Science of creativity

Why we should eat more bugs

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12/5/22 Thank you for subscribing to The Cheat Sheet, from Science News Explores. If you like this newsletter, share it with a friend or colleague. Did someone forward this to you? Sign up for our weekly updates. Got questions, suggestions or comments? Email us at sns@sciencenews.org and put “The Cheat Sheet” in the subject line. We’d love to hear from you. Inside Science News Explores Science and creativity might seem like polar opposites, one dealing in cold hard facts and the other in artistic expression. But scientists need creativity to come up with interesting questions and tackle problems. And science is pulling back the curtain on what creativity is and how to harness it.  Some brain scans hint that working on a creative activity is a unique state of consciousness that draws on two brain networks — one associated with attention and self-control, and the other linked to daydreaming. Simply letting one’s mind wander can also invite in creative thoughts. Similarly, drifting off to sleep may open the mind to new creative insights.  Pursuing creative activities, such as making art or music, may not only make people feel good. It also may be an effective way to learn science.  A New Magazine for Kids Learn more and subscribe to Science News Explores, a new magazine designed to satisfy young readers’ curiosity about how the world works.      SUBSCRIBE NOW   Catch up with the latest from Science News Explores This chemist uses online videos to teach about the perils of microplastics: Imari Walker says her journey as a scientist and science communicator lets her talk about and advocate for her passion. Readability: 7.5 Resources: power words, video Analyze This: Wildfires are pumping more pollution into U.S. skies: Researchers wanted to study the health effects of wildfire smoke. But they realized they didn’t know where it was and how much exposure people had. Readability: 7.1 Resources: power words, chart Eight billion people now live on Earth — a new record: The global population hit this milestone on November 15, according to an estimate from the United Nations. Readability: 8.3  Resources: power words, alternate version at Science News Bacterial ‘living wires’ could help protect the sea and climate: Long, thin bacteria that conduct electricity may be able to help clean up oil spills and reduce emissions of the powerful greenhouse gas methane. Readability: 7.6 Resources: power words, classroom questions, word find, video, alternate version at Science News Let’s learn about eating bugs: Eating more insects, rather than pork, beef or other kinds of meat, may be better for the planet. Readability: 6.8  Resources: power words, word find, video Scientists Say: Glymphatic System: The glymphatic system bathes the brain in cleansing fluids during sleep and clears away harmful cellular​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ waste.​​​​​​​ Readability: 6.9 Resources: power words, audio recording We’re on Instagram! Have you ever wondered why we have to knead bread? We answered this question from one young reader in our latest Instagram post! Find out the answers to more science questions by following @sn.explores. Young readers can also send their own questions to explores@sciencenews.org.    Find out more about the resources available for using Science News Explores stories for learning. And if you like this newsletter, please share it with a friend or colleague. Did someone share this with you? Subscribe to this newsletter here. If you’ve got questions, suggestions or comments, email us at sns@sciencenews.org. Thank you for reading! Privacy policy  |  Update Profile  | Manage Subscriptions  |  Unsubscribe This email was sent by: Society for Science 1719 N Street NW Washington, DC, 20036, US