Understand articles

Filter
Age group
Topic
Filter

Showing 10 results from a total of 325

| Issue 3

The ecologist’s view of bird flu

Are migratory birds responsible for the spread of bird flu? Should we kill them all? Lucienne Niekoop and Froukje Rienks from the Netherlands Institute of Ecology argue for a more scientific approach.

Ages: 16-19;
Topics: Biology, Earth science
     

| Issue 1

Running one of the world’s largest telescopes

Ever wondered what - and who - lies behind the beautiful and fascinating astronomical photographs and observations made with modern telescopes? Douglas Pierce-Price from ESO, the European Organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere, describes a day in the life of the Very…

Ages: 14-16, 16-19;
Topics: Physics, Astronomy / space
       

| Issue 1

A bright future for light microscopy

Want to catch an enzyme in the act? Or watch an embryonic brain hard-wire itself?  Russ Hodge from the European Molecular Biology Laboratory in Heidelberg, Germany, explains how recent developments in microscopy show cells and organisms at work.

Ages: 16-19;
Topics: Biology, General science
   

| Issue 1

Shipwreck: science to the rescue!

The Mary Rose is one of several famous and historical ships salvaged from the sea in recent decades. Thanks to the anaerobic conditions on the seabed, the remains are well preserved. Montserrat Capellas and Dominique Cornuéjols from the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF), in Grenoble,…

Ages: 16-19;
Topics: Chemistry
       

| Issue 1

Fusion – ace in the energy pack?

The energy demands of our society continue to increase, while the stocks of fossil fuels - still our major energy source - are declining. Chris Warrick from the European Fusion Development Agreement explains why research into fusion offers the hope of a safe and environmentally responsible energy…

Ages: 16-19;
Topics: Physics, Chemistry, Earth science, Engineering
           

| Issue 1

Chemical recreations

In Chapter 7 of his book, Uncle Tungsten: Memories of a Chemical Boyhood, Oliver Sacks recalls his discovery of the delights of chemistry.

Ages: 14-16, 16-19;
Topics: Chemistry

| Issue 1

Diabetes mellitus

The incidence of diabetes is on the rise, in both the developed and developing worlds. Klaus Dugi, Professor of Medicine at the University of Heidelberg, Germany, discusses the causes, symptoms and treatment of diabetes.

Ages: 14-16, 16-19;
Topics: Biology, Health
             

| Issue 1

Defying the laws of physics?

Scientists working at the Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL) and the University Joseph Fourier in Grenoble, France, have discovered a crystal that appears to defy the laws of physics. Giovanna Cicognani from ILL reports.

Ages: 14-16, 16-19;
Topics: Physics
     

| Issue 2

Epigenetics

We tend to think of our genetic information as being encoded in DNA – in our genes. Brona McVittie from Epigenome NoE, UK, describes why this is only part of the story.

Ages: 14-16, 16-19;
Topics: Biology, Health
       

| Issue 2

A new tree of life

At the European Molecular Biology Laboratory in Heidelberg, Germany, Peer Bork’s research group has meticulously reconstructed a new tree of life – tracing the course of evolution. Russ Hodge explains.

Ages: 16-19;
Topics: Biology