CuriosiTEA Journal Club 

Student summary by Elizabeth Li Original Source: Alex Parrish, Virginia, June 2nd, 2025 https://news.vt.edu/articles/2025/05/eng-me-bartlett-worch-recyclable-circuits.html Image created by Elizabeth Li Abstract Background: So many electronics such as phones, tablets, and computers have been thrown away in the past few years, and the recycling process is proving to be too slow to accommodate so much waste. The amount of electronic waste (e-waste) is piling u

Student summary by Olivia Liu Original Source:Published June 17, 2025 in Discover Magazine by Lehmann, J. Image created by Olivia Liu Abstract Background: Small animals live shorter lives because their genetics can’t protect them very well from cell damage. However, bats have the ability to live longer and to resist cancer using several strategies. Objective: Scientists want to create treatments for cancer in humans by researching bats. Method: Researchers investigated fib

Student summary by Jayden Ahn Original Source: Evan Bush, NBC News, June 18, 2025. https://www.nbcnews.com/science/science-news/moths-fly-600-miles-particular-series-mountain-caves-scientists-think-rcna213703 Image created by Jayden Ahn Abstract Background: Recently, Bogong moths have been found to use the stars to navigate their journey. Researchers have said this was a first for insects and one of the few known cases of animals using stars to navigate to a destination. O

Student summary by Olivia Hwang Original Source: Rachel Nuwer, The New York Times, March 4th 2025 https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/14/science/hummingbirds-living-in-a-hive-found-for-the-first-time.html Image created by Olivia Hwang Abstract Background: In the high mountains of Ecuador, ornithologist and birding guide Gustavo Canas-Valle discovered a cave containing a group of Chimborazo hillstar hummingbirds — a shocking sight, as humming

Student summary by Audrey Kim Original Source: Published August 10, 2022 in LiveScience Post By Patrick Pester Image created by Audrey Kim Abstract Background: There are five different species of sea turtles in Florida, including loggerhead turtles and green turtles. Scientists said that in recent years, almost all sea turtle hatchlings in Florida have been female. They began investigating the causes of this ph

Student summary by Hayden Byun Original Source:Published April 8, 2025 in Scientific American by BERNICE ANDREWS & CHRIS R. BREWIN EDITED BY DAISY YUHAS & MADHUSREE MUKERJEE Image created by Hayden Byun Abstract Background: Studies in the past have shown that human memory is imperfect. The idea of a “false memory” could be problematic in countless ways. In one experiment done in 1995, two psychologists misled 24 participants by asking them if they remembered a

Student summary by GL Original Source: Published May 15, 2025 in The New York Times by Gina Kolata Abstract ​ Background: KJ was a baby born with a rare and serious condition called CPS1 deficiency, which made it hard for his body to remove ammonia. This could cause brain damage or death. Most babies with this disease do not survive their first week. Objective: Doctors wanted to help KJ by fixing the exact genetic mistake that caused his illness, using a new type of treatme