Researchers conducting separate studies have made key discoveries about abnormalities of the brain that cause Alzheimer's disease, dyslexia, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD):

Tornadoes number among the types of weather phenomena that most people try to avoid, but Exploratorium artist Ned Kahn has spent years trying to make one. He has succeeded, too, as readers can see here--and as museum visitors will discover. The 40-foot exhibit "Mesocyclone" (the scientific term for the precursor of a tornado) is the centerpiece of the Exploratorium exhibition "Turbulent Landscapes: The Natural Forces That Shape Our World," which will continue through January 5, 1997.

Public interest in tornadoes has been piqued by the summer blockbuster movie, "Twister," which captures--with more than a little dramatic license--the essence of how scientists study these hypnotically stunning but massively powerful and destructive cyclonic storms.

"What's New" asked Exploratorium senior scientist Paul Doherty to talk about tornadoes and other weather phenomena.

Dr. Paul Doherty RealAudio file, 28.8 Version
14.4 Version

Click HERE to download the RealAudio player.

Tornadoes

This month's "Do it Yourself Science" project lets you make your own "tornado in a tube," a simple activity that requires just a few household materials. This activity was adapted from the "Exploratorium Science Snackbook," which contains teacher-created versions of Exploratorium exhibits.

Click here to try the activity.