Small Science

Summer solstice has just passed, and nature is working overtime. Have you ever wondered why plants grow toward the light? This process, called phototropism, happens because of a hormone called auxin. It builds up on the shaded side of the stem, causing those cells to grow faster and curve the plant toward the sun. It is a simple but brilliant survival strategy to maximize energy for growth. Which plant in your garden seems to grow the fastest during these long sunny days?

Happy Summer Solstice. Today marks the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. While we enjoy the extra sunlight, plants are working overtime. Through photosynthesis, they use this peak solar energy to convert light into fuel, driving the entire food web. Without this incredible adaptation, life as we know it could not exist. It is a perfect reminder of how deeply connected we are to the cycles of our planet. How are you spending the longest day of the year?

As summer heat hits the Northern Hemisphere, many animals are experts at keeping cool. Ever wonder why elephants have those massive ears? They are actually built-in radiators. By flapping them, elephants cool the blood flowing through their large surface area, which then circulates to lower their core body temperature. Did you know that ancient mammoth fossils show they had much smaller ears because they lived in freezing climates? Evolution is truly the ultimate survival engineer. How do you stay cool when the temperature rises?