Category: science

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Science and kids

One thing I read about today was how some 8 to 10 year old kids got their science experiment published in a major science journal. The kids did an experiment involving training bees to go to certain color flowers by using sugar as a reward. The experiments showed how bees see patterns and colors.

The report was published by a journal called Biology Letters. This publication is peer-reviewed by Britain’s Royal Society. Many scientists were impressed by the work done by these kids and say that the experiment is a real advance in the field of science. I just have to say way to go kids!!

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Growing Mars

Scientists from around the world are working on an unusual possibility. They are saying that one day it may be possible to grow plants on other planets. One of the key planets that scientists are looking at is Mars. They say that there is plenty of evidence that there was water on the planet.

Humans who may be sent to the planet will have to find their own resources to grow the crops. Water would be a huge factor in that. Another factor would be the soil available. One idea may be to grow soilless plants. This can be done and it may be the answer to a growing population on earth that needs more food. I guess we’ll see what happens.

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Space Shuttle

The U.S. space shuttle program is scheduled to end after only two more missions. There has been much debate whether or not to keep the program going. The shuttles were retired after a decision from ex-president George Bush. President Obama has not changed the plan thus far.

The U.S. will now rely on the Russian space program to transport men and women to the space station. The Russians plan to charge $55.8 million per person. Many Americans are leery of allowing the Russians so much control over our space program. I guess we’ll have to wait and see what happens.

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Rare Minerals

The high tech industry uses many different rare minerals to make modern day devices. Cell phones, hard drives, and hybrid cars all use “light” and “heavy” rare earths in their construction. Currently, China supplies most of the world with these minerals, but they are running out of them and may cut supply. The good news is that the U.S. may have an answer.

Deposits of rare earths minerals have been found in Idaho and Montana. Steps have been taken to start mining these minerals and thereby guaranteeing a supply of them for the U.S. the only problem is that the minerals still have to be sent to China to be processed. China is the only nation with the proper equipment.

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Oxygen Levels

Climate change has been a growing concern over the last decade and the results from it are starting to show. Lower oxygen levels in the world’s ocean are the latest victims. Scientists are reporting that naturally low oxygen levels in some areas of the deep ocean are unusually bigger than normal and are lasting longer.

The warming of the ocean’s temperature is creating a warm water cap near the surface. This prevents low oxygen water from below to rise and replenish. This in turn causes some sea animals to die and decay causing even further oxygen depletion. While scientists cannot confirm this result is from global warming, it does seem to be the trend.

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Icebergs

I’ve heard that icebergs float around in the ocean, but I never knew they could do a lot of harm. Of course there’s the Titanic that was sunk, but that seems not to be the norm. A new iceberg was formed the other day when a giant berg crashed into Antarctica. A berg that is 60 miles across crashed into the Mertz Glacier and caused another berg to break off. The new berg is about 48 by 24 miles long.

Some experts are worried that this could have unintended consequences. The effect of the ice displacement could affect ocean currents that cause cool water to sink and enrich with oxygen. Other experts say this is a normal event and won’t affect the climate. I guess only time will tell what will happen.

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Dodging a bullet

Thousands of people all along the Pacific Rim were warned that a tsunami may hit their areas. The tsunami was set off by the earthquake in Chile. The warnings set off a panic of people who engaged in buying basic supplies and leaving the beaches for higher ground. All these people were lucky that the expected wave never materialized and the alert was cancelled.

Despite the fact that the waves never really got big, many people defended giving out the warnings. The tsunami that hit Indonesia in 2004 is still on everyone’s mind and its better to be safe than sorry. I’m glad that we live in a modern age that can predict disasters and work to prevent them.

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The Boy King

For 3,300 years, the boy king laid in his tomb surrounded by numerous jewels and artifacts. A golden funeral mask adorned his head and he laid in peace. In 1922 his tomb was discovered and he is now famous. King Tutankhamen (King tut) is known throughout the world. The mysteries that surround him are slowly being unraveled.

The cause of his death has long been speculated upon. Some say he was murdered, some maintained that he died of natural causes. The truth has now been revealed. A team of scientists have used DNA testing and CT scans to reveal the true cause of his death. The boy king seems to have died from a broken leg that was exacerbated by malaria. I hope he will soon be laid back to rest!

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Free Help

I got a phone call from one of my cousins the other day and we had a great conversation. He told me all about how his daughter had recently entered college and about the progress she was making. It turns out that she is struggling in a few areas and needs Physics help. He asked me if I had any ideas and I told him that he should consider getting her a tutor.

My cousin stated that she didn’t have a lot of time to set up a meeting with someone and that it would be inconvenient. Transportation would be a problem for her and she didn’t have a lot of money to spare either. That’s when I told him about tutorvista.com that offered help in a number of areas. They provide services for Chemistry help as well as Science help. She would be able to take advantage of them all.

I thought that this would be a good option for her. Everything can be done online in the time you have available. The service is not that expensive and it’s very reliable. They have experts in many fields and you can try it for free with a free demo. My cousin was glad to her the news and he passed this on to his daughter. I am sure that with a little help, she will be getting good grades in no time!

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Fast trains in China

I was not surprised to learn today that China now has the fastest train in the world. It appears that they have been working hard to expand their train system and have taken advantage of new technologies to do so. Their newest train can reach a peak speed of 217 miles per hour and links the cities of Guangzhou and Wuhan. This means that travelers can make the journey in about three hours.

I am glad to hear that China is becoming a more modern nation. While they may not be perfect in every way we would like, they are fast becoming a modernized nation. I am glad to welcome them to the modern world and wish them continued success in their endeavors.