Science Projects | Science Buddies Blog (Page 57)

February 23, 2011 8:00 AM

Heavy metals left from red mud, the pH of soil, and other agricultural issues. The after-effects of Hungary's red mud disaster are still unknown. Concerns over the coming year's crops are high. (Image source: WHO/Roger Aertgeerts) Last October, we watched as "red sludge" (or "red mud," as it has come to be known) poured across Hungary, flooding local waterways and flowing steadily toward the Danube. Emergency crews raced to minimize the… Read more

Plants on the Move?

February 16, 2011 9:16 AM

Your plants may appear to be still, but they are actually constantly in motion! Their movements are just very slow, and it can be easy to overlook what might amount to very small changes and adjustments in angle or direction. (Image source: Wikipedia) If there's snow in the forecast where you live, it may seem early to start thinking about spring and gardening. But, now, when the ground is still hard and cold, is a great time to give your green thumb a pre-season boost by soaking up some… Read more

What is... Watson?

February 14, 2011 4:52 PM

What would you have made Watson "look like"? Check out IBM's video coverage of what was involved in giving Watson both a "face" and a "voice" for the Jeopardy! Competition. "I'll take "Artificial Intelligence" for $1000, please." Jeopardy! fans will be tuning in February 14-16 to see IBM's computer contestant, Watson, face off against the brain-power, trivia recall, and quick (thumb) reflexes of two of Jeopardy's all-time top winners, Ken Jennings and Brad Rutter. Jennings holds the record… Read more

The "Shock" of Static Electricity

February 10, 2011 8:00 AM

Static electricity can make your hair stand on end. Source: Chris Darling, Wikpedia Ahhh.... winter. Snowpeople. Snowy days home from school. Hats, mittens, and scarves. Hot chocolate. And static electricity. Zap! That's right, it's during the winter months that you are most likely to shock yourself on a door knob or when opening the refrigerator. And when you pull off your hat or pull on a sweater, your hair might just stand on end. Boing! After getting zapped ten or a hundred times, you… Read more

Desks Piled High, and Lizards for Lunch

January 14, 2011 8:24 AM

Potential Scientific Discovery "Piled" Up on Desks and Tucked Away in Cabinets Wikimedia Commons: Photographer: FranÃ§ois MEY; Herbarium: Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle Herbaria refers to collections of dried plant specimens. These specimens are often mounted and then filed away. Oxford's herbaria, for example, contains approximately a million specimens. In any herbaria, it is common to find some samples that have not yet been identified. According to Dr. Robert… Read more

Fun with Flying Monkeys

January 7, 2011 12:55 PM

In my house, if it can be launched through the air, it probably will be. I'm constantly listening for the sound of a crash because once it's discovered that "x" can be propelled through the air, it will be launched over and over and over again... until something (or someone) gets hit. Just last night, it was discovered that a "koosh" ball from the dredges of the toy bins has a loop inside that can be used like a sling shot. Back and forth through the air and across the room and up and… Read more

Gifts to Give the Grownups--That You can Put to Good "Scientific" Use!

December 16, 2010 11:10 AM

Earlier this week, we posted a list of cool science-y things you might add to your own wish list... things that would be fun to explore and might win holiday brownie points with Mom and Dad for sheer educational value. Hopefully you made sincere, compelling, and scientifically sound arguments. But now it's time to take a look at grown-up gadgets and science toys. Do you need to buy something for Mom, Dad, Uncle Joe, or Grandma? Maybe you've been thinking about what to give?… Read more

Scientifically Speaking: A Holiday Wish List

December 13, 2010 1:00 PM

If you're making lists and checking them twice this holiday season, make sure you put on your science cap as you think through what you really want! Well, that would be our suggestion. There may be many things on your list, but sometimes the best gifts to receive are ones that you can use over and over and over again, ones that will inspire and challenge you, and ones that let you explore, discover, create, and, yes, play. Plus, we know that moms and dads, aunts and uncles, and especially… Read more

DNA-Based Crime Prevention

November 16, 2010 9:54 AM

Depending on where you live, you may find that even local corner stores have sections that are kept under lock and key. Over-the-counter drugs and even toys often end up under "please ask for assistance" supervision. It can be frustrating to have to get a clerk to help you get your cold medicine, batteries, or the newest pack of trading cards, but it makes sense. From surveillance technologies to exploding ink security tags to simple lock-and-key access, businesses are doing what they can to… Read more

Bitter is Better for Bronchial Tubes

November 10, 2010 1:12 PM

Do you wrinkle up your nose at the taste of something bitter? That's partly what your taste buds do—help warn your body against something that is bitter and could be poisonous. While your tongue may or may not like the bitter taste of foods like radishes and dandelion greens, your lungs might react differently! A team of researchers from the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins recently discovered that the lungs have "taste receptors" (like the ones on your tongue). That was a… Read more

Science Buddies Blog (660 results)

Explore Our Science Videos