Learning Science Through Technology
Newsletter for May 2001
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Sea Turtles On The Move
Sea Turtles are amazing marine reptiles, especially adapted to life at sea. Learn more about six of the most common sea turtles in ScienceMaster's JumpStart Science section, from Green Sea Turtles to Leatherbacks and Loggerheads. Then take a look at other amazing creatures too. JumpStart pages get you up and running fast, with quick, easy to understand information on the most common science and nature topics. After you get your feet wet explore more in-depth information and links. Start HERE.
Articles and Lesson Plans Requested
Do you have a science article that you've written? We'd be happy to post it on ScienceMaster. We have a special section of the web site dedicated to columns, articles and news. We'd like to expand our offerings and include lesson plans. Drop us and e-mail and let us know if you'd like to help. To see what we're talking about go HERE.
SCIENCE NEWS AND LINKS
Top NASA Search Terms
Ever wonder what's in at NASA? Here are the most recent Top 24 search topics entered into the NASA-wide Search Engine. In this list, the topics are linked to pages that should help answer basic questions on each topic.
Arsenic in Groundwater Resources of the United States
Recently there has been much talk about the on levels of arsenic in ground water. This is a science issue, but not many sources are talking about science. Hundreds of advocacy groups are touting their positions on this important issue. Want to make up your own mind? Check out these sites, and the links that they provide -->
Environmental Health Perspective
Be On The Lookout For Some WIMPS
Have you seen any WIMPS lately? Scientists are searching for them high and low. WIMPS stands for weakly interacting massive particles. These elementary particles are believed to have some unique interactions with ordinary matter. Although they don't interact in measurable ways, they might just explain the expanding universe and its rate of expansion. Astronomical observations over the past fifty years, and calculations made by scientists lead many to believe that up to ninety percent of the matter in the universe is made up of invisible matter, e.g. matter that can be deduced to exist by its gravitational effects only. We believe it's there, we just can't see it.
Scientists call this matter 'dark matter' because it does not emit light. Yet it may have a profound effect on cosmic evolution theories and our current physics models. A growing debate exists over whether the universe will continue to expand forever, or whether it will collapse upon itself. Recently scientists have thrown us for a loop, with new studies that indicate that gravity may actually repel matter as it expands out to the edges of the universe. Some amazing stuff. Consequently, astrophysicists and cosmologists have undertaken an intense search for the source of dark matter and the prime potential candidates" are WIMPS. Read More.
USDA Takes On Foot and Mouth Disease
Foot-and-mouth disease is a severe, highly communicable viral disease of cattle and swine. It also affects sheep, goats, deer, and other cloven-hooved ruminants. The United States has been free of the disease since 1929, when the last of nine U.S. outbreaks was eradicated.
Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman today said the USDA will continue to be vigilant in its efforts to prevent foot-and-mouth disease from entering the United States, including intensified scrutiny and inspections at ports of entry and a temporary import prohibition of swine, ruminants and products that could potentially carry the virus from the European Union and other countries that have confirmed cases of this animal disease.
Here are some useful links to discover more about the virus and it's potential impact on livestock in the United States:
Audio/Video Links
The following links provide information about Foot-and-Mouth Disease and the Foot-and-Mouth outbreak in the United Kingdom.
http://www.britainusa.com/footandmouth/
http://www.guardian.co.uk/footandmouth
http://www.maff.gov.uk
Quote of the Month
A subtle thought that is in error may yet give rise to fruitful inquiry that can establish truths of great value.
Isaac Asimov (1920 - 1992) US science writer, science-fiction writer
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