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Special Video Report:

Science Behind the News

Courtesy: National Science Foundation and NBC Learn

NBC Learn in partnership with the National Science Foundation explores the science, technology, engineering and math found in current events.

What effect does global warming have on seasonal allergies? Does another Earth exist somewhere in space? Discover what atmospheric scientists are doing to better understand what causes violent, intense tornadoes and how these findings will aid in more accurate forecasting and a better warning system for communities. Explore the concept in statistics known as "random sampling," and how it's possible to draw a clear picture about the feelings of a large group of people by examining how a small, randomly-assembled slice of that group feels. The Science Behind the News series connects fundamental STEM topics to real world current news events.

Select a video by clicking on a topic below


Science Behind the News - Crowdsourcing

More than 40 million Americans are affected by seasonal allergies. Dr. Kristina Stinson, an ecologist from Harvard University studies the effects of rising global temperatures and regional climate conditions on plants like ragweed, one of the main pollen producers in the U.S.

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Science Behind the News - Tomato: Decoded

A 14-nation consortium of geneticists and bioinformatics specialists deciphers the sequence and location of the 35,000 genes of the tomato, an international food crop. This video focuses on the work done by American researchers, who explain the process of genome sequencing, and how a sequenced genome aids plant breeders in selecting precisely for desirable traits, including yield, shape, natural resistance to disease, and flavor. "Tomato: DECODED" was produced in partnership with NBC Learn and the National Science Foundation.

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Science Behind the News - Allergies

More than 40 million Americans are affected by seasonal allergies. Dr. Kristina Stinson, an ecologist from Harvard University studies the effects of rising global temperatures and regional climate conditions on plants like ragweed, one of the main pollen producers in the U.S.

Watch the video



Science Behind the News - Extrasolar Planets

Searching for a habitable zone, also known as the Goldilocks Zone, where it's just the right temperature to support life, astronomers use Doppler and Transit methods to determine the mass, radius or the actual physical size of exoplanets in their quest to answer the question, does another Earth exists?

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Science Behind the News - Tornadoes

Most strong and violent tornadoes in the world happen in the southeast, Midwest, and high plains in the United States, a region called tornado alley. Atmospheric scientists use vehicles outfitted with radar and other special instruments to track tornadoes and unravel their mysteries. Learning about these subtle differences in supercell thunderstorms help scientists forecast tornadoes more accurately and with fewer false alarms. With better forecasting and a better warning system, communities might be better prepared when the next tornado blows through town.

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Science Behind the News - Influenza & Flu Vaccines

The flu is a respiratory illness caused by a virus, the smallest and simplest of the pathogens that cause disease in the human body. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as many as one in five Americans catch the flu each season, which occurs every winter from about October to March. While there is no cure, understanding what the flu virus is and how it's transmitted can help lessen the impact of the annual flu season.

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Science Behind the News - Opinion Polls & Random Sampling

The aim of an opinion poll is to get a sense about a population and where they stand on some particular set of issues or policies. Even though the polls rely on just a slice of the population to gauge public opinion, they are far more accurate than you might think, which is one reason why they play such a special role in politics. As Election Day 2012 draws closer, the science of public opinion polls will help give a clear snapshot of who might be our next president.

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Distributed by NIEonline.com with permission


About NBC Learn

NBC Learn is the educational arm of NBC News dedicated to providing resources for students, teachers, and lifelong learners. The online resources NBC Learn has created for the education community leverages nearly 80 years of historic news coverage, documentary materials, and current news broadcasts. Currently two offerings, NBC Learn K12 and NBC Learn Higher Ed, give students and teachers access to thousands of video clips from the NBC News archives, including great historic moments--from the Great Depression to the Space Race to the latest political coverage. NBC Learn also offers primary source materials, lesson plans and classroom planning resources, and additional text and image resources from our content partners. For more information, visit www.nbclearn.com.


About the National Science Foundation

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency that supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering. In fiscal year (FY) 2010, its budget is about $6.9 billion. NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to nearly 2,000 universities and institutions. Each year, NSF receives over 45,000 competitive requests for funding, and makes over 11,500 new funding awards. NSF also awards over $400 million in professional and service contracts yearly.


Additional Resources

NBC Learn | National Science Foundation


NBC Learn K12