Honors General Science Current Events

 On April 26 of 2016, about 2,000 metric tons of water vapor was found on Jupiter's moon Europa. Astrologists have been predicting that there was water vapor there previously, but this was the first time it has been proven. They say that the water vapor is likely from Jupiter's radiation.  Article I find it fascinating that there is water on a moon. This could mean that there is more life on other planets, since one of the things organisms need the most is water.

 The article I read from Atlas Obscura discussed a recent study on African rats.  Scientists found that they are social creatures (meaning that they hang our with friends and family).  The most interesting finding in my opinion was that these rats have specialized hairs along their sides.  These hairs come out pretty easily and are able to absorb and hold a toxic substance made from plants.  So these rats have a pretty sophisticated method to kill off predators. I enjoy finding out weird animal facts, especially when they are being clever.  Animals have incredible adaptations and behaviors to help them survive.  As humans, we can learn from these behaviors and traits to make our lives better.  I like to think that when we see value in animals based on their intelligence that we will be kinder to them and keep their habitats safe.  As a little class connection, it is SO interesting (and kinda scary) to me how certain chemicals are poisonous....