Explainers | Science News for Students

Explainers

Background pieces on a broad range of pivotal topics

DNA display

Scientists can extract DNA (parts of which are displayed on screen) from samples they picked up in the environment. They then look for patterns in this genetic material to identify which species had left it. In this way, biologists can “detect” what organisms had been around.

Wavebreakmedia/iStockphoto

Genetics
 
Mar 13, 2018
Explainer: DNA hunters
Manhattan snowstorm

Tall structures, such as skyscrapers, radio towers and wind turbines, may create conditions that greatly up the chance of cloud-to-ground lightning during windy snowstorms.

palinchakjr/iStockphoto

Weather & Climate
 
Mar 9, 2018
Explainer: What is thundersnow?
soccer injury
A blow to the head can knock a player out of the game and might even cause a concussion.
saintho/iStockphoto
Health
 
Feb 15, 2018
Explainer: What is a concussion?
windy palm trees
Temperature and pressure are critical factors in the creation of a windy day.
behindlens/iStockphoto
Weather & Climate
 
Jan 22, 2018
Explainer: Winds and where they come from
seismic waves
There are several different types of seismic waves, some of which are much more damaging than others.
Sebastien_B/iStockphoto
Earth
 
Jan 12, 2018
Explainer: Seismic waves come in different ‘flavors’
algae bubbles
These green bubbles are an algal bloom caused by too much fertilizer in the water. When the algae die, the organisms that break them down can suck up much of the oxygen in the water. This can potentially harm other aquatic life.
F. lamiot/Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.5)
Plants
 
Jan 4, 2018
Explainer: The fertilizing power of N and P
credit card at register

Most credit-card and store receipts use thermal paper to print out a record of purchases. That paper may contain BPA, a chemical that can inappropriately fool the body into thinking it’s a hormone.

humonia/iStockphoto

Chemistry
 
Nov 22, 2017
Explainer: Store receipts and BPA
hands holding dirt

In ordinary soil, scientists can find clues to past civilizations, evidence to catch criminals and bacteria that might help fight global warming.

tortoon/iStockphoto

Earth
 
Nov 16, 2017
Explainer: What makes dirt different from soil
DNA forceps

Scientists don’t really use a forceps when tweaking our DNA. But they do have techniques that allow them to snip out (or turn off) genes in an organism. Afterward, they can investigate the gene’s function by noting what happens when it’s lost.

Natali_Mis/iStockphoto

Genetics
 
Nov 6, 2017
Explainer: Why scientists sometimes ‘knock out’ genes
insulin structure

This is an artist’s representation of a molecule of insulin. This hormone helps the body use its food as energy.

Dr_Microbe/iStockphoto

Body functions
 
Nov 1, 2017
Explainer: What is a hormone?