Category: Structure & Properties of Matter

Chemical Reactions, CR 1: Predicting Reactions (HS), Life Science, Natural Selection & Evolution, Non-NGSS Articles, NSE 4: Adaption (HS), S&F 1: DNA to Proteins (HS), S&P 1: Periodic Table Patterns (HS), S&P 4: Molecule Traits (HS), Structure & Properties of Matter, Structure and Function

The making of natural iron sulfide nanoparticles in a hot vent snail

GwynneL.

https://www.pnas.org/content/116/41/20376 SUMMARY: The scaly-foot snail also known as Chrysomallon squamiferum is unique in that it makes iron sulfide nanoparticles. Chemically, most creatures who are only able to make minerals (biomineralization) using oxygen. The scaly-foot snail is able to do this in the absence of oxygen, a method that scientists are keen on understanding as it… Continue reading The making of natural iron sulfide nanoparticles in a hot vent snail

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HSus 1: Forecasting Disasters (MS), HSus 1: Human Activity (HS), HSus 2: Managing Resources (HS), HSus 3: Human/Ecosystem Interactions (HS), Human Sustainability, Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems, IR 1: Ecosystem Interactions (MS), S&F 1: DNA to Proteins (HS), S&F 4: Stimuli Response (MS), S&P 1: Atoms & Molecules (MS), S&P 4: Molecule Traits (HS), Structure & Properties of Matter, Structure and Function

Rotifers Paralyzing Schistosomes

GwynneL.

A rotifer-derived paralytic compound prevents transmission of schistosomiasis to a mammalian host SUMMARY: Researchers discovered that a new molecule produced by the rotifer, Rotaria rotatoria, paralyzes cercariae. Cercariae are the free-living/infectious stage of the flatworm Schistosoma, the cause of schistosomiasis. R. rotatoria live on the shell of freshwater snails and secrete a compound scientists have… Continue reading Rotifers Paralyzing Schistosomes

F&I 1: Newton's 2nd Law (HS), F&I 1: Newton's 3rd Law (MS), F&I 2: Newton's 1st Law (MS), F&I 2: Newton's 3rd Law (HS), Forces & Interactions, Physical Science, S&P 2: Synthetic Materials (MS), Structure & Properties of Matter

Anchoring like octopus

GwynneL.

Anchoring like octopus SUMMARY: In this experiment, scientists tried to reproduce an anchoring mechanism modeled after octopus suckers. There were a few important aspects they wanted to mimic: the softness of the suckers so that suction could be maintained, even on rough surfaces. And the ability to sense proximity and tactile stimuli. They ended up… Continue reading Anchoring like octopus

F&I 1: Newton's 2nd Law (HS), F&I 1: Newton's 3rd Law (MS), F&I 2: Newton's 1st Law (MS), F&I 2: Newton's 3rd Law (HS), F&I 3: Electric/Magnetic Forces (MS), F&I 4: Gravity & Electrostatic Forces (HS), F&I 4: Gravity & Mass (MS), F&I 5: Electricity & Magnets (HS), F&I 5: Force Fields (MS), Forces & Interactions, Physical Science, S&P 2: Investigating Electrical Force (HS), Structure & Properties of Matter, W 1: Graphing Waves (MS), W 1: Wave Relationships (HS), W 2: Wave Behavior (MS), W 3: Modeling Electromagnetic Radiation (HS), Waves & Electromagnetic Radiation

The physics of pollinator attraction

GwynneL.

The physics of pollinator attraction SUMMARY: This article focuses on the physical properties of plants that have evolved to help them select the appropriate pollinators and discourage non-pollinators (nectar stealers). The first feature the article addresses is the shape of the cells. Flower petals often have cone-shaped cells to help scatter more light. This gives… Continue reading The physics of pollinator attraction

E 5: Energy from Electric/Magnetic Fields (HS), Energy, F&I 3: Electric/Magnetic Forces (MS), F&I 4: Gravity & Electrostatic Forces (HS), F&I 5: Electricity & Magnets (HS), F&I 5: Force Fields (MS), Forces & Interactions, Physical Science, S&F 2: Body Systems (HS), S&F 3: Body Systems (MS), S&P 1: Atoms & Molecules (MS), S&P 1: Periodic Table Patterns (HS), S&P 2: Investigating Electrical Force (HS), Structure & Properties of Matter, Structure and Function, W 2: Digital Info (HS), W 3: Modeling Electromagnetic Radiation (HS), W 4: Effects of E-magnet Radiation (HS), W 5: Devices (HS), Waves & Electromagnetic Radiation

Electronic Tongues

GwynneL.

A Versatile Electronic Tongue Based on Surface Plasmon Resonance Imaging and Cross-Reactive Sensor Arrays-A Mini-Review SUMMARY: Scientists are trying to create electronic tongues (eT) and noses (eN) that act like human tongues and noses. These artificial sensors are different from traditional sensors in that they don’t recognize individual molecules, but heterogeneous liquids and gases. In… Continue reading Electronic Tongues

F&I 4: Gravity & Electrostatic Forces (HS), Forces & Interactions, Physical Science, S&P 1: Periodic Table Patterns (HS), S&P 2: Investigating Electrical Force (HS), S&P 4: Molecule Traits (HS), Structure & Properties of Matter

A Review of Microbial Biosorbents

GwynneL.

A New Strategy for Heavy Metal Polluted Environments: A Review of Microbial Biosorbents SUMMARY: Heavy metal pollution is a serious environmental problem and the chemical/physical means of getting rid of them are either too expensive, not effective for low quantities of pollutants, or produce a lot of toxic waste. One solution is to use microbes… Continue reading A Review of Microbial Biosorbents