Resources by Catalyst
Displaying 501 - 510 of 568
The Species that Changed the World
A Catalyst article describing the species that have had the greatest impact on planet Earth during its billions of years of history. Which come out on top of the 'league table of life'? As hominids have only walked the Earth for part of its existence the article looks at the history of life, from the dawn of...
The Systems Physiology of Exercise *suitable for home teaching*
This Catalyst article looks at the effect exercise has on the body. Poor fitness contributes to poor life expectancy, and inability to exercise reduces quality of life in the ill or aged. Scientists hope to understand the mechanisms which limit 'exercise tolerance' which would contribute to enhanced performance for...
The wonders of x-ray free electron lasers
This Catalyst article looks at X-ray free electron lasers that generate intense beams of X-rays and are used to reveal the structure of complex molecules.
This article is from Catalyst: Secondary Science Review 2016, Volume 27, Issue 2.
The World of Parasitic Plants
Most people are all too familiar with the idea of animal parasites, including tape worms, ticks and lice. But did you know that plants can also act as parasites, exploiting resources from unwilling hosts? Rather than being rare anomalies, however, there are over 4000 known species of parasitic plants, with...
The world's most variable flower
This Catalyst article focuses on the Gorteria, a South African daisy which shows great variation in its flowers. It attracts bee flies to pollinate it. It has been used to test theories of evolution.
This article is from Catalyst: Secondary Science Review 2016, Volume 27, Issue 2.
...
Thermometry... a Hot Topic
In this Catalyst article, Mike Follows describes the surprising range of thermometers available to scientists today.
Many physical properties of materials depend on temperature. Thermometers are vital for measuring body temperature. The body's biochemical reactions work best at 37°C and the body is in...
Thorium - the Perfect Nuclear Fuel?
This Catalyst article looks at thorium - a heavy element, similar to uranium. Some people think that it could be the nuclear fuel of the future, as it can be used as the fuel in a fission reactor - and it appears to be much safer than uranium.
This article is from Catalyst: Secondary Science Review 2014,...
Tiny Particle, Giant Detector - Neutrinos
A Catalyst article about neutrinos. Neutrinos are fundamental particles. They are tiny, a neutrino has a mass about one-millionth of the mass of an electron, and they have no electric charge. This article looks at the detection of these elusive particles which requires the use a giant detector. The one described is...
To Sleep...Perchance to Dream
A Catalyst article about the study of electrical activity of the brain during sleep. The article looks at brain waves, REM (Rapid Eye Movement) and the effects of sleep deprivation.
This article is from Catalyst: Secondary Science Review 2008, Volume 18, Issue 4.
...
Tokamak Power
This Catalyst article investigates tokamaks. A 'tokamak' is a device for generating high-temperature plasma in which nuclear fusion can occur; this may form the basis of a new generation of power stations.
The article is from Catalyst: Secondary Science Review 2015, Volume 26, Issue 1.
...