The Invisible Watery World of Plankton AskaBiologist 2026-09-21 | The Invisible Watery World of Plankton
Do Plants Grow from Thin Air? AskaBiologist 2023-09-10 | Is this a trick question? Where do plants get their mass? You probably know photosynthesis is how plants get their energy from the sun to do work. But do you really know the full story of how plants use the sun? This video will answer the question of plant mass. Let's see if you have the right answer.Learn more about plant mass and photosynthesis: https://askabiologist.asu.edu/recipe-plant-growthExplore more: https://sparks.learning.asu.eduWhere do plants get their mass? 00:51Our air and carbon dioxide 01:25Mechanical trees 03:11
Give It A Shot - Vaccine Game Simulation - Introduction AskaBiologist 2023-08-29 | This video introduces Give It A Shot, a vaccine game simulation used to experiment with multiple known pathogens. Players can select COVID, Influenza, Measles, or Polio and then run experiments using different amounts of safety precautions and vaccination rates. Play the game at - https://askabiologist.asu.edu/give-it-a-shot There is also a stand-alone game for COVID that you can play. The link to COVIDsim game introduction video is here - youtube.com/watch?v=YvGAWjmaDjMGame links:Give It A Shot - https://askabiologist.asu.edu/give-it-a-shotCOVIDsim - https://askabiologist.asu.edu/covid-simList of all Ask A Biologist games - https://askabiologist.asu.edu/games-and-simulations00:00 - Overview00:30 - Science behind the game01:00 - Math used in the game01:49 - How to play the game02:57 - Play the game [World Cities]09:16 - Compare outbreaks10:34 - Collecting data - Experiments
What Do We Mean by Evolution? AskaBiologist 2023-08-23 | What do biologists mean when they talk about evolution? You might think you know this answer, but often people do not know there are different types of evolution. It is not just a story of Charles Darwin and the survival of the fittest. Biologist Silvie Huijben introduces the types of evolution and how they work. After watching this video, try playing our popular peppered moths game.Play: the Peppered Moths Game: https://askabiologist.asu.edu/peppered-moths-game/Explore more: https://sparks.learning.asu.eduEvolution and its role - 00:00 What do we mean by evolution? - 00:50Charles Darwin and natural selection - 00:59Definition of evolution - 01:18What drives change? - 01:40Natural section - 01:43Mutations - 02:47Genetic drift - 03:14Challenges for evolutionary biologists - 03:40
Coral Reefs, Climate Change, and El Niño AskaBiologist 2023-08-02 | The combined effects of increasing global temperatures and El Niño have a huge impact on coral reefs and their fragile and biodiverse marine ecosystems. Rising temperatures contribute to coral bleaching, where corals lose their vibrant colors and crucial symbiotic relationships with algae. This weakens the corals, making them more susceptible to disease and mortality. El Niño, with its elevated ocean temperatures and altered weather patterns, can make things worse. It often leads to widespread coral bleaching events, causing further stress to already vulnerable reefs. The compounding stress from both phenomena can result in significant coral reef loss. Since coral reefs are a keystone species their loss disrupts marine habitats and threatens the large number of plants and animal species that depend on these delicate ecosystems for survival.Learn more: https://askabiologist.asu.edu/plosable/el-nino-coral-reefsExplore more: https://sparks.learning.asu.eduIntro - 00:00The problem - 01:00Keystone species - 01:44Impact of El Niño - 02:01What you can do - 03:24
A Conversation with an Alaska Native AskaBiologist 2022-12-18 | Elder Doreen Nutaag Simmonds answers three important questions about life in the Arctic. - Taking care of the land- Sharing as a part of culture - How can we help the people of the North?This is a companion video for the Changing Life in the Arctic story on the Ask A Biologist website. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/explore/arctic-ecology00:00 - Intro00:06 - Taking care of the land01:43 - Sharing as a part of culture03:04 - How can we help the people of the North?
