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Health

Former Canadian astronaut Robert Thirsk enjoys cycling on board the ISS

Spaceflight and Bone Loss

STEM Explained

Astronauts can experience bone loss in space. To understand why, you need to know a bit about how bones are formed and maintained in your body.

Replica of the earliest wooden model stethoscope

Stethoscope Replica

Interactives

Using stethoscopes, doctors can use sound waves to detect various health issues. Learn how this device has evolved since it was invented in 1816!

Bottle of Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine

Measles and Measles Prevention

STEM Explained

Learn about the measles virus, its impact and vaccination for prevention of the disease.

Down Syndrome karyotype

Meiosis Mistakes

STEM Explained

Errors during meiosis can alter the number of chromosomes in cells and lead to genetic disorders.

A 3D-rendered illustration of stem cells

My Stem Cell Donation Story

STEM Explained

In April 2016, Let’s Talk Science volunteer Daniel Tarade donated stem cells to help a person who needed a stem cell transplant to survive. Learn what stem cells are, how and why people donate, and what Daniel’s experience was like.

An image showing the symbol, atomic number and relative atomic mass of sodium. Sodium’s symbol is Na, its atomic number is 11 and its relative atomic mass is approximately 22.99.  Image © istockphoto.com/3dalia

Na Na Na Na (Hey Hey Hey) Sodium!

STEM Explained

Sodium is a useful chemical element. You consume it as table salt regularly. Learn about salt mining, sodium uses, and what problems too much sodium can cause.

 Inside the Destiny Laboratory Module on board the International Space Station

Noise on Earth and on the International Space Station

Backgrounders

This backgrounder explains what noise is, how it is measured, and how it affects our hearing, wellness and more.

An artist’s rendition of a bacteriophage

Phages vs. Antibiotics

STEM Explained

Many doctors prescribe antibiotics to cure infections. But should they be prescribing viruses instead?

Is feeling always believing?

Is feeling always believing?

Hands-on Activities

Get your hands cold for science and explore the topic of sensory adaptation.

young man smoking hookah

Is Hookah Smoking Dangerous?

STEM Explained

Many people believe that hookah smoking is safer than cigarette smoking. But in fact, hookah smoking can be even more harmful to your health!

Students looking bored in class

Is There Too Much Carbon Dioxide in Your Classroom?

STEM Explained

Did you know that too much carbon dioxide in the classroom can affect your body, and even your grades?

Electronic cigarette and traditional cigarettes

Is Vaping Safer Than Smoking?

STEM Explained

Learn how e-cigarettes and other vaping products work, and why scientists and health professionals have concerns about their safety.

Lighting inside the Destiny Laboratory Module

Light on Earth and on the International Space Station

Backgrounders

This backgrounder explains what light is, how it is measured, and how it affects people on Earth and astronauts on board the International Space Station.

monster about to sneeze

How does snot work?

Hands-on Activities

Make some fake snot and explore the function of mucus in this fun activity.

How is food packaged?

How is food packaged?

Hands-on Activities

Take a closer look at food packaging. Explore why and how food is packaged in different ways.