SJK Audio Edition

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Summary: Scientists found evidence of droughts in ancient human history by looking at the layers in a stalagmite from Mexico. 

Abstract: Do you choose to do different activities on rainy days and sunny days? Much like we react to the weather day to day, humans also respond to the climate. The climate is the long-term pattern in weather. Changes in climate, such as long droughts, can affect how people live. It can even impact whole civilizations. We wanted to find out whether climate change a...

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Summary: Fringe-lipped bats get better at identifying frogs and toads by their mating calls as they get older.

Abstract: Can you think of a sound that tells you that you’re about to get your favourite food? Maybe a friend opens a bag of chips, or you hear corn popping. Listening helped you get a snack! Some animals are very good at listening, too. If you have a dog or a cat, they’ll probably appear when they hear you pick up thei...

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Summary: Researchers used two methods to determine the pressure experienced by rocks in the Grand Canyon to make a more detailed timeline for the area. 

Abstract: Did you know the Grand Canyon can help us figure out what happened on Earth long ago? As in, 1.7 billion years ago? As we go down into the Grand Canyon, we find older and older rocks. Some of the oldest rocks are in a section of the canyon called the Upper Granite Gorge. These blocks o...

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Summary: Scientists tested whether tiny radio-tag backpacks changed how hummingbirds spent their time flying, feeding, preening, and perching. 

Abstract: Scientists often use tiny tools to study wild animals. These tools can show where animals go and how they move. But if the tools aren't safe for the animals, then we aren't doing our job properly! We studied Black-throated Mango hummingbirds in Colombia. These birds are small, fast, and full of energy. We wanted to know if wearing a tiny radio backpack changed how they sp...

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Summary: Researchers examined the leg movements of shrimp while swimming and found that reducing drag is an important factor in their movement.

Abstract: It is important for animals to move around easily. It helps them avoid predators or catch a meal. But the ways animals move depend on the environment they live in. A lot of animals that live in water beat their legs one after another. It is called metachronal swimming. And it is really efficient at propelling animals through the water. W...

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/can-living-in-a-multilingual-country-slow-down-aging/ or watch at: https://youtu.be/WQRs-r1iqRc

Summary: Researchers wanted to find out if living in a multilingual country can help people stay mentally and physically active as they grow older. 

Abstract: Have you heard about brain training? That might bring to mind crossword puzzles, Sudoku, or brain teasers. Learning new languages is another powerful way to stimulate the brain. Activities that challenge the brain can help us stay healthy and sharp for longer. So, we wanted to see whether living in multilingual countries is...

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/thinking-about-thinking-how-do-birds-make-choices/ or watch at: https://youtu.be/SilL7szcPeo

Summary: Researchers showed how the Eurasian jay uses metacognition to solve tricky puzzles and seek out their favorite food.

Abstract: What do you do when you’re asked a tricky question in class? Do you take a guess or wait for an easier question? The capacity to answer this question is called metacognition. It describes the ability to assess what you know and make good decisions from that information. Lots of mammals show metacognition. We wanted to kno...

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Summary: A team of scientists went on an expedition to a river in Alaska to find out why the river suddenly turned bright orange.

Abstract: The Salmon River in Alaska’s Kobuk Valley National Park is wild and scenic. Recently, scientists were surprised to find many of the streams in the park turning a bright, rusty shade of orange. What could cause such a change? One possibility is thawing permafrost. Permafrost is ground that normally stays frozen all year long. When it tha...

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Summary: Scientists created a new device copying the remora fish's natural ability to hitchhike on other animals.

Abstract: Have you ever wondered how small animals survive in a giant ocean full of danger? Remora fish attach to sharks, whales, turtles, boats, and even divers to survive. We studied remoras to figure out how they attach themselves using a disc on the top of their head. We wanted to find out if we could copy the disc to make suction devices that can w...

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Summary: Scientists engineered cyanobacteria to remove microplastics and extra nutrients from wastewater.

Abstract: Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that end up in rivers and oceans. They are hard to remove because they are so small. We wanted a better way to clean them up. We used genetic engineering to change cyanobacteria, a type of algae-like microorganism. We made the cells produce limonene, a natural oily chemical. Limonene made the outside of the cells more water-repellent. Many plastics also repel water. When we put o...

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Summary: Researchers observe spectral bats with a wildlife camera to learn about their parenting and social behaviors. 

Abstract: Working with others often makes a task easier. Whether at home, at school, or at work, humans collaborate to achieve shared goals. Studies show that other species also collaborate. Many animals work together to defend their territory or care for their babies. We wanted to know how bats work together to raise their young. We collected videos of a family of spectral bats living in a...

