Ask A Scientist

Watch scientists answer questions for students — or submit your own!

Curious about biology, human health, and disease? Ever wondered why scientists do what they do? Have your questions answered in BioNook's popular tool for the investigative student, Ask a Scientist.

Students in grades 5-12 can submit questions in writing to be answered by a Whitehead Institute scientist via video. Recorded responses will be featured online through BioNook and may be selected for Whitehead Institute’s Twitter/X feed. Learn how to submit questions below.

Questions

What is a microscopy, and how is it used in the lab?
9th Grade Student
Beverly, MA

What is a condensate in a cell, and why do you study condensates?
11th Grade Student
Westford, MA

What is cell division, and why is it important for scientists to understand how it works?
7th Grade Student
Easton, MA

What is a plant tissue culture and why/how do we use it?
10th Grade Student
Everett, MA

What is Drosophila? How is it used as a model organism in the lab?
7th Grade Student
Charlestown, MA

What is the difference between a plant cell and an animal cell?
Abby D.
8th grade
Billerica, MA

Why is learning about biology important?

Finn T.

5th grade

Billerica, MA

Submit your own

Still curious? We want to hear from you! Please submit your questions to Amy Tremblay at tremblay@wi.mit.edu. Submissions should contain a maximum of (3) questions, and include the following student information:

First Name ONLY
State
Age
Grade
Town/City

Only one question per submission will be selected for a recorded response.