Mosquitoes: What’s the Point?

ENVIRONMENT We could wipe mosquitoes off the face of the Earth. Why don’t we? (Nat Geo News) Use our resources to learn a little about a slightly less drastic alternative here. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers’ Toolkit, and vote in today’s poll! Discussion Ideas It is very unusual for the good folks at National Geographic to openly … Continue reading Mosquitoes: What’s the Point?

The A to Z of Zika

HEALTH The U.S. Centers for Disease Control has issued multiple travel alerts about traveling to countries that may have outbreaks of the mosquito-borne Zika virus. Why? (New York Times) Use our resources to better understand the most effective prevention for Zika and other mosquito-borne diseases. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers’ Toolkit. Discussion Ideas What is Zika? Zika … Continue reading The A to Z of Zika

Demise of the Clones

FOOD A fungus that threatens the world’s most popular fruit is spreading. Could this be the end of bananas? (SciShow) Use our resources to learn more about bananas and other fresh fruits and vegetables. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers’ Toolkit. Discussion Ideas According to the 5-minute SciShow video, the Cavendish bananas we see in the store are … Continue reading Demise of the Clones

Plague’s Patient Zero?

HEALTH Scientists may have found the oldest-ever evidence of the plague, locked away in an 20-million-year-old flea. (Washington Post) See more fleas and other bloodsuckers in our fantastic photo gallery. Discussion Ideas The Washington Post article lists three major infections known as the plague: bubonic plague, pneumonic plague, and septicemic plague. What is the difference? The major difference is where the infection is located. Bubonic … Continue reading Plague’s Patient Zero?

‘Drinkable Book’ Could Give Millions Access to Clean Water

HEALTH Normally, pouring water onto a book is an unfortunate accident. But with pages that can filter out bacteria, the drinkable book may solve a major public health problem for the 750 million people worldwide without access to clean drinking water. (Christian Science Monitor) Use our activity to better understand “Water Treatment for Human Consumption.” Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources … Continue reading ‘Drinkable Book’ Could Give Millions Access to Clean Water