Got a drawer full of old phone chargers? This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science, saying – who DOESN’T? Dead electronics live a LONG life. They’re useless – but we CAN’T just throw them away! When we FINALLY toss them, will they ever be re-used? Enter
Continue readingAuthor: Tiffany Raber
Shadow Show
There’s a new energy source … hiding in the shadows! This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. A shady glade … ideal for cooling off! But when it comes to solar power, LESS sun means less energy! As skyscrapers climb and open sunshine becomes less available,
Continue readingSuper Jelly!
Flexible as jelly! Stronger than shatter-proof glass! It’s SUPER … stuff?! This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. Hydrogels are flexible building materials – and they’re super-useful! Think contact lenses, wound dressings, and even oral medication capsules! Their only drawback? Durability! Stretch a rubber band one
Continue readingGreen Glitter
Not all that glitters is “green!” This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. What do birthday parties, cosmetics, and My Little Pony have in common? GLITTER! We can’t seem to get enough! However, our shimmery addiction contributes to the problem of microplastics and pollution in the
Continue readingSquirrel Tricks
Remember Rocky J. Squirrel? His parkour skills were NUTS! This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. Running, climbing, swinging, vaulting – parkour athletes trick through challenging courses as quickly as possible. This skillset takes hundreds of hours of practice. But squirrels? They do these stunts instinctively!
Continue readingSmells Delicious!
Snack time! Brownie or…cucumber? This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. Our prehistoric ancestors hunted for high-calorie prey to survive. Fortunately, WE don’t have to hunt farther than the nearest cafeteria for our next meal. But do we still have the instincts to sniff out the
Continue readingContagious Itch
It’s the Itchy and Scratchy Show! This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. Everyone’s sitting ‘round the campfire when someone gets bit by a MOSQUITO. First THEY’RE itchy… suddenly… EVERYBODY’s itchy! Is it a mosquito attack or something…else? Zhou-Feng Chen and team from Washington University were
Continue readingResurrecting Spiders
Beware the dead spider robots! This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science saying: “Quick! Grab a shoe”. Ready, aim and…Wack! The spider falls to the ground. Watch as its legs curl. Yuck! Why do they do that!? Enter Te Faye Yap and team from Rice University.
Continue readingZoning Out of Zoom
I love back-to-back Zoom meetings! Said no one…EVER. This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. Working from home has its PJ’s–I, I mean PERKS!! GOSH, I can’t think straight with all these pesky Zoom calls. Are they actually draining… our productivity? Enter Melanie Brucks of Columbia
Continue readingMore Green Please!
Plant parents – this one’s for you! This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. There’s something magical about hiking, gardening, and being around greenery. But say you’re not very… uh… active. Can you still get those bennies just by going outside? Enter Marcia Jimenez and colleagues
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