>> welcome to "teen kids news." i'm siena. we'll start with our top story. if you're a sports fan, you know steroids are bad news. superstars like lance armstrong have fallen into disgrace for cheating with performance-enhancing drugs, but millions of american teens could be using those illegal substances without even knowing it. scott has the story. >> let's call him "steve."

he agreed to talk with "teen kids news" about the supplements he uses to beef up. >> i started taking supplements when i was a senior in high school -- 12th grade. >> he's not unusual. it's estimated that more than 12 million middle- and high-school students are buying what are called "supplements." over several years of bodybuilding, steve has developed a regular regimen of several powders that he feels gives his body a boost. >> after i add the protein, i would add about a tablespoon of l-glutamine...which is supposed to increase muscle endurance. >> you can buy these things in stores, but that doesn't mean they're safe. >> sadly, that's not the case. why? because these drugs are -- these supplements are unregulated. well, what do i mean by that? there's no agency like the food and drug administration that's checking to see that what's on the label of the container is actually what's in the container. >> experts say that puts people like steve at the mercy of

manufacturers...who cheat. >> young people are taking these, thinking they're getting just protein and stuff, and what's happening is they're actually walking themselves into something they really have no desire to do -- something you got to be very careful about. >> there's one steroid user in every high-school classroom in america. >> educating kids, parents, and coaches about supplements is one goal of the taylor hooton foundation. it's named for a boy who died after using steroids, and, it turns out, illegal steroids are showing up in supplements. >> there are estimates as high as 25% of those supplements have steroids in them, or steroid derivatives in them, don't know it. >> but steve knows it. he told us he's well-aware that sometimes the government yanks products off store shelves when steroids are discovered inside, and he's not surprised. >> overall, i'm gonna say, "not really," because people are gonna put whatever they want to

put in a product. >> steve could be playing with fire. while he says he researches each product before using it, there's no guarantee what you read is always accurate. the bottom line is, you could be putting your health on the line. steroids are not only illegal, they can cause all kinds of problems, from unwanted hair to kidney failure. if you notice changes in your body after taking supplements, that could be a reason to worry. there may be more than protein in that shake. the taylor hooton foundation wants kids to grow and be strong naturally. the message -- if you choose the right foods, you won't need any supplements. >> if you think that careers in science and math are just for guys, my report should change your mind.

>> for centuries, many believed that fields like science and math were beyond the abilities of women. that began changing in the early 1900s, when marie curie won the nobel prize for her work in

physics. though she shared the award with her husband, marie went on to prove she was a world-class scientist all on her own. in fact, she became the first person, male or female, to win two nobel prizes. fast-forward to today, there's now a major effort to get more students interested in s.t.e.m. -- science, technology, engineering, and math. as part of that effort, nicole reports that there's a new website designed specifically for girls. >> the website is called forgirlsinscience.org. dr. rita el-khouri is one of some 3,000 female scientists working for l'oréal, the sponsor of the website. so, why don't more girls go into s.t.e.m. careers, like science and math? >> i think part of the reason why a lot of girls aren't going into those fields today is because we don't have enough role models and resources that are encouraging and inspiring the youth to be interested into

s.t.e.m. fields. that's why, actually, l'oréal usa has created a community -- an online community -- where girls can go and actually explore, discover, and achieve in the great world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, or the acronym s.t.e.m. >> we'll talk more about the site a few minutes, but first, let me tell you about my visit to the new york hall of science. there, i met saijah, a high-school senior. she volunteers at the hall as an explainer. with more than 300 exhibits, there's a lot to explain to visitors, and saijah is perfectly comfortable talking about science. >> i really feel like there's no excuse for girls not to be involved in science, especially if they love it. i feel like, yeah, they should definitely go into it. it's important. we need more women in science. >> to prove her point, saijah invited me to join her and dr. el-khouri in one of the hall's most popular

demonstrations. so, what experiment are we doing today? >> we're actually gonna look at the ideal gas law. >> but first, before we begin, we need to get you a smock, just for safety. >> perfect. matches my shirt. >> it does. so, here's where we're working? >> so, yeah. this is our lab table, right here. so, before we begin our really cool experiment, let's put on our gloves and get our materials and meet right back here. so, now that we have all our materials here, we are going to begin an activity that we have in one of our demonstrations here at the new york hall of science called "cool chemistry." so, here, we have liquid nitrogen, which is one of my favorite substances to use in any demonstration. it actually boils at negative 320 degrees fahrenheit. >> wow, that's cold. >> yeah, it's extremely cold. so, once it's in contact with room temperature -- which is about, like, 70 degrees fahrenheit, right? -- it automatically starts to boil. >> you're probably wondering,

"why the balloons?" we'll show you when "teen kids news" continues.

