What are "furries?" Debunking myths about kids identifying as animals, and litter boxes in schools
From abortion to book bans, critical race theory and transgender rights, much political rhetoric in the run-up to the mid-term elections in the United States has centered around "culture war" issues......»»
Animals with higher body temperatures are more likely to evolve into herbivores, study finds
A University of Arizona study has uncovered a surprising relationship between an animal's body temperature and its likelihood of evolving into an herbivore. The study, published in the journal Global Ecology and Biogeography, offers fresh insights in.....»»
Struggling pet owners feel pain of hard choices
Pet owners in financial difficulty can face "heart-wrenching" dilemmas about how to help animals that need unexpected veterinary care, a study suggests......»»
How "winner and loser effects" impact social rank in animals—and humans
Research has shown that in many animals, the winners of a fight are more likely to win subsequent contests, while the losers tend to lose their following fights. In experiments where male stickleback fish were randomly introduced to another fish, 65%.....»»
What can you do if your child hates reading?
During Book Week, we will see countless photos on social media of happy kids dressed as characters from their favorite books, while schools hold daily events celebrating the joy of reading......»»
The mental health crisis in British schools
NHS statistics suggest that 20.3%—1 in 5—children and young people aged from eight to 16 years in England had a probable mental disorder in 2023. This a huge rise from 2017, when 12.5% had a probable mental health disorder......»»
Exposing myths about ballot collection on Native American reservations
Third-party collection of mail-in ballots has helped rural residents and those with disabilities to vote, yet the practice has become contentious and the target of laws aimed at restricting it......»»
Researchers investigate parent perceptions of virtual learning
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a majority of schools across the U.S. shifted to virtual learning. In a new study, published in Social Education Research, researchers conducted interviews with parents of students who attended middle or high sch.....»»
The 25 best YouTube videos for kids (August 2024)
From catchy nursery rhymes for toddlers to science experiments for older kids and life lessons for teens, these are the best YouTube videos for kids......»»
This Fitbit is specifically designed for kids, and it’s on sale today
The Fitbit Ace LTE, a smartwatch for kids that will keep them moving through fun challenges, is available from Best Buy for only $200 following a $30 discount......»»
Transitional kindergarten programs expand early education access and boost academic gain, study finds
Children enrolled in transitional kindergarten programs in Michigan did better in math and English by the time they reached 3rd grade, with higher test scores than other kids who didn't go through the program, according to a University of Michigan st.....»»
New poll finds 50% of parents believe too much time on technology keeps kids from forming connections in the classroom
Building positive connections with teachers and peers in the classroom can be critical to the mental health and academic success of children and adolescents. Yet a new national poll from The Kids Mental Health Foundation, conducted by Ipsos, finds ha.....»»
X-ray irradiation technique helps to control cancer-causing poison in corn
Corn, a staple food crop consumed by billions of people and animals worldwide, is frequently contaminated by the fungal toxin aflatoxin B1, a highly potent carcinogen produced by the fungus Aspergillus flavus......»»
Tree mortality may lead to carbon tipping point in the Amazon by 2050s
The Amazon rainforest is home to a diverse cast of plants and animals. This vital, verdant landscape also plays a crucial role in managing the effects of climate change by storing significant amounts of carbon and helping regulate temperatures and ra.....»»
Islands in the sky: Could steep-sided hilltops offer safe haven to threatened species?
Species are disappearing at an alarming rate around the world. But Australia's extinction crisis is especially severe—since European colonization, we have lost about 100 species of animals and plants. The loss of 33 mammal species is largely due to.....»»
New generation of ecological models needed to safeguard future of biodiversity, says researcher
Protecting animals, ecosystems and biodiversity is one of the big challenges of our time. With climate change dramatically impacting the planet and transformations in society such as housing development and urbanization, protecting ecosystems and the.....»»
Millions of kids are still skipping school. Could the answer be recess—and a little cash?
Flerentin "Flex" Jean-Baptiste missed so much school he had to repeat his freshman year at Medford High outside Boston. At school, "you do the same thing every day," said Jean-Baptiste, who was absent 30 days his first year. "That gets very frustrati.....»»
Studying the journey, not the destination, provides new insight into songbird migrations
Migration is an adaptive phenomenon, typically triggered by a change of season, that is vital to ecosystem health. Animals may journey thousands of miles, in some cases, in search of food, better living conditions, or to find a mate. Conversely, huma.....»»
How color shapes which animals we fear—and which we protect
Around the world, animals that exhibit rare color morphisms—including lighter-colored variants with albinism or leucism and dark-colored variants with melanism—are often the subject of both veneration and fear in humans......»»
Extreme heat exposure on the rise for millions of kids: UN
Nearly half a billion children are facing twice as many days of extreme heat each year—or more—than their grandparents did, the UN said Tuesday, warning of deadly consequences......»»
Hurricane watch issued as Ernesto approaches Puerto Rico
Tropical Storm Ernesto advanced Tuesday through the Caribbean toward Puerto Rico, where officials shut down schools and sent workers home as forecasters warned of a possible hurricane......»»