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Summary: Scientists retraced the steps of an expedition from 30 years ago to see how mountain birds are adapting to climate change.

Abstract: What do you do when it’s too hot? Do you sweat and stay where you are? Or do you go looking for somewhere more comfortable, like the shade under a tree? Climate change is making many places on Earth hotter. We wanted to know how birds in mountain forests are adapting to climate change. Are birds staying in the...

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/how-can-we-monitor-the-wildlife-trade/ or watch at: https://youtu.be/R7oWnWKMEZE

Summary: Researchers used databases to figure out the extent of wildlife trade and how to make it more sustainable.

Abstract: The wildlife trade is a threat to global biodiversity. But we don’t know how much of a threat. That’s because some countries don’t have strict regulations or collect data. And the databases from countries that do collect data about wildlife trading are hard to compare. We wanted to look at the databases to figure out ho...

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/where-do-whale-sharks-have-their-babies/ or watch at: https://youtu.be/JJHuWMotBgw

Summary: Scientists studied where baby whale sharks are found and discovered that they often appear near low-oxygen ocean zones. 

Abstract: Where do the world’s biggest fish have their babies? This question remains one of the ocean’s greatest mysteries. Adult whale sharks are easy to find. But newborns are not! We looked back over 50 years of sightings to connect the dots of this puzzle. Our team mapped the locations of 33 baby sharks that were discovered by chance. We als...

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/how-can-viruses-wake-up-sleeping-cancer-cells/ or watch at: https://youtu.be/ksEuNI3AhXQ

Summary: Researchers discovered that viruses that infect the lungs can reactivate sleeping breast cancer cells 

Abstract: Have you ever had a virus like the flu or coronavirus? These viruses affect the lungs. They also activate the immune system to try and help you feel better. During the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, death rates from cancer rose. No one knew exactly why. We wondered if viral infections could “wake up” cancer cells that had been asleep...

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/how-can-we-make-better-food-for-honeybees/ or watch at: https://youtu.be/IRyT-dMDe6c

Summary: Researchers improve honeybee health by modifying yeast to produce the substances in pollen.

Abstract: Honeybees visit flowers to collect food for themselves and their colonies. When bees visit flowers, they also pollinate. Pollination is an important step that causes plants to make fruits. Many fruits that we eat, like apples and blueberries, need bees for pollination. Without bees, our food supplies would be in danger of not producing enough fruit. But human activities have reduced the a...

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/why-do-treehoppers-have-such-strange-body-shapes/ or watch at: https://youtu.be/zAqBSz7Mnwg

Summary: Scientists discovered that treehoppers can sense electric fields in the air and that their strange body shapes help make these invisible cues easier to detect.

Abstract: Some animals can sense tiny electric fields around them. We call this electroreception. Sharks use it underwater. Using it in the air is harder, but some insects can do it. Treehoppers have strange body shapes with a part that can look like a helmet or crazy hat on their backs. W...

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/how-do-bacteria-protect-each-other-from-antibiotics/ or watch at: https://youtu.be/YEX5ycutefY

Summary: Researchers show how bacteria living close together form patterns, share protection, and respond to antibiotics in surprising ways.

Abstract: Bacteria do not live alone. They crowd together and form tiny “neighborhoods.” In these neighborhoods, some bacteria can resist antibiotics. They break down the medicine and create “safe zones.” They then protect their sensitive neighbors. We mixed resistant and sensitive bacteria. Then we watched how they grew on plates with different amounts of antibiotics. The two types of bacter...

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/what-toxic-chemicals-are-released-in-lithium-ion-battery-fires/ or watch at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAK3t8_MeN0

Summary: Scientists determined how particles released by lithium-ion batteries can affect lung health.

Abstract: Portable electronic devices are an essential part of life. Cell phones, laptops, and tablets are just a few that we use on the go. What makes these devices portable? They use lithium-ion batteries! Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable and last a long time. But when a lithium-ion battery overheats (known as thermal runaway), it can result in fire or even...

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/how-has-weathering-affected-earth/ or watch at: https://youtu.be/_Gh4H-8lm24

Summary: Researchers analyzed marine sediments to determine the weathering patterns over the last two billion years.

Abstract: Have you ever wondered why the Grand Canyon is so deep? Weathering of rocks creates features like this. Physical and chemical weathering affect the shape and composition of the continents. They also impact the movement of elements between the continents and the ocean. We wanted to better understand these weathering processes. We analyzed samples containing marine sediments up to 2,000 m...

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/what-makes-some-medicines-too-thick/ or watch at: https://youtu.be/zcofWUPH4nw

Summary: Researchers used computer simulation models to investigate why medicines become viscous at high concentrations.

