We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
Scientists have long puzzled over the kaleidoscope of colors shining from ammolite, an iridescent gem that forms from the fossilized remains of ancient life. Learn how researchers use science to relate the microscopic structure of this material to its macroscopic appearance. Answer questions about the electromagnetic spectrum, relating the concept of wavelength to frequency. Finally, analyze and interpret graphs, and use what you’ve learned to create your own.
In atmospheric chemistry, an equilibrium will develop as the system balances gains and losses in important molecules. Calculate the role of bark-dwelling microbes on the overall concentrations of atmospheric methane, all while answering questions about how a new understanding of microbial diets might suggest paths to a more sustainable future.
Swoop aside, vampire bats. The grisly-eater prize may go to Europe’s greater noctule bats. Discuss how various measurements can combine to increase our understanding of a complex predator-prey behavior, all while interpreting graphs and discussing how other forms of evidence could improve the current model.
To 3-D print tiny things, researchers need tiny tools. Learn about how nature’s age-old designs might be repurposed to address technological limitations. Discuss obstacles that hold 3-D printing technology back from reaching its full potential, all while answering questions about how biologically derived innovation might expand to other applications and lead to a more sustainable future.
The ancient Incas used a system of knotted strings — called khipus — for recordkeeping. Learn how carbon chemistry can offer clues about the diet and social status of an ancient Incan individual. You can also carry out calculations to determine average annual growth rates based on information from the story.
Scientists have long noted that polar bears seem to leave much of their prey behind, preferring to eat only the blubber. On first glance, this might look wasteful. But abandoned portions of that carcass might actually benefit other species in the ecosystem. Practice carrying out percentile calculations while answering questions about polar-bear predation strategies, all while discussing the ecological interplay between various species in a harsh Arctic biome.
Scientists measured the gravitational waves produced by two colliding black holes. Learn how familiar analogies, such as the toll of a bell, can help comprehend events at the intergalactic scale. Answer questions about the importance of signal-to-noise ratios in science. Then delve deeper by explaining how changing the individual values of a ratio affects the overall ratio.
Scientists noticed Venus’s weirdly shaped mountain ranges decades ago, but until recently their origin has remained a mystery. Learn how researchers apply computer-modeling technology to existing data, revealing patterns suggesting what might have created such geological features. Answer questions about plate tectonics and discuss how our knowledge of Earth-like processes can help us understand the mysterious geology of other planets.
Nature solved a great design ‘feet’ — and engineers are now taking notice. Inspired by water-striding insects, they’ve invented a fancy-footed, water-walking robot. Learn how researchers might look to nature for inspiration in design and invention. Answer questions about the value of analogies in explaining unfamiliar concepts, then discuss possible applications for fancy-footed robots.
