SCIENCE Mythology is rich with tales of dragons and the magical properties of their blood. Well, a new study indicates that the blood of the Komodo dragon is, in fact, loaded with proteins that could be used as antibiotics. Giant dragon versus superbug. (The Economist) Why are antibiotics so important these days? Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers … Continue reading 48 Uses of Dragon’s Blood
HEALTH You know that sharp odor of chlorine from the swimming pool? Turns out it’s not just chlorine, but a potent brew of chemicals that form when chlorine meets sweat, body oils, and urine. (NPR) Hold your nose and take a look at some cool pools! Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas How can scientists … Continue reading How Much Pee is in Your Pool?
SCIENCE Your pearly white smile has a fishy origin story. And no, we’re not referring to your overuse of tooth whitening products. Actual fish were involved, millions of years ago. (Popular Science) How do teeth help identify people’s origins? Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas The Popular Science article says enamel is only found in … Continue reading Your Tooth Enamel Might Have Started As Fish Scales
SCIENCE Animals with skeletons did not exist before about 550 million years ago. Then, suddenly, shells, exoskeletons, and skeletons showed up in the biological record. Why? (Science) A few of these ancient, armored species are still around. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas Life on Earth has been around for about three billion years, but … Continue reading How Did Animals Get Their Skeletons?
SCIENCE Popeye always turned to spinach when he needed help. Now scientists are doing the same to help detect land mines and other explosives. (Forbes) Spinach is a lot more expendable than the usual mine-clearing staff. Find out why with our resources. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas The great Forbes article reports that nanoparticles … Continue reading It’s Strong to the Finich, this Bomb-Sniffing Spinach
