April 16, 2024

Touchpoint 1
Scientists Uncover Surprising Behavior of the World’s Most Elusive Whales

What is it?
Some whales can dive almost 2 miles deep on a single breath. These same beaked whales can stay underwater for more than 3.5 hours. They are hard to study because they live so far out in the oceans. They are now not only seeing whales in shallower water, but these whales will come back again and again.

Potential message to students:
Do you think humans make the mistake of trying to explain these beaked whales with one narrative? Does every beaked whale have to do the same thing? Are whales a lot more diverse than we think? Do they just try new behaviors to see if they can find more food?

Touchpoint 2
Unlocking Flow: The Neuroscience of Creative Bliss

What is it?
Some think that everyone is creative and generates a ton of ideas. But the prefrontal cortex interferes and says no to a lot of these creative ideas. Super creative people have learned to tamp down or ignore their prefrontal cortex. They see this in musicians who can think as they play and be very creative. There is no part of the brain that is telling them to stop being creative.

Potential message to students:
Do you think you could train your prefrontal cortex not to get in the way of your creative ideas? Do you ever have an idea and something in your mind tells you it’s not very good, so you don’t say it? Do you believe we all just need to think less?

Touchpoint 3:
Iconic savanna mammals face genetic problems due to fences and roads

What is it?
Africa has large amounts of land for animals to migrate. But with recent tourism and development, roads are starting to block those migrations. Scientists believe these animals who don’t migrate are living shorter and less healthy lives.

Potential message to students:
Why do you think these migrations are so important to health? Do you think the animals will adapt to shorter migrations? Do you think humans would be more healthy if they moved around and lived in more places?

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