Honey Bee Dance Game - Introduction Video AskaBiologist 2022-12-05 | Learn how honey bees communicate through dance. This video introduces you to The Way of the Waggle Dance game. This is a fun way to explore how some insects communicate. This game is part of the Bee Bonanza story on Ask A Biologist. Explore the world of these amazing animals. You can even explore the honey bee world with the companion VR tour.Game link: https://askabiologist.asu.edu/bee-dance-game/Bee Bonanza story: https://askabiologist.asu.edu/explore/honey-bees00:00 - Overview00:45 - Introduction04:05 - How to play the game06:36 - Playing the game11:02 - Bee Bonanza overview
Monster Maker - Genome Game Introduction AskaBiologist 2022-10-10 | A quick guide to help you start decoding the genome of monsters. This fun game introduces some of the basics of genetics including how DNA encodes information and instructions for all living things. Go play the game at - https://askabiologist.asu.edu/monster-maker-game/List of all Ask A Biologist games - https://askabiologist.asu.edu/games-and-simulations00:00 - Overview00:18 - Introduction01:46 - How to play02:40 - Play the game06:26 - What can you do with your monster?08:47 - Creating monster genome worksheets
Cell Anatomy Game Introduction AskaBiologist 2022-09-23 | All living things are made of cells. But did you know those cells are also made of tiny parts called organelles? This video introduces you to the Cell Anatomy of four main cell types, animals, plants, fungi, and bacteria. It also includes a bonus game feature that introduces you to the process cells use to make proteins. This game is a great way to learn about cells and how they work.Game link: https://askabiologist.asu.edu/cell-viewer-game/Building Blocks of Life story: https://askabiologist.asu.edu/explore/building-blocks-life00:00 - Overview00:33 - Introduction01:09 - How to play the game04:54 - Explore mode -06:05 - Beginner mode - one cell08:52 - Beginner mode - two cells13:17 - Protein Pathway mode -14:55 - Building Blocks of Life story -
Science Detectives Training Room Escape Game Introduction AskaBiologist 2022-09-08 | This is the introduction video for the Training Room Escape game that can be used to introduce students to the scientific method. There are multiple ways to solve the mystery and escape the room so it can be played more than once and is perfect for a class activity. Game link: https://askabiologist.asu.edu/training-room-gameEducator teaching tips and lesson plan: https://askabiologist.asu.edu/teaching-scientific-methodList of all Ask A Biologist games - https://askabiologist.asu.edu/games-and-simulations00:00 - Overview00:21 - Introduction01:01 - How to play the game01:30 - Play the game03:53 - Scientific method summary07:21 - Congratulations, you have escapedThe following music was used for this media project:Music: Spy Glass by Kevin MacLeodFree download: filmmusic.io/song/4410-spy-glassLicense (CC BY 4.0): filmmusic.io/standard-licenseArtist website: incompetech.com
Clay-colored Leaf Beetles Mating AskaBiologist 2021-09-04 | Birds and bees get all the attention, but beetles also reproduce by mating. These two beetles are clay-colored leaf beetles. And you will notice that they have a bit of a challenge in the grassland they live in -- the wind. This is part of our virtual tour of the grasslands biome and a place you might want to visit using this link - https://askabiologist.asu.edu/sites/default/files/virtual-reality/grassland-biome-VR-360/index.html. If you want to learn more about insect reproduction there is a great story about metamorphosis - https://askabiologist.asu.edu/explore/metamorphosis
Fritillary Butterfly Sips from a Bull Thistle AskaBiologist 2021-09-04 | Take a look at a greater fritillary butterfly up-close. This butterfly was captured on video while we were exploring the Broken Kettle Grasslands Preserve. We came across it while capturing the images for our virtual grasslands biome tour. If you want to take a trip without leaving home, here is the link to visit the grasslands - https://askabiologist.asu.edu/sites/default/files/virtual-reality/grassland-biome-VR-360/index.html
The Tiny Lives of Tardigrades AskaBiologist 2021-08-31 | If you've ever wondered about the tiny, tough animals we call tardigrades, this is the video for you. Learn the basics about these water bears here. Then use the links below to visit our story Itty Bitty Beasts for more information. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/explore/tardigrades
Vaccine Testing - What You Should Know AskaBiologist 2021-05-24 | Watch the last in a series of three videos on vaccines. Vaccine Testing - What You Should Know covers what is involved in testing vaccines. This video was created in March of 2021. As new information is released on COVID-19 vaccines we will update our companion page with the latest news (https://askabiologist.asu.edu/covid-vaccine).
COVID-19 vaccines - Who, Why, and Should I? AskaBiologist 2021-04-13 | The second in a series of videos on COVID-19 vaccines. This video focuses on who should be getting vaccinated and why. Because we keep learning more about this virus be sure to visit our companion page on the Ask A Biologist website where there will provide weekly updates. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/covid-vaccine. You can also try out our COVID SIM tool that lets you build a city and test out different safety measures, like masks, social distancing, and vaccines. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/games-and-simulations/COVID-SIM
COVID-19 VACCINES and your body AskaBiologist 2021-03-24 | Learn about the COVID-19 vaccines and how they work to protect your body. This is the first of a three-part series. This video gives you some of the basics about how the vaccines work with your body to protect you from the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Because we keep learning more about this virus be sure to visit our companion page on the Ask A Biologist website where there will provide weekly updates. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/covid-vaccine. You can also try out our COVID SIM tool that lets you build a city and test out different safety measures, like masks, social distancing, and vaccines. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/games-and-simulations/COVID-SIM
COVIDsim - What if? AskaBiologist 2021-03-19 | COVIDsim is a science-based simulator based on real-world data.
