2024 Issues

Statement: Sunscreen protects your skin against the UV rays of the Sun.

Explanation: What exactly does sunscreen protect us from? 

The Sun creates ultraviolet radiation, also more commonly heard as UV rays. There are three types of UV rays that the Sun sends to Earth: UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C. Most of the UV-C rays are absorbed by the atmosphere (which is a layer of gasses and solids that surrounds the Earth, like a jacket for the Earth!). 

We mainly come into contact with UV-A and UV-B rays. UV-A is known to be the UV light that can cause a faster rate of wrinkling and aging of the skin. UV-B light is known to be more harmful and link to skin cancer. 

But how? The UV-B light interacts with the DNA sequence and can cause two of the DNA base pairs to stick together and “mess” up the DNA. When the cell tries to fix this problem, mutations within the sequence can happen. The more these mutations build up within the DNA, the higher the chance of developing skin cancer.  

This is where sunscreen comes into play. Depending on what type of sunscreen used, it can either physically block and reflect the UV rays away from the skin or it can absorb the UV rays before it touches your skin.  

It is important you reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours and you should not fully rely on sunscreen to protect your skin! When possible, stay in the shade and wear Sun-protective clothing and headwear. Stay safe and have fun!

Metaphor: Think of a shield! A shield can be used to protect you from outside damage. Sunscreen works the same way where it is used to protect you from harmful rays of the Sun.

References:

Does UV Radiation Cause Cancer? (n.d.). American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/sun-and-uv/uv-radiation.html#:~:text=UVA%20rays%20are%20mainly%20linked,main%20rays%20that%20cause%20sunburns

Earth’s Atmosphere | NASA Space Place – NASA Science for Kids. (n.d.). https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/atmosphere/#:~:text=Earth's%20atmosphere%20is%20similar%20to,the%20ionosphere%2C%20and%20the%20exosphere.

How does ultraviolet light kill cells? (2024, February 20). Scientific American. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-does-ultraviolet-ligh/#:~:text=Ultraviolet%20(UV)%20light%20kills%20cells,bases%20that%20make%20up%20DNA.

Sunscreen and Your Morning Routine. (2022, July 20). Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/sunscreen-and-your-morning-routine

Sunscreen - The Skin Cancer Foundation. (2024, June 4). The Skin Cancer Foundation. https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/

The Science of Sunscreen. (2021, February 15). Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-science-of-sunscreen

Ultraviolet Waves - NASA Science. (n.d.). https://science.nasa.gov/ems/10_ultravioletwaves/

Statement: Coral reefs protect the coast, provide a home for many species, and maintain the livelihoods of many groups of people.

Explanation: Have you ever been snorkeling in a coral reef before? Not only are they beautiful to look at, but they are quite essential to us!

1) Coastal protection - 

Healthy coral reefs are rich and abundant that grow in width and height. These structures naturally absorb the majority of the energy from big waves and storms before reaching the shoreline. This means that the large waves and storms turn into smaller waves after passing through a coral reef, protecting the coasts from being rushed and flooded.

2) Home for many species  - 

Coral reefs are used for homes, nursing grounds, and food for around 25% of all of the ocean’s fish and many other species (like sponges, seahorses, and sea turtles). This abundance of diversity is also important to maintain a healthy ocean’s ecosystems and life.

3) Food and livelihood - 

Many people rely on coral reefs as resources for food as these reefs are known to attract a diverse collection of organisms. In addition, many people rely on these reefs for their jobs, whether through fishing, tourism or working at a preservation site. There are also many indigenous groups that have cultural ties with coral reefs. The Melanesians, being one of these groups, live in a region called Melanesia that consists of multiple countries such as Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Solomon Islands.

However, coral reefs are currently endangered because of many human caused issues, such as pollution, coral harvesting, and global warming. After learning the importance of coral reefs, we need to remember to protect these vital organisms!

Metaphor: Think of a Rainforest! Rainforests are known for their benefits to climate regulation, sources of food and raw material, and are home to over 3 million species. Coral reefs have similar benefits to rainforests and have been named as the “rainforest of the ocean.”

References:

Coral reef ecosystems. (n.d.). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/marine-life/coral-reef-ecosystems#:~:text=Benefits%20of%20coral%20reef%20ecosystems,Corals%20are%20already%20a%20gift.

The Importance of Coral Reefs: Corals Tutorial. (n.d.). https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/tutorial_corals/coral07_importance.html#:~:text=Local%20economies%20receive%20billions%20of,to%20or%20near%20coral%20reefs

Why are Coral Reefs Important? (n.d.). [Video]. Natural History Museum. https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/quick-questions/why-are-coral-reefs-important.html#:~:text=The%20ridges%20in%20coral%20reefs,1/1

How do Coral Reefs Protect Lives and Property? (n.d.). https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/coral_protect.html#:~:text=Coral%20reefs%20provide%20a%20buffer,%2C%20property%20damage%2C%20and%20erosion

Staff, G., & Staff, G. (2022, June 3). Biodiversity and the Amazon Rainforest - Greenpeace USA. Greenpeace USA - We Fight for a Greener, More Peaceful World. https://www.greenpeace.org/usa/biodiversity-and-the-amazon-rainforest/#:~:text=Over%203%20million%20species%20live,and%20sustain%20this%20vibrant%20ecosystem