MS-LS1-5

Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how environmental and genetic factors influence the growth of organisms.

  1. Ecosystems

    A weird upside-down world lurks beneath Antarctica’s ice

    A vast swath of ocean surrounds Antarctica, hidden under the ice. Here, strange creatures burrow into the dark underbelly of a floating glacier.

    By
  2. Climate

    Some tree leaves are finding it too hot for photosynthesis

    Earth’s ongoing fever threatens to push entire forests toward this heat limit — and possible death.

    By
  3. Plants

    Young corn leaves can ‘smell’ danger

    As they mature, these leaves lose their ability to detect threatening scents.

    By
  4. Life

    Scientists Say: Mycelium

    These fibrous networks are the reason plants think fungi are such "fun guys.”

    By
  5. Environment

    Fungi help rescue crops being harmed by microplastics

    Microplastics in the soil hinder plant growth. But two finalists at Regeneron ISEF found that fungi and farm waste can reduce the harm.

    By
  6. Animals

    Pokémon ‘evolution’ looks more like metamorphosis

    Pokémon “evolve” into larger, more powerful forms within seconds, but this evolution more closely resembles another biological process — metamorphosis. 

    By
  7. Animals

    These beetles ‘drink’ water using their butts

    Red flour beetles can survive in very dry environments. New research shows how the beetles can suck water from the air using their rear ends.

    By
  8. Animals

    This biologist uses microwave radiation to save endangered species

    Pei-Chih Lee works to preserve genetic material that can help researchers learn more about endangered animals, such as pandas and clouded leopards.

    By
  9. Environment

    Sea life may suffer as plastic bits alter metals in water

    This interplay between plastics and metals could affect how each affects the environment — and suggests opportunities for controlling their risks.

    By
  10. These lemurs take nose-picking to a new level

    A nose-picking aye-aye’s spindly middle digit probably pokes all the way into the back of the throat, CT scans show.

    By and
  11. Animals

    Prairie voles can couple up even without the ‘love hormone’

    Scientists thought the chemical oxytocin was required to make prairie voles mate. They were wrong.

    By
  12. Health & Medicine

    Explainer: Why it’s easier to get sick in the winter

    Low humidity helps viruses survive, and cold weather blunts some of the body’s immune responses — making colds and other viral infections more likely.

    By