- Penguins wore small samplers on their legs.
- Scientists put the samplers for a few days.
- Samplers absorbed chemicals from water and air.
- Penguins touched surfaces while they searched for food.
- After use, scientists took the devices to a lab.
- Tests found many chemicals in the samplers.
- The method is less harmful than blood tests.
- Penguins help show where pollution is found.
- Researchers want to try the idea with other birds.
- The approach can help monitor remote coasts.
Difficult words
- sampler — small device that collects things for testsSamplers
- absorb — to take in a liquid or gasabsorbed
- chemical — a substance made or found in naturechemicals
- pollution — dirty or harmful things in air or water
- monitor — to watch a place or thing over time
- remote — far away and hard to get to
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Would you let a bird wear a small sampler? Why or why not?
- Have you seen pollution near the sea or a river?
- Do you think scientists should use animals to find pollution?
Related articles
UNESCO report finds gaps in education data
A UNESCO report published on 27 April finds important gaps in education data from poorer countries. It reviewed primary and secondary data in 120 countries but under‑represented low‑income nations and found no science assessment data in low‑income countries.
Local Communities Join Management of Manyange Na Elombo-Campo
Cameroon's Manyange Na Elombo-Campo MPA covers 110,300 hectares and includes 10 villages. A June 28, 2024 guide and a local charter involve communities in management, but illegal fishing, funding uncertainty and technical limits remain challenges.
Band of Holes at Monte Sierpe: an Indigenous accounting system?
New evidence suggests the Band of Holes at Monte Sierpe in southern Peru was part of a pre‑European Indigenous system for accounting and exchange. Researchers used sediment analysis and drone images to reach this conclusion.