Manatees Might Not Be Vegetarian, and Other Fun Facts about My Favorite Animal
Breaking News: the world’s most soothing swimmer MIGHT NOT BE WHAT IT SEEMS.
Read moreMonth: April 2020
A humble sponge in Indonesia may be creating cancer medicine
Collaborators in the United States and Indonesia knew that an Indo-Pacific sea dwelling sponge produced medicinally important chemicals – they now report that those products may also treat cancer.
Read moreSeeking Common Ground…Using Earthworms
Nearly everyone on earth has seen an earthworm squirming on the sidewalk after a rainstorm but are we all seeing the same species? A group of researchers wants to understand the similarities in urban earthworm populations in cities around the world. If there are the same species on opposite sides of the ocean, what does this mean for biodiversity within the urban ecosystems many of us call home?
Read moreInvader in red: the impacts of the red-eared slider turtle across the globe
I’ve always been a big fan of animals. I love visiting pet shops and looking at all the cool animals. However, movement of animals via the pet trade has resulted in the introduction of exotic wildlife to many ecosystems globally. A particularly widespread invader is the red-eared slider turtle. Read on to find out how these invaders in red have spread and whether policy has been effective in controlling them.
Read moreSound the Alarm: Traffic noise increases predation threat to prairie dog colonies
Humans are noisy, especially in cities. Traffic noise may challenge the ability of prairie dogs to detect predators and warn other prairie dogs. Prairie dogs increase vigilance and flight response when our noise may mask the sounds of predators.
Read moreWhat is Earth’s tree carrying capacity and how might it mitigate climate change?
Author: Samantha E Andres ARTICLE: Bastin, Jean-Francois, et al. “The global tree restoration potential.” Science 365.6448 (2019): 76-79. DOI: 10.1126/science.aax0848
Read moreWater vapor and Covid-19: The viral threat of cold, dry weather
Even before Covid-19, most people were acutely aware of the viral threat of winter. Seasonal colds seem to be more abundant during the winter while the widely broadcasted threat of flu season and subsequent chore of annual flu vaccinations are predictable components of late fall. However, I have also had my fair share of exceptional warm weather colds. I have encountered a collection of rumors as to why viral infections such as the common cold and influenza are statistically worse during the winter, but I have never really done enough research to actually believe any of them, or care, for that matter. Insert Covid-19.
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