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Science Journal for Kids
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Listen to our kid-friendly scientific articles. All articles are available to download free on our website sciencejournalforkids.org #read-aloud #text-to-speech sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

  1. E187: What toxic chemicals are released in lithium-ion battery fires? [SJK Audio Edition]

    3D AGO

    E187: What toxic chemicals are released in lithium-ion battery fires? [SJK Audio Edition]

    Read this article at:   or watch at: 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 an explosion. This releases small particles that people in the area can inhale. We wanted to know how these inhaled particles affect lung cells. We caused several batteries to experience thermal runaway and examined the particles emitted. We collected these particles on special filters. Then we exposed lung cells to these collected particles. We found that lithium-ion batteries release mixtures of toxic gases and particles that may contain heavy metals. We learned that these mixtures cause cell stress and DNA damage if people are exposed to and inhale them. These exposures and associated effects can potentially cause lung injury. You are one of half a million educators in the U.S. who use our articles and videos in class. All our content is FREE, no paywalls, no need to subscribe.  But recent federal cuts have made it hard for us to win grants to fund our mission. We are a small non-profit, and without support, we may not make it. If you enjoy our content, please consider donating -https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/support-us.html This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

    10 min
  2. E186: How has weathering affected Earth? [SJK Audio Edition]

    MAR 30

    E186: How has weathering affected Earth? [SJK Audio Edition]

    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 million years old. Marine sediments collect particles weathered from the continents. We looked at the amounts of four elements related to weathering. We saw a shift in weathering about 650 million years ago. Erosion and particle transport dominated weathering processes before that. Afterwards, the chemical weathering of rocks became more important, but not always. The shifting importance of chemical and physical processes related to regular movements of the Earth’s crust and mantle. This information helps us understand more about the impact of weathering on geological history. You are one of half a million educators in the U.S. who use our articles and videos in class. All our content is FREE, no paywalls, no need to subscribe.  But recent federal cuts have made it hard for us to win grants to fund our mission. We are a small non-profit, and without support, we may not make it. If you enjoy our content, please consider donating - https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/support-us.html This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

    11 min
  3. E185: What makes some medicines too thick? [SJK Audio Edition]

    MAR 15

    E185: What makes some medicines too thick? [SJK Audio Edition]

    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 we could change those physical properties on demand? We wanted to investigate the physical properties of medicines containing monoclonal antibodies. They are used to treat cancer and autoimmune diseases. They often have to be given intravenously at a medical center because these medicines can get very viscous (thick). We wanted to know why. So we developed several models and ran computer simulations to see what was happening. We found that interactions between the antibodies and charged particles in the solution created temporary clusters. We can use this information to modify medicines and make them more accessible. You are one of half a million educators in the U.S. who use our articles and videos in class. All our content is FREE, no paywalls, no need to subscribe.  But recent federal cuts have made it hard for us to win grants to fund our mission. We are a small non-profit, and without support, we may not make it. If you enjoy our content, please consider donating - https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/support-us.html This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

    11 min
  4. E184: “How does your gut talk to your brain?” [SJK Audio Edition]

    MAR 8

    E184: “How does your gut talk to your brain?” [SJK Audio Edition]

    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 bacteria make flagellin to build their tiny tails. Special cells in the gut can sense flagellin. When they do, they release a fast signal that uses the vagus nerve to tell the brain, “You’re full.” In our mouse studies, animals without this sensor ate bigger meals and gained more weight. This shows that the gut can directly sense bacteria to control eating. We call this new pathway the neurobiotic sense. You are one of half a million educators in the U.S. who use our articles and videos in class. All our content is FREE, no paywalls, no need to subscribe.  But recent federal cuts have made it hard for us to win grants to fund our mission. We are a small non-profit, and without support, we may not make it. If you enjoy our content, please consider donating - https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/support-us.html This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

    10 min
  5. E183: Freeze or run? How does a mouse’s brain react? [SJK Audio Edition]

    MAR 1

    E183: Freeze or run? How does a mouse’s brain react? [SJK Audio Edition]

    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 different habitats. We showed the mice a fake predator threat and then watched their behavior. We looked at the activity in a part of the brain called the escape center. Then, we turned the escape center on and off. We saw that one species of mouse froze, but the other ran away when threatened. Our findings traced the origin of these behaviors to a single part of the brain. This area had a different role in causing the behaviors between the two species. These differences may have been the result of natural selection.  You are one of half a million educators in the U.S. who use our articles and videos in class. All our content is FREE, no paywalls, no need to subscribe.  But recent federal cuts have made it hard for us to win grants to fund our mission. We are a small non-profit, and without support, we may not make it. If you enjoy our content, please consider donating - https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/support-us.html This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

    11 min
  6. E182: Can we make milk from insects? [SJK Audio Edition]

    FEB 22

    E182: Can we make milk from insects? [SJK Audio Edition]

    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 using lesser mealworm larvae. We also produced a special material from the leftover skeletons. Industries can transform this material into bioplastics and medication. We found that insect-based milk contains as much protein and fat as many plant-based milks. We also found that the material made from the skeletons is like the one made from crustaceans. That means that insects have the potential to be a source for a healthy and sustainable future. You are one of half a million educators in the U.S. who use our articles and videos in class. All our content is FREE, no paywalls, no need to subscribe.  But recent federal cuts have made it hard for us to win grants to fund our mission. We are a small non-profit, and without support, we may not make it. If you enjoy our content, please consider donating - https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/support-us.html This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

    10 min
  7. E181: What can we learn from environmental accidents? [SJK Audio Edition]

    FEB 16

    E181: What can we learn from environmental accidents? [SJK Audio Edition]

    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 the PBBs to mix into animal feed instead of the food supplement. The contaminated feed was sent to farms all over the state. The contamination was discovered a year later, after a farmer spent months investigating why his cows were getting sick. By that time, millions of people in Michigan had eaten food (like meat, dairy, and eggs) contaminated with PBBs. Scientists conducted many studies to figure out the health effects of PBBs. We reviewed these studies and summarized the results. We found that PBBs had some short-term effects on people’s health. They also had many long-term health effects. People exposed in their youth experienced different health effects than the exposed adults. PBBs also negatively affected the children and grandchildren of people who ate food products with PBBs. You are one of half a million educators in the U.S. who use our articles and videos in class. All our content is FREE, no paywalls, no need to subscribe.  But recent federal cuts have made it hard for us to win grants to fund our mission. We are a small non-profit, and without support, we may not make it. If you enjoy our content, please consider donating - https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/support-us.html This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

    13 min
  8. E180: Are there toxic chemicals in people’s bodies? [SJK Audio Edition]

    FEB 8

    E180: Are there toxic chemicals in people’s bodies? [SJK Audio Edition]

    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 community members, we collected blood samples from one hundred people. We analyzed the samples for chemicals. Then we compared these levels to those found in the general population. We found that people in Glynn County had higher levels of some chemicals in their bodies. Older residents, Black people, and people who fish were more likely to have higher levels of these chemicals. So were people who worked at one of the sites or lived with someone who did. You are one of half a million educators in the U.S. who use our articles and videos in class. All our content is FREE, no paywalls, no need to subscribe.  But recent federal cuts have made it hard for us to win grants to fund our mission. We are a small non-profit, and without support, we may not make it. If you enjoy our content, please consider donating - https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/support-us.html This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

    12 min
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Listen to our kid-friendly scientific articles. All articles are available to download free on our website sciencejournalforkids.org #read-aloud #text-to-speech sciencejournalforkids.substack.com

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