Understand – Science in School

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November 4, 2024 | Issue 70

A unique atlas of the human heart: from cells to the full organ

Heart of glass: a new X-ray scanning method reveals a full 3D view of the inside of the heart in incredible detail without having to cut into it.

Ages: 14-16, 16-19;
Topics: Biology, Engineering, Health, News from the EIROs, Physics, Science and society

Understand

November 4, 2024 | Issue 70

Inspired by camelids: nanobodies are a magnificent molecular velcro

Camelids are famously robust and useful animals. Surprisingly, their unusual antibodies are just as sturdy and are now revolutionizing medical science.

Ages: 11-14, 14-16, 16-19;
Topics: Biology, Health, Science and society, News from the EIROs

Understand

September 2, 2024 | Issue 69

CSI Astronomy: learn how to spot fake astrophotography images

Seeing is believing, but how can you be sure that what you see is real? Find out how to distinguish between real and fake astronomical images.

Ages: 11-14, 14-16, 16-19;
Topics: Astronomy / space, Earth science, Mathematics, News from the EIROs, Physics, STEAM

Understand

September 2, 2024 | Issue 69

How does the body avoid multiple sperm fertilizing an egg?

You shall not pass: discover how the protein coating around an egg cell ‘zips up’ after fertilization to stop more sperm from entering.

Ages: 14-16, 16-19;
Topics: Biology, Health, News from the EIROs, Science and society

Understand

June 3, 2024 | Issue 68

Exploring the dialogue between trees and soil microbes

Talking trees: discover how trees use chemicals to communicate with soil microbes and how this could impact their ability to act as carbon sinks.

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

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June 3, 2024 | Issue 68

To Jupiter’s icy moons: Juice’s odyssey of exploration

Join ESA’s interplanetary spacecraft Juice on a voyage to the mysterious gas giant Jupiter to uncover the secrets of its intriguing icy moons.

Ages: 14-16, 16-19;
Topics: Astronomy / space, Careers in STEM, Engineering, News from the EIROs, Physics

Understand

April 4, 2024 | Issue 67

Investigating molecules: explosive imaging

Scientists use intense X-ray pulses from the European XFEL to take snapshots of exploding molecules. This can reveal details of how molecules are put together and how they interact with light.

Ages: 14-16, 16-19;
Topics: Chemistry, Engineering, News from the EIROs, Physics

Understand

April 4, 2024 | Issue 67

Seagrass the wonder plant!

Did you know that there are flowering plants that live in the sea? The unique characteristics of seagrasses are vital for the health of our planet.

Ages: 11-14, 14-16, 16-19;
Topics: Biology, Science and society, Sustainability

Understand

February 1, 2024 | Issue 66

Towards sustainable nutrition: could mealworms provide a solution?

Mealworms are insects with a high nutritional value and could provide a source of animal protein that is more sustainable than traditional livestock.

Ages: 14-16, 16-19;
Topics: Biology, Chemistry, Health, Science and society, Sustainability

Understand

February 1, 2024 | Issue 66

Grimy windows could be harbouring toxic pollutants

Dirty windows can harbour potentially harmful pollutants under protective films of fatty acids from cooking emissions – and these can hang around for long periods of time.

Ages: 14-16, 16-19;
Topics: Chemistry, Engineering, Health, News from the EIROs, Physics, Science and society

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