural history collections face many challenges. One challenge is getting enough money to stay open. Another is finding new space as collections grow. Finally, some people who want to use and learn from collections cannot access them because they are not nearby. Museum collections are now putting information on the internet, so that many people can access and use it. We can all help natural history collections to continue protecting Earth’s biodiversity by visiting them, volunteering, and donating specimens or other resources. PubDate: 2023-08-30T00:00:00Z
Authors:John J. Kilbane, Hynek Roubik, Andras J. Kovacs, Taobat Keshinro, Maulik Patel, Jacob de Feijter Abstract: Human poo contains precious nutrients, but we flush it down the drain to become wastewater. Wastewater often pollutes rivers, lakes, or the ocean. The high levels of nutrients in wastewater, primarily from human poo and pee, can decrease the amount of oxygen in the ocean, killing the fish that we eat along with other organisms. In the old days, poo from humans and animals was used on farms, as fertilizer. But this is not a practical option for the large volumes of wastewater produced in cities. What if the nutrients from wastewater could be used to solve rather than to create environmental problems' Using single-celled, water-dwelling plants called microalgae to treat wastewater has many benefits. Clean water helps everyone. Recycling nutrients from wastewater and using them as fertilizers will help farmers. Also, useful products like fuels and plastics can be made from these algae. New and cheaper wastewater treatment technologies are needed to create a better future. You could be part of the solution! PubDate: 2023-08-29T00:00:00Z
Authors:Anna M. Borghi, Ilenia Falcinelli, Chiara Fini, Angelo Mattia Gervasi, Claudia Mazzuca Abstract: Grouping things together, also called categorizing, is fundamental for humans. We can form categories such as people, tools, and buildings. Concepts are what we mentally associate with categories. For example, we associate cats with what they look like and how they behave. “Cat” is a concrete concept, meaning that it refers to a specific animal that we can point to. Some concepts, such as “truth” or “sympathy,” do not refer to concrete objects you can point to. These are called abstract concepts. words—the words that we use to express abstract concepts—make up more than 70% of adult speech. Children use fewer abstract words because they are harder to learn. How do we learn and use abstract concepts, from emotions to numbers' Do we need more help from others to learn abstract concepts' In this article, we address these questions and discuss current research on abstract concepts. PubDate: 2023-08-29T00:00:00Z
Authors:Kathleen E. Hupfeld, Heather R. McGregor, Grant D. Tays, Rachael D. Seidler Abstract: For over 20 years, astronauts have lived and worked aboard the International Space Station. Astronauts face many challenges living in space, like not having Earth’s gravity. This means that astronauts do everything—from brushing their teeth to doing science experiments—while floating. Not having Earth’s gravity makes everything more difficult, and it changes astronauts’ brains. Over the last decade, we tested 15 astronauts before and after their space travel. We measured their walking, balance, and coordination, and collected pictures of their brains. This article talks about our results. We found that, when astronauts returned to Earth, they had problems moving, like trouble walking and balancing. We also found that spaceflight changed how astronauts’ brains look and function. We finish our article by talking about what is still left to learn. Our big goal is to keep astronauts healthy for very long missions—to Mars and beyond! PubDate: 2023-08-29T00:00:00Z
Authors:Jennifer A. Ross, Nathan P. Charlton Abstract: If you have a fear of snakes, you are not alone! There are over 3,000 species of snakes in the world and many of them are poisonous. The most common poisonous snake in the United States is called the pit viper. Poisonous snakes use their venom to capture prey or to bite their enemies in self-defense. If a snake bites you, it is important that you go to the hospital to get treated. Some doctors specialize in recognizing and treating snakebites, and there is an antidote that can be given for bites from the most dangerous snakes. In this article, we review why some snakebites are worse than others and what to do if you are bitten. PubDate: 2023-08-28T00:00:00Z
Authors:Diana Rueda-Ramírez, HU Scientific Writing Class 2022 Abstract: To produce enough food, we must protect our crops from pests that attack plants. Some of these pests are mysterious small worms called nematodes, wandering through the soil. While most nematodes are beneficial to plants, others can destroy whole crops. The most common weapons against destructive nematodes are also harmful to nature. We need more environmentally friendly tools to control these worms. Tiny spider-like creatures called mites are the nematodes’ arch enemies. Can mites be used to control nematode populations and protect crops' Scientists did experiments on tomato plants in a greenhouse. They added both harmful and helpful nematodes to check the effect of mites. The experiment showed that mites alone, and in combination with the beneficial nematodes, reduced the damage harmful nematodes caused to the plants. Future studies should determine how we can help mites and friendly nematodes to protect our crops and ensure our food supply! PubDate: 2023-08-28T00:00:00Z
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