COVIDsim Quick Start Guide AskaBiologist 2021-03-19 | The question that comes up during any pandemic is - what if? What if we all wore masks, or did not step out of our social bubbles? What if most of us get vaccinated? With COVID sim you can test out the effect of different safety measures on COVID-19 in a town of your own design. Try out different options and compare the results to learn how different safety options measure up. This simulation tool will play on desktop, laptop, and mobile devices. Try it out for yourself - https://askabiologist.asu.edu/covid-sim/ There is also a companion vaccine game called Give It A Shot that includes the flu, measles, and polio, in addition to COVID-19. Here is the link to that game introduction video. youtu.be/_oLXCUPVfdQGame links:COVIDsim - https://askabiologist.asu.edu/covid-simGive It A Shot - https://askabiologist.asu.edu/give-it-a-shotList of all games - https://askabiologist.asu.edu/games-and-simulations00:00 - Overview00:28 - Play menu00:39 - Play Design A City02:23 - R0, R naught04:20 - Compare outbreaks04:44 - Experiments and data sheets
Leaf Holes AskaBiologist 2020-09-30 | Why do some leaves have this pattern of holes in them? Learn more about the rainforest biome from Revealing the Rainforest story on the Ask A Biologist website. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/explore/rainforest
Leaf Drip Tips AskaBiologist 2020-09-30 | Why do some leaves have a pointy tip at the end? Learn more about the rainforest biome from Revealing the Rainforest story on the Ask A Biologist website. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/explore/rainforest
Mysterious World of Dr. Biology AskaBiologist 2020-09-11 | There are some strange things happening in the laboratory and field sites for Dr. Biology and his group of scientists. They are not sure what is going on, but with your help, you might be able to discover what is happening and report back to Dr. Biology with your findings. After you watch the video you can go to https://askabiologist.asu.edu/mysterious-world to get started.This is a great language arts activity that includes STEAM content.
Honey Bee Queen Laying Eggs AskaBiologist 2020-08-20 | Look in as a honey bee queen moves from cell to cell so she can lay her eggs. There is a guest appearance by a male drone bee towards the end of the video. Take some time to compare the anatomy of the worker bees with the queen and the drone. Once you think you have a good list of differences check your work on our honey bee colony life page - https://askabiologist.asu.edu/bee-colony-life.
Plant Proton Pump AskaBiologist 2020-07-14 | Plants have tiny pumps that let them move materials in and out of their cells. Researchers are taking advantage of the different kinds of pumps in plants to figure out ways they can move more sugars into different plant tissues. This can help the plant grow more or fewer roots, shoots, and leaves than normal. Modifying plants in these ways may let us feed more people with less fertilizer. Learn about the specifics of these plant proton pumps in this video, then find more information at https://askabiologist.asu.edu/explore/phosphate-fix
Visit to a Butterfly Garden AskaBiologist 2020-07-07 | Take a trip through the Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden's butterfly garden. There are eight species of butterflies captured during this visit. This relaxing walk through the garden includes some close-up views of some butterfly behavior you might not see on your own. Turn on captions to get a guided tour, or just relax for 15 minutes and enjoy watching these fun insects while listening to the birds that are also found in the garden. If you want to learn more, check out our story on butterflies - https://askabiologist.asu.edu/explore/did-you-know-butterflies-are-legally-blind - and - https://askabiologist.asu.edu/explore/migrating-monarch
Leaf Cells Through a Microscope AskaBiologist 2020-07-06 | Take a look inside a plant leaf to see the chloroplasts and oil bodies hidden in this tiny world. These leaf cells are commonly called liverworts with the scientific name (Lophozia silvicola). These are nonvascular plants, which are usually small and reproduce using spores instead of seeds. They also don't make flowers, fruit, or wood. The microscope is called a contrast-enhancing microscope. Learn more at - https://askabiologist.asu.edu/chlorophyll-and-chloroplasts
Viral Attack (The Movie) AskaBiologist 2020-07-02 | The heroes from the Viral Attack comic book have jumped off the pages and onto the screen. Learn how our immune system works to protect us from invading viruses. After the movie, you can go behind the scenes to learn more about your immune system, viruses, and how your defense cells work. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/viral-attack-behind-scenes
