Hank tells us the story of the complicated chemical dance that allows our skeletal muscles to contract and relax.

Last week, the World Health Organization announced that a malaria vaccine has finally made it through all the regulatory hurdles and is being distributed in the country of Malawi. Learn how it works and why it’s taken so long to develop...

Elephants are huge, so you might think all those extra cells would mean more cancer, but scientists have some new insights into why this is isn't the case.

The amazing legacy of animal cells.

Scientists have once again used big, complex math equations to help us understand more about the universe we inhabit, this time about the origins of life on earth.

The keto diet is a high fat, low carb diet that proponents say is not just great for losing weight, but is good for your brain health, too. Does the science behind the diet back those claims up? We delve into the origin of the keto diet...

Any molecular biologist will tell you that genetic engineering is tricky. But up until recently we might be witnessing a new age in human development.

In the second video of our two-part series on HIV and AIDS, we look at the challenges that have kept scientists from developing a cure, and the treatments that have still managed to improve the outlook for those infected. Chapters View...

Hank explains the extremely complex series of reactions whereby plants feed themselves on sunlight, carbon dioxide and water, and also create some by products we're pretty fond of as well.

Paul Andersen explains how signal transmission is used to alter both cellular function and gene expression. He uses the example of epinephrine release in humans and how it is used in the fight or flight response. Epinephrine causes...

Jessi and Squeaks grab a snack and learn all about why boiling eggs makes them hard!



Second Grade Next Generation Science

Standards

Disc

iplinary Core Ideas:

PS1.A: Structure and Properties of...

Humans have relied on fertilizers to grow their plants for thousands of years. But the production of synthetic fertilizers also requires an immense amount of energy that comes primarily from fossil fuels and therefore contributes to...

Paul Andersen explains how signal transduction pathways are used by cells to convert chemical messages to cellular action. Epinephrine is used as a sample messenger to trigger the release of glucose from cells in the liver. The...

Genetically modifying plants and animals is complicated business, but some scientists think this tool could be used to save lives in a variety of ways.

Paul Andersen describes the important characteristics of viruses. He starts with a brief description of origin theories. He then describes the two characteristics of all viruses; genetic information and protein coats. He also...

People have been using silkworm silk to make stuff for thousands of years, but spider silk could potentially be even more useful. It's stronger than steel, super stretchy, and could be made into anything from bridge cables to...

There’s no doubt that fish is a great source of protein in one’s diet. But the debate about whether fish farming or commercial fishing is worse for the environment continues and, as you might suspect, there isn’t a straightforward answer.

You know what starvation is, but do you know what it does to you? Hank walks you through the three major metabolic phases of starvation, from burning sugars to, basically, self-cannibalism.

Your genetic code is neat, but could be better!

We’re all excited about the Mars rover Perseverance this week, but scientists are also working on some other exciting things!

What makes flamingos go from grey to pink? And can the same thing happen in humans? Quick Questions explains!

Be careful with your wool. Unless you want a nice piece of felt with some holes in it.

The Amoeba Sisters explain enzymes and how they interact with their substrates. Vocabulary covered includes active site, induced fit, coenzyme, and cofactor. Also the importance of ideal pH and temperatures for enzymes are discussed.

Humans often take inspiration from nature when coming up with inventions, and this includes breakthroughs in fabric design that help to forward the fabulous and functional world of fashion.