Fun_Science

"The article discusses the ethical aspects of reviving extinct animal species by manufacturing DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) to order, a type of cloning developed in 2013. It discusses the ecological impact of adding a species back into the natural environment, the work of traditional conservationists, and how cloning is accomplished. It also discusses several species which scientists are in the process of trying to recover as of 2013, including the Pyrenean ibex, the gastric brooding frog, and the Tasmanian tiger."

"The article offers information on human blood and the state of blood donations in the U.S. The author says that blood donations during June and July 2013 were down 10 percent, that amounts to 50,000 less donations. The article gives facts about human blood including the components of human blood, the most prevalent blood types in U.S. citizens, and the number of vampire films made per decade since the 1910s to the 2000s."

"Once again, Lake Erie has vaulted itself into the national conversation about the environment -- this time over the disruptive effects blooms of harmful algae can have on lakeside residents."

"The article overviews microscopic algae, Didymosphenia geminata, also known as didymo. Topics discussed include burning of fossil fuels and change in Earth's climate leading to growth of didymo, growth of long stalks of didymo in search of phosphorus and views of ecologist Brad Taylor from Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire on spread of didymo. Issues regarding consumption of phosphorus by terrestrial plants leading to its depletion from rivers leading to algal blooms is presented."

"The article reports on the incidence of algae blooms in beaches around the world. It explains the reason for the growth of algae as well as the damage it causes to marine animals. It also mentions the increase in the number of dead zones worldwide due to the absence of oxygen in the water. A quiz about dead zones is also presented."

"The article offers information on the Yellow Sea in China which is covered with algal blooms which created dead zones in the sea." Really short article.

Article describes the "Dead Zone" in the Gulf of Mexico and why algae blooms are bad for the environment.

"The article offers information on the development of specific materials by the scientists in Cardiff, Wales which will provide the protection to airplanes form lightning."

"Land animals are not the only ones being affected by the loss of habitat and climate change. The issues are taking their toll on birds too. Experts estimate that since the 1500's, over 190 bird species have become extinct. Of these, at least 12 were endemic to North America." Click on blue vocab words to see definitions

"In early July, shepherds walking across the Tunisian desert, stumbled upon an unusual sight - a beautiful blue lake that had mysteriously appeared in the midst of the parched land. While nobody knows for sure how the 60-foot deep stretch of water that spans over two acres was formed, there are a few theories." Click on blue vocab words to see definitions.

"Mention koalas and the image that comes to mind is that of a cuddly animal snoozing, whilst clinging on to a tree trunk for dear life - and rightfully so, given that the animals sleep for up to 20 hours a day! However, while the fact that their sedentary lifestyle is caused by their unusually small brains and the limited nutritional content of the eucalyptus leaves they consume is well-known, what was never questioned was their penchant for tree trunks. Turns out that the smart koalas have figured out that staying close to trees is the best way to beat the heat, during the hot Australian summers." Click on blue vocab words to see definitions.

"The sailing stones of the Racetrack Playa, a dry lakebed in Death Valley, have been the subject of a mystery since the 1940s. The playa is dotted with stones, some as large as 700 pounds (320kg), with long tracks behind them, as though they have been performing a synchronised dance."

"Antibiotics are important medicines that have been used to treat bacterial infections for 70 years. They work by either disrupting processes bacteria need to survive or preventing them from reproducing. But these drugs are becoming less and less effective against bacterial infections and could one day run out. Right now there aren't any alternatives that could take their place." Lots of pictures, interactive charts, and diagrams

"Antibiotics are important medicines that have been used to treat bacterial infections for 70 years. They work by either disrupting processes bacteria need to survive or preventing them from reproducing. But these drugs are becoming less and less effective against bacterial infections and could one day run out. Right now there aren't any alternatives that could take their place."

"The word 'malnourishment' conjures images of natural disasters, droughts and children with swollen bellies. But malnourishment is not just a lack of calories. It can also be caused by not having enough vitamins, minerals, and protein." Lots of interactive graphs, pictures, and charts

"Nearly two million people die from a lack of safe drinking water every year. And in just 15 years time, half the world's population could be living in areas of high water stress - places where there isn't enough water to go round." Includes charts, slideshow, photos, and short video clips

"Where did we come from? It's the oldest question in human history. Everyone's asked it, from philosophers and poets to mathematicians and physicists. Most scientists think that everything that we know and experience around us began at a moment known as the Big Bang, 14 billion years ago. But how can we have any clue about something that supposedly happened so long ago?" Includes photos, interactive charts, and graphs. Also allows you to highlight important parts and make notes

Types of Cathode-ray Tubes