A True Bug - Up-close and personal AskaBiologist 2020-06-30 | Take a closer look at one insect that really is a true bug. This is a leaf-footed bug (Leptoglossus zonatus) that can be found on plants around the western part of the United States. They are not dangerous to humans and unless their numbers get out of control they won't hurt plants. However, if you disturb them enough they can make a bad smell. Learn more about true bugs at - https://askabiologist.asu.edu/explore/true-bugs
CRISPR Science: DNA, RNA, and Gene Editing AskaBiologist 2019-04-09 | This video provides a quick refresher on DNA before introducing gene-editing. In five minutes you get both a lesson on DNA and CRISPR, which is pronounced "crisp-er". If you already know the basics of DNA you can jump to the CRISPR section at 3:22. To learn more about this tool you can visit the companion story on Ask A Biologist - https://askabiologist.asu.edu/explore/gene-editing-crispr
Gila monster Climbs a Tree AskaBiologist 2019-04-03 | During a trip to Boyce Thompson Arboretum with a group K-12 school teachers we were visited by a Gila monster during our lunch break. Climbing a tree is unusual for this animal, but also entering a group of people is rare. Usually these are animals that avoid humans. You can learn more about these amazing reptiles on the Ask A Biologist website. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/explore/gila-monsters
Can Reindeer Noses Glow Red? AskaBiologist 2018-12-23 | Is there any truth to reindeer noses glowing red? If you believe the famous Christmas song, you would say yes, but could there be more to the story? We turn to science to find out.
Are Plants Made From Thin Air? AskaBiologist 2018-09-12 | Have you ever wondered where plants get their mass? All those leaves and branches have to come from somewhere, but where? It turns out that the main ingredients for plant growth are water, air, and energy. Learn more at https://askabiologist.asu.edu/recipe-plant-growth
Honey Bee Waggle Dance Ask A Biologist AskaBiologist 2018-06-12 | Honey bee waggle dance used to communicate the location, distance, and quality of a flower to other bee workers. To learn more about honey bees visit http://askabiologist/explore/honey-bees.Original video footage by OakelyOriginals, modified by Ask A Biologist under Creative Commons license. commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Waggle_Dance.webm
Protein Breaking AskaBiologist 2018-06-12 | Breaking proteins in your kitchen. Biologist Melissa Wilson shows how you can break proteins at home or the classroom using some simple materials and supplies. For detailed instructions and a teacher guide - visit https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/breaking-proteinsThe music for this video is by:Joel HungerTitle: FunGuitarAndUkulele Ending
Teaching Turtles to Eat with Chopsticks AskaBiologist 2017-01-01 | These Sonora Mud Turtles (we think that is the species) like to come around when we feed the ducks and coots in the lake out back. The problem is the ducks and about every other animal is faster than the turtles when it comes to snapping up food. The answer turned out to be chopsticks. Yes, basic wooden chopsticks with some cat food. So next time you think you have a hard time eating with chopsticks, think of these turtles.For the herpetologists out there, if you can give us a better ID for the turtles, please send them our way..
Life in the Cold AskaBiologist 2016-12-20 | At different times of year and in different parts of the world it can get really cold outside. How do animals deal with colder temperatures? Does the cold affect organisms in different ways? We asked some of our experts about how life deals with the cold.
How Does a Bone Heal? AskaBiologist 2016-12-14 | Bones do more than just provide support for your body. Did you know they are also where your blood is made? So how do bones heal after they break? This video was produced in collaboration with the Arizona Science Center. You can explore more at https://askabiologist.asu.edu/busy-bones.
Comment volent les oiseaux? AskaBiologist 2016-07-16 | Le vol de l'oiseau est un des phénomènes les plus remarquables du monde animal. Les animations suivantes vous permettront de comprendre comment les forces physiques principales, soit la portance, la gravité et la poussée agissent sur l’oiseau.Le Musée canadien de la nature a produit les animations des vols d’oiseaux et a autorisé leur utilisation. La vidéo a été développée en collaboration avec ASU Ask A Biologist.Musique : soundbay
¿Cómo vuelan las aves? AskaBiologist 2016-07-16 | El vuelo de las aves es uno de los fenómenos más notables en el reino animal. Las siguientes animaciones muestran cómo las principales fuerzas físicas, como el empuje, la sustentación y la gravedad, afectan el vuelo de un ave.Las animaciones de aves de vuelo por Museo Canadiense de la Naturaleza (nature.ca). Usado con permiso. Vídeo desarrollado en colaboración con ASU Pregunta a un biólogo. Música de soundbay.
