Warming Waters Threaten Humpback Whales

On this week’s news update…

Humpback Whales

Warming waters threaten humpback whales…

Tractor Power

Clean, green tractor power…

Electric Chopsticks

And electric chopsticks cause a buzz!

First up…

Humpback whales can be found in oceans all around the world; but in the early twentieth century, they were almost hunted to extinction.

Fortunately, as a result of whale hunting bans, their numbers have recovered; but now, climate change is threatening the whales’ survival.

Every year, thousands of humpback whales migrate from cold northern waters to warmer waters further south, nearer the equator.

These warmer waters help keep newborn calves warm, allowing them to use more energy growing strong and healthy.

However, scientists have predicted that rising ocean temperatures could cause water in these areas to become too warm.

This could make it harder for the whales to find an area of water that is suitable for young calves, leading to their numbers dropping once again.

But if we can successfully tackle climate change, oceans could remain at temperatures that will allow humpback whales to thrive well into the future!

Up next…

ECO-ZONE

It’s Eco-Zone!

Tractors are very important for farming; but because they are powered by fossil fuels like diesel, they can be damaging to the environment.

Unlike cars, tractors can’t rely on electric batteries because they are so heavy, and therefore they require a lot more energy to power.

Now, engineers are testing another way to power tractors—by using the liquid form of a gas called ammonia.

ammonia

Ammonia is cheap to produce, and scientists are working to do so sustainably.

It also doesn’t create any greenhouse gases when it is used for energy.

Engineers have tested the ammonia by adding a special tank to a tractor, topping it up with the fuel, and taking it for an ammonia-powered test drive!

If further tests prove successful, ammonia could soon transform more tractors into clean, green farming machines!

And finally…

Japanese food is very tasty, but sometimes it can contain a lot of salt; and if people consume too much salt, it can damage their health.

To tackle this problem, a team of scientists has created a unique solution: electric chopsticks that mimic the taste of salt!

The high-tech chopsticks work by transmitting ions—small electric particles—from the food to the user’s mouth.

ions

These ions cause very weak electricity to pass through the user’s mouth, which feels like the taste of salt on their tongue.

The salty sensation created by the chopsticks means that less salt can be added to food, but diners can still enjoy tasty salty flavors!

That’s all for now—have a wonderful summer, and we’ll see you after the break!