Spotlight: Scientific Research on Mammals
Monthly roundup from Science Journal for Kids and Teens
Welcome to SJK’s May Newsletter.
Two of our new articles this month are about mammals - the most relatable research subjects out there!
The first one is about how whales and other marine animals evolved the ability to live underwater. It’s an excellent occasion to talk about DNA sequencing and neurotransmitters in the brain.
The second looks into the health benefits of keeping added sugar away from human babies. It makes use of a curious natural experiment: post-WW2 sugar rationing in the UK. People who were born during that period have a lower risk for diabetes and hypertension — 70 years later.
While we’re on the topic of mammals, have a look at our curated collection of a few other mammal-related research favorites:
Many of these articles come complete with additional video resources:
Also, check out this Ask-a-Scientist interview with Dr. Sarah Kienle, leopard seal researcher, seen in the following photos collecting seal poop in zip-lock bags.
If you have any feedback, please reach out. We love to hear from readers.
Happy science exploration!
Tanya Dimitrova
Editor-in-Chief
Thank you for sharing interviews with animal researchers. We're looking for more content like this!
Great articles on Mammals! I would have loved to see the article on sugar be a little less sanitized/ go a bit deeper and would lead the students to believe that the ending of World War 2 was the cause of our sugary foods. This ignores the almost 30 years between the end of the war and when sugary foods and all the issues associated with them exploded.
There is a lot of information out there that points the finger at the tobacco companies turned food companies for the rise of sugar additives into our food. The industry that is arguably the most devoid of morals and ethics moved into making our food on a large scale. What could go wrong?
https://tobacco.ucsf.edu/cigarette-giants-bought-food-companies-used-cartoon-characters-colors-flavors-boost-sales-sweetened-beverages#:~:text=Tobacco%20conglomerates%20that%20used%20colors%2C%20flavors%20and,study%20by%20researchers%20at%20UC%20San%20Francisco.&text=It%20found%20that%20as%20tobacco%20was%20facing,products%20and%20tactics%20to%20peddle%20soft%20drinks.