How Birds Fly AskaBiologist 2016-07-06 | Bird flight is one of the most remarkable phenomena in the animal kingdom. These animations show how main physical forces such as thrust, lift, and gravity affect bird flight. For more information jump over to Ask A Biologist - https://askabiologist.asu.edu/how-do-birds-flyBird Flight Animations by the Canadian Museum of Nature(nature.ca). Used with permission.Video developed in collaboration with ASU Ask A Biologist.Music by soundbay
The importance of the Sun to life on Earth AskaBiologist 2016-04-22 | NASA Goddard Space Flight Center brings us this rich video experience of the Sun. The white annotations are from Ask A Biologist so don't pick on NASA if we led you astray. It is clear that without the Sun life would end. The good news is the Sun is expected to be around for five billion more years. Now let's see if we can manage our planet that long.
Banana DNA Experiment AskaBiologist 2016-04-20 | Extracting DNA from a banana. Biologist Melissa Wilson shows how you can extract DNA from a banana using things you can find in your kitchen and local grocery store. For detailed instructions and a teacher guide - visit https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/banana-dna.The music for this video is by KARA SQUARE ( Xylophone and Ukulele Rival with Their Revelry (2014) and is published under CC BY-NC 3.0.
Ugly Bug Contest 2016 AskaBiologist 2016-01-20 | Be sure to vote for your favorite insect. You can vote more than once, so vote often before March 15th, 2016.
Tiger Beetle Hunting an Ant AskaBiologist 2015-04-16 | A little part of the tiger beetle world is revealed in this video. The original video footage was shot by Pristurus and published on Wikimedia Commons. This is a Green tiger beetle (Cicindela campestris) that was filmed in a forest clearing at the Wollenberg, Hesse, Germany. There was no sound track on the video, we added the ambient sounds and narration. It is part of a tiger beetle story at Ask A Biologist (http://askabiologist.asu.edu/explore/tiger-beetles).
Welcome to the World - Emerging Female Honey Bee AskaBiologist 2015-03-29 | Filmed at the Honey Bee Laboratory at Arizona State University. This is a teaser clip for a future video on honey bees. To learn more about honey bees visit https://askabiologist.asu.edu/explore/honey-bees.
Ugly Bug Contest 2014 winner AskaBiologist 2014-12-19 | A city saved and an amazing win for the Astonishing Treehopper. The last minute 100 votes made the Astonishing Treehopper the winner of this year’s Ugly Bug Contest. See the results at http://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/ubc
Ugly Bug Contest 2014 AskaBiologist 2014-11-22 | The city is in jeopardy and only the ugliest bug can save the day! Which of these super insects has what it takes to rescue the city? Cast your vote for your favorite in the Ugly Bug Contest now at http://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/ubc
Leafcutter Ants in the Panama Rainforest AskaBiologist 2014-10-28 | Dr. Biology spends some time observing leafcutter ants along Pipeline road in Panama. This video is part of a story on leafcutter ant castes: http://askabiologist.asu.edu/leafcutter-castes
Ugly Bug Contest 2013 winner AskaBiologist 2013-12-27 | The 2013 Ugly Bug Contest has come to an end and all the clues point to a single suspect. Don't forget to download your own Ugly Bug Coloring page and poster at http://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/ubc
Ugly Bug Contest 2013 AskaBiologist 2013-12-17 | Who in this cast of characters is the ugliest, the most mysterious, or just plain coolest? Look in the study — is it Colonel Mustard? Or is Ms. Scarlet, hiding in the library, the most likely winner? Who is your number one suspect? Get the clues and decide on your own. Be part of unraveling the mystery and submit your vote by December 17 (extra two days added; your vote can make a difference). We would like to thank our sponsors: Arizona State University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Ask A Biologist; United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Arizona Imaging & Microanalysis Society (AIMS) and Northern Arizona University.http://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/ubc
Dragonfly Captures Morning Meal AskaBiologist 2013-08-10 | Start your day off right - eat a bug in the morning. That is if you are a dragonfly. Although I have to mention we do have some great insect recipes for humans on Ask A Biologist.http://askabiologist.asu.edu/explore/six-legged-recipes
Dragonfly Whisperer AskaBiologist 2013-08-10 | Dragonfly Whisperer. This female dragonfly was the perfect model. Usually they do not let your get close to them - much less touch them.