Abstract: A lot of thought goes into the creation of a medicine. One important consideration is how the medicine is given. Some medicines can be given in pills or sprays. Others need to be injected using a syringe. Some even require procedures in a medical center. The physical properties of the medicine will determine how it can be given. So, what if w...

Read this article at:  https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/how-does-your-gut-talk-to-your-brain/ or watch at: https://youtu.be/TyzqiA5L0o4

Summary: Scientists found a new gut “sixth sense” that detects bacterial flagellin and tells the brain to stop eating.

Abstract: You have heard about the 5 senses, right? We use sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell to understand the world. But did you know your gut has its own sense? It doesn’t notice light or sound, but it can pick up signals from bacteria. We looked at one of these signals, a chemical called flagellin. Almost all bac...

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/freeze-or-run-how-does-a-mouses-brain-react/ or watch at: https://youtu.be/Ab-0692xpL4

Summary: Scientists studied why similar species of mice either run or freeze when faced with the same predator. 

Abstract: What would your first reaction be if you saw a lion in the wild? You might not even think about it before you start to back away. Your response to a lion might be very different from encountering a chimpanzee. So, what controls these different responses? To find out, we used two related species of mice that live in...

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/can-we-make-milk-from-insects/ or watch at: https://youtu.be/6E6xobn21DQ

Summary: Scientists use insect larvae to make a healthy, sustainable milk alternative and a useful material.

Abstract: Did you know that what you eat affects the environment? Meat and dairy products typically come from animals. Raising animals requires a large amount of land, water, and energy. It also contributes to environmental damage. That is why scientists are developing meat and dairy substitutes. Many plant-based substitutes are already available. We explored another option. Insects! We produced milk u...

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/what-can-we-learn-from-environmental-accidents/  or watch at: https://youtu.be/pqKT4I_AYW0

Summary: Researchers summarize findings about the human health effects of a chemical after it was accidentally included in livestock feed.

Abstract: Accidents happen, and when they do, it is important to learn from them. Environmental accidents are no different. They teach society about the dangers of a chemical or process. In 1973, a chemical company in Michigan made chemicals called polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) and a food supplement for farm animals. The company made a mistake and sent t...

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/are-there-toxic-chemicals-in-peoples-bodies/  or watch at: https://youtu.be/OA-h9LpBu30

Summary: Researchers analyzed blood samples of Glynn County residents to determine their level of exposure to dangerous chemicals from nearby Superfund sites.

Abstract: Did you know that some parts of the United States are contaminated with high levels of toxic chemicals? These sites are so dangerous that the government must clean them up. Glynn County, Georgia has many of these sites. We wanted to know if Glynn County residents had toxic chemicals in their bodies. Working with c...

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/how-does-your-brain-know-which-food-made-you-sick/ or watch at: https://youtu.be/y0ySCVZrZgM

Summary: Scientists studied how the brain links new flavors with delayed sickness by replaying flavor memories in the amygdala.

Abstract: Sometimes food makes you feel sick long after you eat it. But how does your brain know which food caused the problem? We wanted to find out. We studied this question in mice. First, we gave them a sweet drink with a flavor that was either new or familiar. Then, after a short delay, we caused mild...

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/whats-on-natures-secret-plant-list/ or watch at: https://youtu.be/MeXwRVLbOpM

Summary: Scientists studied thousands of sites worldwide to discover that natural areas are missing many plant species that could live there, a hidden loss they call dark diversity.

Abstract: Picture a meadow or forest full of plants. Did you know that even when it looks wild and healthy, there are many plants missing? Scientists call these “missing species” dark diversity. Our team studied more than 5,000 sites in 119 regions across the globe. Each site was about the size of a cl...

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Summary: Researchers wanted to know how fast COVID-19 science research reached decision-makers.

Abstract: Do you remember the lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic? Leaders had to make fast choices. But how did they know what to do? We looked at the work of a team of scientists from Imperial College London. They helped by sharing reports, news stories, and science papers – fast. We looked at 620 reports they put out between 2020 and 2022. We were curious. What types of reports did they produce? How fast did...

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/who-lives-in-the-rainforest-canopy/ or watch at: https://youtu.be/EkO0cYJbMOU

Summary: Researchers developed a new eDNA collection system to look at biodiversity in tropical rainforests.

Abstract: Can you list all the animals that live at the top of rainforest trees? You might have seen pictures of birds or monkeys living in the rainforest canopy. The tropical rainforest is very biodiverse. But researchers still don’t know about everything that lives there.We wanted to test a new way of finding out what lives in the rainforest canopy. We s...

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Summary: Researchers identified four different camouflage hunting displays in wild broadclub cuttlefish.

