Dr. Universe: how do sleeping darts work? (e.g. for elephants) - Jonathan, 7, Pullman, Wash.
jaime.chambersDear Jonathan,
Some people get nervous when they go to the doctor. Maybe you’re one of them. You may not enjoy all of the visit, but you understand the doctor wants to help you. (And that a treat might await you at the end.)
But if an elephant gets sick, they can’t understand a doctor’s words. They may get confused and scared, until it’s too dangerous to help them.
That’s why sleeping darts—also known as tranquilizer darts—help so much.
“It’s safer for both the humans and the elephant because the humans aren’t right next to a wild animal, and the animal isn’t being chased to try to catch it,” Dr. Tamara Grubb said. She is a veterinarian at Washington State University who specializes in anesthesiology, drugs that make animals calm, sleepy, or unable to feel pain.
Read More ...Dr. Universe: How did the first horse change into the horses of today? -Ava, 7, Kennewick, Wash.
rcwebberDr. Universe: Why do we get morning breath? -Stephanie, 10
rcwebberWhy do lizards lose their tails? -Bailey, Inwood, Iowa
rcwebberDear Bailey,
Our planet is home to all kinds of lizards. Maybe you’ve seen one climbing up the wall, scurrying through the grass, or at the pet store. Just the other day I saw a big green iguana when I visited the Washington State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital in search of an answer to your question.
Read More ...Dear Dr. Universe: Why do animals hibernate? -Jarrett T., 10, Edinburgh, IN
rcwebberDear Jarrett,
Animals can get through winter in all kinds of ways. Us cats like to curl up on a cozy couch. Some penguins huddle in groups to create heat. A lot of birds fly south to warmer weather. Perhaps you put on mittens and a coat.
Read More ...Hi Doc. Universe, I was wondering how vaccines work because I would really like to make a better way to get a shot that doesn't hurt so much. Thanks. -Jacob, 10, Cayman Islands
rcwebberDear Jacob,
The quick, little sting of a vaccine shot can provide us with some big protection from germs that cause disease.
Read More ...Why do cheetahs run so fast? -Shanyu, 9, London, UK
rcwebber
Dear Shanyu,
Cheetahs are in really good shape. Not only are they good runners, but the actual shape of their body helps them move at incredible speeds.
Read More ...Why do we feel pain? -Sara, 11, Moscow, Idaho
rcwebberDear Sara,
Pain is unpleasant, but we need it for survival. Just the other day I was out exploring when I stubbed my paw and let out a big meow. My nervous system was doing its job.
Read More ...Are there creatures on Earth with one eye? -Elena, 7, Vancouver, Canada
rcwebberDear Elena,
The animal kingdom is full of amazing eyes. And yes, there are actually creatures on our planet that have just one.
Read More ...Dear Dr. Universe, Do animals have the same types of bones and muscles as humans? -Lydia, 8
rcwebberDear Lydia,
The short answer is yes, said my friend Leslie Sprunger, a veterinarian and professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University. But, as always, there’s a catch.
Read More ...