Tag: metagenomics

Classroom Ideas, Creature Feature, Current Event Connection, Main

Scientists Sift for DNA … of the Loch Ness Monster

SCIENCE If the famous cryptid exists, this eDNA hunt ought to find evidence—but if not, scientists will still gain valuable ecological data. (National Geographic) What is the Loch Ness Monster? What is eDNA? Use our resources to find out. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit, including today’s MapMaker Interactive map. Discussion Ideas A new genetic study aims … Continue reading Scientists Sift for DNA … of the Loch Ness Monster

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Classroom Ideas, Current Event Connection, Main

Potentially Powerful New Antibiotic Discovered in Dirt

SCIENCE A new class of microorganisms kills drug-resistant “superbugs”—and lives in dirt. (Washington Post) Learn more about antibiotics and the biotics they target with our Q&A here. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas New research outlines the discovery of a new strain of antibiotics found in dirt. What are antibiotics? Use our resource here for … Continue reading Potentially Powerful New Antibiotic Discovered in Dirt

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Classroom Ideas, Current Event Connection, Main

Dirty DNA

SCIENCE For the first time, scientists have been able to extract the DNA of ancient hominins from cave dirt. (Smithsonian) Get to know your “Hominin History” with our fun GeoStory. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas A genuinely exciting new study documents how scientists extracted ancient DNA from the dirt of ancient caves. What is … Continue reading Dirty DNA

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Classroom Ideas, Current Event Connection, Main

White House Drops the Microbiome

UNITED STATES Half a billion dollars are being pledged to study the microbes in crops, soils, oceans—and humans. (The Atlantic) Take a look at some of these “misunderstood microbes” with our video study guide. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers’ Toolkit. Discussion Ideas President Obama recently announced the launch of the $121-million National Microbiome Initiative. What is a … Continue reading White House Drops the Microbiome

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