Abstract: Predators and prey are in conflict with each other. Predators try to catch prey, while prey try to avoid predators. Predators can blend into their surroundings and wait for prey to get close. Or predators can chase their prey. Some predators will even sneak up on their prey before chasing it. Camouflage can help these predators be more successful.

One predator that uses camouflage is the cuttlefish. Bu...

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/how-can-growing-seaweed-help-fight-climate-change/  or watch at: https://youtu.be/Av0AflIv6bY

Summary: Researchers compared seaweed farming scenarios to see if seaweed farming could help reduce carbon emissions.

Abstract: Why is seaweed important? If you ask a fish, they might say that seaweed helps them hide from predators. A sea lion might say that seaweed forests are great places to find fish to eat! And people all around the world like to eat seaweed.Recently, people have started to talk about seaweed farming as a way to help wi...

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Summary: Scientists wanted to find out how sea snails were adapting to new habitats in colder waters.

Abstract: If you lived in sunny California, would you want to move north? Well, some sea snails are doing exactly that! We were curious about Kellet’s whelks, a type of sea snail. They usually live in the warm waters of Southern California and Mexico. Now, we’re finding them further north in colder water! 

We collected Kellet’s whelks from the California coast – some from the so...

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/what-are-good-ways-to-track-melting-glaciers/  or watch at: https://youtu.be/BUo2SaeYdKo

Summary: Researchers combined datasets to more accurately measure changes in glacier melt around the world.

Abstract: Have you ever watched an ice cube melt on a hot day? Well, that’s happening to glaciers all over the world. Glaciers have important impacts on water resources, runoff, and sea level rise. Keeping track of how glaciers change is important to predict and plan for these downstream impacts. 

We wanted to create a more recent record of how g...

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/why-is-bird-flu-making-cows-sick/  or watch at: https://youtu.be/Hf7bk_O6LIA

Summary: Scientists tracked how the bird flu virus spread from birds to dairy cows and other animals.

Abstract: Did you know bird flu can affect animals other than birds? Bird flu usually affects wild birds like geese and farm birds like chickens. But sometimes it can “jump” to other animals. This includes cats, cows, and even humans. We wanted to understand this process better.

When cows started getting sick from bird flu and stoppe...

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/how-does-climate-change-affect-mental-health/  or watch at: https://youtu.be/Pr2AJ_6sm2I

Summary: Researchers develop a way to determine the level of climate change anxiety a person experiences.

Abstract: Did you know that climate change affects people’s mental health? Some people experience climate change anxiety. They have extreme worries and fears about the future because of climate change. We wanted to describe the levels of climate change anxiety that people experience more clearly. We used a survey called the Climate Change Anxiety Scale. We also used a su...

Read this article at:  https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/how-do-lizards-find-food-to-eat/ or watch at: https://youtu.be/WzUBIZ_qGjE

Summary: Scientists watched lizards navigate a maze to learn more about how lizards use their senses to find food.

Abstract: What is your hide-and-seek strategy? Maybe you search one area at a time, look for signs of movement, or even listen to see if you can hear your friends. Wild animals use lots of different strategies when they search for food. Guatemalan beaded lizards come from a desert valley surrounded by rugged mountains. They like to eat bi...

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/what-do-egyptian-mummies-smell-like/  or watch at: https://youtu.be/whGBDdaNJS8

Summary: Researchers smelled ancient Egyptian mummified bodies to learn more about mummification materials, decomposition, and preservation practices.

Abstract: There are lots of things to see in museums. Some museums even have things you can touch or hear. But not many museums have things you can smell. Smells from museum artifacts can provide a lot of information. They can tell us what artifacts are made of, how they are preserved, and what condition they are in. We wanted to kn...

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/how-can-rats-help-fight-tuberculosis/  or watch at: https://youtu.be/aQSq5wYeH_4

Summary: Researchers compared the ability of African giant pouched rats to identify tuberculosis in adults and children to standard microscope smear tests.

Abstract: Can you imagine a rat sniffing out a disease? The African giant pouched rat can! Scientists trained these rats to identify if a person has tuberculosis (TB). TB is a bacterial disease that most commonly affects the lungs. It spreads easily and can be dangerous if untreated. When rats smell samples of mucus a pe...

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/do-some-dog-breeds-have-a-better-sense-of-smell/  or watch at: https://youtu.be/ydH_4wytXJY

Summary: Researchers compared the smelling abilities of dogs across different breeds to see which types of dogs might make the best searchers.

Abstract: Have you ever seen a search dog? What breed of dog was it? Search dogs are specially trained to detect explosives, drugs, or diseases. To be good at this job, search dogs must have a sharp sense of smell and the ability to cooperate with humans. Common breeds of search dogs include German and Bel...