>> we're at the new york hall of science, taking part in a "cool chemistry" demonstration. the point is to show the effect cold has on the air trapped inside each balloon. >> what's keeping it inflated is its molecules that are inside of it. but let's see what happens to our awesome balloon -- i'm sorry. i'm having so much fun with this. and we're going to see what happens when you use liquid nitrogen, all right? are you guys ready? >> yeah. >> i'm ready. wow, so that's it boiling at room temperature? >> exactly. >> watch carefully and you'll see how each balloon gets smaller and smaller and smaller. bet you didn't think we could get all three balloons to fit into the pot, did you?

but we're not finished. >> now, you want to see what happens when we take it out of the pot? >> yeah. >> what's gonna happen? >> so, put it on our lab table. what do you see what's happening to it? >> it looks like it's reinflating to me. >> it's reinflating. all right, so, can you think of any reason why that may be reinflating? >> seems like the temperature from the actual outside environment is warmer, so it allows for those molecules to stretch back out and take up more volume. >> rita is exactly right. >> of course she is! after all, dr. el-khouri is a highly trained scientist. so, the first part of the demonstration showed how molecules contract when exposed to cold. they can contract so much, in fact, they can change from one form of matter to another. >> now, the first balloon we put in here was...clear. >> oh, my gosh! >> so, to explain this -- so, since it was in there, can you guys see that liquid? >> mm-hmm. >> so, yeah. there's liquid inside of the balloon, and that's just because, like i said, it was in at negative 320 degrees fahrenheit -- the liquid

nitrogen's temperature -- those molecules get really, really, really, really close together. >> does it make it actually change phases of matter? >> yeah, exactly. >> so, why is it important for more girls to go into s.t.e.m. fields? >> i think one of the biggest things right now that we need to be aware of is that within the next 5 to 10 years, the majority of jobs that are going to be available in the market are gonna require some level of s.t.e.m. skills, and so it's really critical that we try to fill our pipeline with budding scientists, if you will, so that they can become -- so that we be able to fill those needs. otherwise, we're gonna have a problem in the long run. in addition, i think it's really, really cool to have girls in science, period, cause we bring a different perspective to it. so, i think that those are the reasons. >> so, what area of science are you most interested in? >> i really, really love chemistry. that's kind of been, like, my first love. i think, like, ever since, like, i was younger, like, i would mix things, especially food -- 'cause most people don't think

that chem-- like, food and cooking and baking is chemistry, but it is. so, i think from there, like, i love baking and cooking and just mixing things, from the time i was younger, so i think chemistry is definitely, like, my first love in science. >> i would say baking is chemistry. cooking is an art. >> yeah, that's true. >> that's completely different. >> that's true. >> what do you think of the "for girls in science" website? >> i think "for girls in science," the website, it's actually pretty cool. i think it's really helpful. i kind of wish they had it when i was, like, way younger, too. that's, like, amazing. >> it's actually a great space for girls between the ages of 13 and 18 where they can go and explore and learn and utilize tools and resources on the website to help jump-start or even further their interests in s.t.e.m. areas in a nonintimidating way. >> "the for girls in science" website isn't just loaded with great information. it's also fun. you should check it out. for "teen kids news," i'm nicole. >> "teen kids news" is helping you get healthy one bite at a time. here's another serving of good

advice. >> the bell rings, and you're off to the cafeteria for lunch. it's time to socialize and grab a bite. jax hubbard is a nutritionist with some tips on how to make sure you're eating the right stuff. >> first of all, when you're eating in the cafeteria, you want to remember that not everything is good for you. make sure you're looking for whole grains, lean meats that are baked instead of fried, and colorful fruits and vegetables, including leafy greens. as far as beverages, you want to stick to water or skim milk instead of sweetened drinks like iced teas and sodas. and if you're going to drink fruit juice, make sure it's 100% fruit juice. >> thanks, jax. seems like a little bit of hunting around the lunch line can go a long way. with "health bites," i'm christina.

