Young Scientists Articles

Pathways to research: Connecting with scientists

By Daniel Strain / August 2, 2012
That’s no hairnet: Emily Prentiss and brain scientist John Butler practice attaching special probes to the head of a fellow researcher at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City. These probes record the brain’s electric pulses and helped Prentiss study how the organ reacts to sudden changes in the environment. The young student was able to complete the project with Butler’s guidance. Credit: Courtesy of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Budding researchers get ahead by spending their free time working side by side with real scientists

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How creativity powers science

By Jennifer Cutraro / May 24, 2012
Going for a walk in the woods may lead to an aha! moment. Many people figure out creative, new ways to solve problems by allowing their minds to wander.

Some of the best ideas come not from poring over the facts but from a walk in the woods

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Speedy cancer detector

By Sid Perkins / May 23, 2012
Jack Andraka, a 15-year-old freshman from Crownsville, Md., invented a blood-test technique to detect pancreatic cancer. Credit: Patrick Thornton, SSP

New technique quickly, cheaply identifies a particularly dangerous form of cancer

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Phoning in heartbeats

By Sid Perkins / May 22, 2012
Heartbeat data sent to a cell phone by Wong’s device are almost exactly like those recorded in a hospital or a doctor’s office. Credit: Patrick Thornton, SSP

New device uses a smartphone to collect and email data on heart rhythms

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Young scientists, inventors and mathematicians score big

By Sid Perkins / May 18, 2012
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Cancer sensor, a better way to search tweets, and quantum teleportation are among research highlights at a global high-school-science competition

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Nanosilver, away!

By Sid Perkins / May 17, 2012
Adam Noble, a 12th-grader from Lakefield, Canada, has developed a process to remove nanosilver, a potentially harmful pollutant, from waste water. Credit: Patrick Thornton / SSP

Technique uses microorganisms to scour tiny pollutants from waste water

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Chillin’ in the desert

By Sid Perkins / May 17, 2012
Fawzi Al-Mitwalli (left) and Nour Maraqa have developed a low-cost, solar-powered desert cooler that can prevent spoilage of fruits and vegetables for more than a week. Credit: Patrick Thornton, SSP

Simple, inexpensive and eco-friendly fridge keeps fruits and veggies fresh for days

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Granola bars for cows

By Sid Perkins / May 16, 2012
Shiza Gulab (left) and Mahnoor Hassan from Peshawar, Pakistan, are part of a team that developed a nutrient-rich, granola-like food supplement for livestock. Team member Bushra Shahed (not pictured) was unable to attend the Pittsburgh event. Credit: Patrick Thornton, SSP

Nutrient-rich “energy squares” boost milk production, help prevent disease

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Helmet helper

By Sid Perkins / May 15, 2012
The Skid Lid Helmet Helper, a cap-like liner (far right) made of 1-centimeter-thick strips filled with a gel-like material, may absorb as much as 97 percent of the energy of an impact, Longcroft’s tests suggest.

Gel-filled liner absorbs energy of impacts, may reduce sports-related head injuries

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Young scientists’ ‘outside’ lives

By Daniel Strain / May 1, 2012
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Science fair finalists include firefighters, musicians and even magicians

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