SJK Audio Edition

Read this article at:  or watch at: https://youtu.be/K4wcSGpX9dM
Summary: Scientists created a new device copying the remora fish's natural ability to hitchhike on other animals.
Abstract: Have you ever wondered how small animals survive in a giant ocean full of danger? Remora fish attach to sharks, whales, turtles, boats, and even divers to survive. We studied remoras to figure out how they attach themselves using a disc on the top of their head. We wanted to find out if we could copy the disc to make suction devices that can work in other wet environments. Using our findings, we created a device that can attach to a variety of surfaces. It also worked under a variety of conditions. For example, it stayed attached inside the stomach of live animals for almost 3 weeks! This device could help us track conditions and deliver medicine inside the human body. It could also help us track the environment around us.
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

Read this article at:  or watch at: https://youtu.be/YUJcgeSNXbo
Summary: Scientists engineered cyanobacteria to remove microplastics and extra nutrients from wastewater.
Abstract: Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that end up in rivers and oceans. They are hard to remove because they are so small. We wanted a better way to clean them up. We used genetic engineering to change cyanobacteria, a type of algae-like microorganism. We made the cells produce limonene, a natural oily chemical. Limonene made the outside of the cells more water-repellent. Many plastics also repel water. When we put our cyanobacteria in water with microplastics, the plastic stuck to the cells. The cells and plastic formed heavy clumps. The clumps sank to the bottom. We found that our cyanobacteria removed over 91% of the plastic in one hour. We also found a way to turn the leftover cells and plastic into new, useful materials.
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

Read this article at:  or watch at: https://youtu.be/lH8tXnDGYQ4
Summary: Researchers observe spectral bats with a wildlife camera to learn about their parenting and social behaviors. 
Abstract: Working with others often makes a task easier. Whether at home, at school, or at work, humans collaborate to achieve shared goals. Studies show that other species also collaborate. Many animals work together to defend their territory or care for their babies. We wanted to know how bats work together to raise their young. We collected videos of a family of spectral bats living in a hollow tree in Costa Rica. We watched the videos of the bats. Then we categorized the behaviors we observed as social, feeding, or play. We learned that both parents take care of the pups. We also observed the adult bats bring the pups food. Providing food to the pups helps them transition from drinking milk to eating meat. These observations help us better understand the bats’ cooperative behavior. 
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

Read this article at:  or watch at: https://youtu.be/EZ07V85q6FE
Summary: Scientists retraced the steps of an expedition from 30 years ago to see how mountain birds are adapting to climate change.
Abstract: What do you do when it’s too hot? Do you sweat and stay where you are? Or do you go looking for somewhere more comfortable, like the shade under a tree? Climate change is making many places on Earth hotter. We wanted to know how birds in mountain forests are adapting to climate change. Are birds staying in the same parts of the forest? Or are they looking for cooler temperatures by moving higher up the mountain? We observed birds in old-growth forests in British Columbia, Canada. Then, we compared our findings to observations from 30 years ago. Most bird species today still live at the same range of elevations as they did before. On average, though, the elevation where birds are most common is getting higher. 
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

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/how-can-we-monitor-the-wildlife-trade/ or watch at: https://youtu.be/R7oWnWKMEZE
Summary: Researchers used databases to figure out the extent of wildlife trade and how to make it more sustainable.
Abstract: The wildlife trade is a threat to global biodiversity. But we don’t know how much of a threat. That’s because some countries don’t have strict regulations or collect data. And the databases from countries that do collect data about wildlife trading are hard to compare. We wanted to look at the databases to figure out how the data could be better. Could we improve them to help make sure the wildlife trade is sustainable? The United States keeps one of the most comprehensive databases. So we looked there. We also looked at a database that is smaller, but comes from a global authority. We found 29,445 species were traded between 2000 and 2022, with substantial numbers coming from the wild. We think this is an underestimate of the global wildlife trade and its threat to organisms in the wild.
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