>> it's a dangerous world out there. are you street smart? tell you about a ne medical website designed especially for older folks. website you say! i can't work on computers, they're not senior-friendly. blah, blah, blah. but the national institutes of health fixed all that. now you can make the type bigger, increase contrast,

even make it talk to you. just go to nihseniorhealth.gov and get the best medical information available anywhere. nih seniorhealth.gov. built with you in mind. of the united states of america... and to the republic for which it stands... one nation, under god... indivisible, with liberty... and justice for all. our disabled veterans pledged to sacrifice life and limb to ensure our way of life. now, they deserve our support. find out how you can help disabled veterans in your community. visit dav.org.

>> we like to know what's on your mind, so here's our "speak of the week." >> everyone has their tricks for getting through papers, midterms, and finals, so tell us your best study tip. >> my best study tip would be to give yourself enough time to study before a big test, or something, and to have, like,

materials and questions prepared for you to use. >> i always copy my notes over and i study those, but...i try to get a good night's sleep before the test, like, eat a good breakfast. like, i also study with friends a lot. >> i'd say not to procrastinate. >> memorize what you need to memorize, but if you already know something, don't waste time going over it again. >> take a lot of notes and read them out loud, like, for 30 minutes, and you'll learn them a lot. >> i always go on the internet and stuff and facebook and everything -- check my mail constantly -- so, i think you have to remove the computer so you can concentrate better. >> plan out what you're gonna do and study it day by day, you know? a little bit each day. >> really buckle down and read the material. don't put it off until later, 'cause you'll get distracted, and then you won't be able to study right. i say, right when you get home, if you need to do something, you just get down and do it. >> my best study tip is to definitely start studying in advance, because even just a little bit every day, it helps

in the long run. >> did you know that most people can only concentrate for about 45 minutes at a time? so, when you're studying, try to work for 45 minutes, and then give yourself a 15-minute break to refocus. with "speak of the week," i'm monika. >> one of the great things about getting a little older is that you get to go out on your own. but just because you're old enough doesn't mean you're safe enough. as emily reports, you need to develop your personal safety skills, or, as we call them, "street smarts." >> what's wrong with this picture? you guessed it. texting isn't only bad when you're driving, it's not safe when you're walking, either. not only is this girl annoying people who have to get out of her way, she could be setting herself up for serious trouble. being aware of your surroundings is serious business. the national center for victims of crime reports 12- to 24-year-olds are more likely to

be victimized than other age groups. [ siren wails ] some of those crimes, like robbery and assault, happen out on the street. that's why teen-advice columnist holly ashworth of about.com came up with a list of ways to make yourself safer on the street. >> well, you know, i think it's really easy for teens to get a little cocky when they're in their own worlds, going to school and hanging out with their friends, but it's a different situation when you're out on the streets, and you need to learn a whole different skill set in order to handle yourself in front of strangers and in public situations. >> her top tip -- know where you're going. looking uncertain on the street could make you a target. >> if you're heading out to an unfamiliar place, make sure you know how to get there. >> do some research, and plan your route in advance. tip number two -- know where your stuff is. >> if you're carrying a purse, make sure that you have it over your shoulder, with your purse over here, so it's not hanging out behind you where someone can

grab it. if you've got a wallet, carry it in your front pocket so it's harder to get to. >> and holly says you should always carry your phone, or make sure you travel with someone who does. >> if you get lost or if you're in trouble, your phone is really your lifeline. >> but don't be a phone zombie. as we said at the start, if you're looking down... [ tires screech, horn honks ] ...or wrapped up in a call, you might not notice something or someone that could do you harm. that leads us to this tip... >> don't trust almost anyone. you don't have to be super-paranoid when you're hitting the streets, but keep in mind that not everyone you meet is gonna have your best interests in mind. >> even in the daytime, be street smart. for example, a crowded street is probably going to be safer than a quiet one. >> and if something happens on a busy street, there's at least going to be people that you can shout out to or stores to run into to get help. >> at night, all streets can be dangerous, even familiar ones near your home, so be extra careful. and there's safety in numbers. try to travel in packs instead

