Dino Wings, Quantum Jiggling & Sharky Friends! (3.18.26)

0:00Yo, yo, hey, it's time to dash! Welcome to Kids News Flash! News for Kids! We keep it cool! Stay in the know is the golden rule! Hey there, and welcome to Kids News Flash! The news show made just for curious kids like you! I'm Katie, here to help you stay up to date on what's happening around the world! Stay in the know is the golden rule! Today is Wednesday, March 18th, 2026. Happy National Awkward Moments Day! Embrace those silly, cringe-worthy times with a big laugh! Share your funniest awkward story with friends! Here are today's top stories! Research reveals that consuming your daily coffee may actually benefit your brain. Over a span of 43 years, scientists observed that individuals who drink coffee regularly could possess stronger brains. They speculate that certain compounds in coffee

1:00could safeguard the brain against diseases. A researcher commented, it's intriguing to observe how a routine daily activity could yield significant benefits for brain health. Thus, your morning coffee might do more than just awaken you, it could also enhance your brain's sharpness. So, when you notice someone enjoying a cup of coffee, consider that they might be boosting their brain health. A study revealed that chat GPT, an advanced artificial intelligence program, frequently answers science questions incorrectly, more often than previously believed. Researchers evaluated its ability to discern the truthfulness of various science statements. Initially, it appeared successful, correctly answering 80% of the questions. However, further analysis showed that chat GPT's successes were occasionally due to fortunate guesses. This suggests that its proficiency in science might not be as reliable as assumed. The investigation into the capabilities of artificial intelligence, like chat GPT, highlights the ongoing exploration of their limitations.

2:02It raises intriguing questions about what other areas computers might not fully comprehend. Scientists have uncovered evidence of two small dinosaurs, Yee and Ambuttarex, which possessed bat-like wings. However, these dinosaurs were not adept flyers. They could only glide clumsily from tree to tree. Their inability to compete with other aerial animals led to their extinction. This discovery highlights that not every evolutionary experiment in flight among dinosaurs was a success. Thomas De Checki, a specialist in biology, remarked, these two species were so inept at aerial movement that they were ultimately out-competed. The idea of dinosaurs clumsily attempting to navigate the skies presents a fascinating glimpse into our planet's ancient past. Let's check your memory. Can you answer this question about what we just discussed? How long did the study observe coffee drinkers? Is it choice A, 20 years?

3:04Is it choice B, 43 years? Is it choice C, 30 years? Or is it choice D, 50 years? You have five seconds to think about your answer. Time's up. The correct answer is choice B, 43 years. The correct answer is explicitly stated in the story text as, over a span of 43 years, scientists observed that individuals who drink coffee regularly could possess stronger brains. Nice going if you got it correct. Now it's time for this day in history. A look at what happened on this day in the past. On this day, March 18, in 1984, a fearless astronaut named Svetlana Savitskaya floated out into space,

4:05becoming the first woman to take a walk among the stars. Imagine drifting in the vastness of space with Earth far below, and the universe stretching out endlessly around you. Svetlana's historic spacewalk showed the world that girls can do anything they set their minds to, even in the depths of space. Wow. Now let's continue with more news stories. MIT researchers have developed an advanced microscope capable of observing electrons movements within superconductors, a breakthrough never achieved before. This observation reveals a quantum jiggle that holds the potential to revolutionize energy usage and communication technologies. In vision devices that charge in moments or internet speeds that are incredibly fast, all resulting from insights into this quantum behavior. The team utilized Terrahertz light to access and visualize this previously unseen phenomenon. This achievement opens the door to numerous possibilities, potentially transforming our technological landscape

5:05and how we interact with the world around us. Truly, the implications of this discovery are profound. Scientists have discovered that bull sharks, typically perceived as solitary creatures, actually formed social bonds with select peers. Through a six-year study observing 184 sharks and Fiji, researchers found that these sharks not only swim together but also follow one another in distinct patterns. This behavior suggests a preference for specific companions over random associations, indicating a level of social complexity previously unrecognized in bull sharks. This revelation invites us to reconsider our understanding of marine life interactions. Observing a group of bull sharks engaging in such social behavior prompts curiosity about other potential friendships within the animal kingdom. Recent scientific research has unveiled that the Raiyugu asteroid contains all five crucial components of DNA. Indeed, the fundamental elements that constitute life

6:05have been identified on an asteroid situated millions of miles from Earth. This significant discovery suggests that the vital components for life could be more prevalent throughout the universe than previously believed. The possibility that the precursors to life are dispersed in space, potentially leading to the formation of new life-bearing planets is a fascinating concept. This raises intriguing questions about the existence of extraterrestrial life forms potentially similar to those on Earth. One more challenge. Let's see what you caught from those last three stories. What did MIT researchers use to observe electrons in superconductors? Is it choice A, X-ray light? Is it choice B, Terahertz light? Is it choice C, ultraviolet light? Or is it choice D, infrared light? You have five seconds to think about your answer.

7:14Time's up. The correct answer is choice B, Terahertz light. The correct answer is Terahertz light, as stated in the story. The team utilized Terahertz light to access and visualize this previously unseen phenomenon. If you got the answer right, give yourself a pat on the back. Cheers to Clear Creek Elementary School in Bloomington, Indiana. You make us proud. Want to hear your school featured on the show? Just leave us a review and tell us your school's name. You might be next. Time to boost your brain power with our fact of the day. The biggest war in history, the Anglo-Zanzibar War, only lasted 38 minutes. Talk about a speedy showdown. Wow. Time for a quick laugh. What is the center of gravity? The letter B. Hope that made you smile. Today's news was a thrilling ride through space secrets,

8:17dinosaur mysteries, and the surprising social lives of bullsharks. That's all for today's Kids News Flash. If you love today's stories, don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. Keep being curious, and I'll see you tomorrow with more amazing stories. Special thanks to our co-producers, Tyler and Katie. This podcast was brought to you by Kids News Flash Universe. Be sure to check out our other podcasts, Science Kids News Flash, AI Kids News Flash, Launch Kids News Flash, and more. For daily news for kids in five minutes or less.