of alone. love your music? great! but turn it down so you can be aware of your surroundings. and ignore loudmouths. >> if someone shouts something at you, you're better off just leaving it alone, not responding. don't turn a stupid comment into an argument. if you follow all of these rules, probably nothing is going to happen to you, but if something does and someone approaches you and you feel like you're in a dangerous situation, your best option is just to run away and scream your head off. >> somebody call the police! >> and shout for the police. that way, other people will know you need help and you're not just horsing around. you might think it couldn't happen to you, but, as i said during my report, statistics show teens and young adults are more likely to be victims of violent crimes than older people. don't become another statistic. be street smart! >> it seems you can come down with unhappiness the same way you can come down with a cold. a study of college roommates

found that when one roommate gets gloomy, the other one is likely to feel blue, too. the study didn't say if happiness is equally contagious, but i hope it is. >> it takes more than balance to ride this. courage helps, too. ♪ america's service members and veterans are strong. forged out of bravery, sacrifice, and duty. ♪ sometimes reaching out for help can be the most challenging and worthwhile mission of all. ♪ when you recognize something isn't right, make the call to the veterans crisis line or military crisis line. dial 1-800-273-8255 and press 1.

of the united states of america... and to the republic for which it stands... one nation, under god... indivisible, with liberty...

and justice for all. our disabled veterans pledged to sacrifice life and limb to ensure our way of life. now, they deserve our support. find out how you can help disabled veterans in your community. visit dav.org. >> if you think your bedroom is small, it's probably a palace compared to the world's thinnest house. recently built in warsaw, the capital of poland, the house is two stories high, and... four feet wide. we're talking this wide. yet, it has a kitchen, shower, toilet, bedroom, and eating area. renters with claustrophobia need not apply. >> what has one wheel, one seat, and one talented rider? a unicycle. this bike may look like something out of the circus, but there's a group of people who are devoted to riding it. >> favorite part about unicycling is that it's

different from other sports and it's really fun to learn new tricks. >> probably the...adrenaline, like, when you ride, and the balance techniques. >> my favorite part about unicycling is when, if you're riding around town, is people notice you and they talk about you and you feel special. >> so, i guess, what is this group that you have? >> this is the new york unicycle club. i founded it, along with a friend and my brother, back in 2001. >> now david's group has over 300 members, both young and young at heart. most historians believe the unicycle was created in the late 1800s, when a contraption called the penny-farthing boomed in popularity. the penny-farthing was named after two british coins. its big front wheel looked like a penny, and its small back wheel looked like a farthing. but it wasn't long before riders

realized they didn't need the back wheel at all. >> and, over time, that front wheel shrank in size till we have our modern version that's about this big. >> there are lots of types of unicycles -- ones for doing tricks, ones for off-roading, and even one called the impossible wheel. what is the impossible wheel? >> an impossible wheel is a wheel...two platforms and nothing else, and you stand on the platforms, and something has to make you go, so a lot of times, people will throw them and then jump on while they're moving. >> okay, so, what about a "possible" unicycle, if there is such a thing? can anyone unicycle? >> yeah. the -- there's a girl who rides a unicycle despite having lost a leg to cancer, and my daughter rides, and she's six, and i heard of a man who was 91 when he started, and he mastered it by 92 -- he was very, very careful. >> i figured if a 92-year-old man could do it, there's no reason i couldn't try. but first, i wanted some advice.

so, i'm about to try to unicycle. do you have any tips or suggestions? >> try to stay on top of the unicycle and not fall off. [ laughs ] >> i suggest staying in the center of the unicycle and pedaling...not too fast, but at a slow pace, constantly. >> practice a lot. >> okay, i guess let's try it. >> so, again, you kick a ball with your right foot, so let's get that right pedal lower, and sit down first, then your right foot goes on. yup. and now, if you want to challenge yourself, try to put your left foot on without moving your right foot. right. not bad, not bad. go a half turn forward. that's it! very good. excellent. go a little more! go a little more! sit up straight! >> [ groans ] it's not as easy as it looks. well, i tried, but, for now, i think i'll stick to two wheels. for "teen kids news," i'm adrian. >> that's our show for this week. thanks for watching

"teen kids news." we'll see you next time. >> here's a shout-out to pr newswire for including "teen kids news" on their big screen in times square, new york city. seaworld and busch gardens. to preserve the world we share. attacking that one! their own food, food from other ones. they eat that? yes. it doesn't hurt their mouth? no. (music)