As the climate warms, it can change where disease outbreaks and epidemics take place. This is especially disturbing when a disease is introduced to an area that has no prior history of that infection. Read More ›
Space: the final frontier or the fungal frontier? The challenges to life in space seem insurmountable, but with a little help from a familiar friend, it may not be so far-fetched. Read More ›
These small animals are incredibly important to aquatic environments but face challenges due to human activities, including climate change. Read More ›
The American Chestnut once dominated forests along the eastern seaboard of the United States. Where did they go, and will they ever return to their former glory? Read More ›
In this blog, I explore how mushroom identification has shaped how I view the natural world and given me a deeper appreciation of the biodiversity all around me. Read More ›
Relationships are tricky things to maintain, and not just for humans. Many animals have complex social networks, both within their species and with others. Read to learn about these fascinating relationships and the many clever ways animals have evolved to build trust. Read More ›
While searching for a universal gene to create a comprehensive tree of life, Carl Woese ended up revolutionizing the field of microbiology and forever changed our conceptions of life. Read on to find out how! Read More ›
“Apes—including humans—are unique within the Primate order for not having tails. When and why did apes lose this seemingly useful appendage?” Read More ›
The primal relationship between humans and nature has perplexed scientists for years. It is no secret that reduced anxiety and a sense of serenity are common consequences from spending time in the natural world, but the underlying mechanism may surprise you. Read More ›
Put a bunch of graduate students in a room to give three minute talks about their research. Then, put them on a Zoom call and see how it changes. What did I learn from one year to the next? Read More ›
How do tiny yeast give beer its big flavor? The metabolic assembly line of this little livestock significantly contributes to one of our oldest culinary creations. Read More ›
Cows and Sheep aren’t the only species touched by the hand of domestication. Microbes have been domesticated for just as long as many traditional 'farm animals.' Read More ›
Navigating the world of scientific research and academia can be tricky as an undergraduate. Grad students and instructors can teach STEM undergrads these three things to make their lives easier! Read More ›
Why wouldn’t you trust a scientist or a medical professional? They’ve spent years developing a better understanding of the world and how we can survive it… or how some of us can survive it. Read More ›
When you bang your elbow on a table, why is your first instinct to grab it? This response might have something to do with how your sensory neurons process information. Read More ›
With tourism down to a standstill, how are protected areas persisting during the pandemic? People are not moving around locally or globally as much as before the pandemic. How does this impact wildlife? Read More ›
Native Alaskans have a wealth of traditional knowledge that helps them survive, some of which are still not entirely understood by science. Many Native Alaskan groups use wolverine fur for the ruffs around their faces. Read on to find why wolverine fur is the best for ruffs. Read More ›
Project and people management is not part of normal curriculum in graduate school – but you better believe you will be expected to do it! Here’s some advice to help you be a better mentor to undergraduate students. Read More ›
We have barely scratched the surface of virus diversity, but over the past decade scientists have discovered shockingly large viruses in environments across the globe. These giant viruses shook up everything we thought we knew about the origin of viruses. Read More ›
We have the best intentions, but never quite make it to the gym or reach that deadline. Why are we so bad with following through? There’s a phenomenon in neuroscience that might explain these behaviors. Read More ›
Though not captured in the language we use to describe disease, many ailments are caused by diverse genetic backgrounds. What are the implications of these variations and how can we take advantage of them to develop better treatments? Read More ›
Madagascar is undergoing environmental and socioeconomic crises that threaten the future of the island country. Here is how community-based conservation can help. Read More ›
The lab rat, historically used for countless areas of scientific and medical research, presents a promising possibility in the field of biomedical and regenerative medicine. New research shows that these furry critters help regenerate tissue to heal wounds, having implications for diseases like diabetes. Read More ›
Do you feel like your allergies are worse than those of your grandparents? It could be due to an overabundance of male trees in your environment. Read More ›
The COVID-19 pandemic has raised a number of questions about the virus, how it spreads, and its global impacts. A panel of biologists provides answers to some frequently asked questions. Read More ›
This is the unlikely biological love story of when a compound from the South American cinchona tree met a European distilled liquor fragrant with juniper botanicals in the tropical jungles of India! Read More ›
With people protesting all around the world, how are the rest of the world’s inhabitants fighting against the climate crisis? What role do primates play? Why is primate conservation important? Read More ›
Make what you want to look at bigger so you don’t have to build a microscope that sees smaller. Expansion microscopy uses diaper technology to make small things, like neurons, bigger. Read More ›
“Many primates use alarm calls to alert other members of their group to potential predators. But how specific and effective are these alarm calls? What risks come with sounding the alarm?” Read More ›
Have you ever wondered why blobfish looks the way it does? Or why some fish have their stomachs bulging out of their mouths and eyes popping out of their heads when they’re caught? You’ve just witnessed barotrauma. Read More ›
Why do we go on autopilot when we travel somewhere we’ve been a thousand times? How do our brains snap out of this routine when we need to change it up? Read More ›
“In some primate species, infants are born with conspicuous coats that fade to normal adult coloration over time. What could be causing these uniquely colored infants? What do species with natal coats all have in common?” Read More ›
How do neuroscientists make a certain population of cells stand out from a sea of them squished together in the brain? The tools are already in nature, no need to reinvent the wheel. Read More ›
“The distinct diversity of pollen grains has many uses - including helping detectives around the world piece together the details of a crime.” Read More ›
“Thinking about the next steps in your life? If graduate school is one of those potential options, here’s some things you should be thinking about.” Read More ›
All of our cells have the same DNA… right? Not always. Genetic chimeras shatter our ideas of identity and blur the lines between self and non-self, siblings, and sexes. Read More ›
When the way fish look remind us of another animal, why not name them that way? You can decide for yourself whether these fish really look like a lizard, hog, or frog! Read More ›
The second annual collaborative art/science exhibit was featured last month on the UMass Amherst campus. Check out this work in our virtual art gallery under the Events tab. Read More ›
Federally-funded science has been ridiculed as wasteful spending, citing bizarre methods out of context… but silly methods ≠ silly science! Read More ›
Some conservationists dream of returning to an ancient past of free roaming elephants and lions in the U.S. - let’s explore the controversial and intriguing idea of Pleistocene rewilding. Read More ›
Some have termed it “suicidal mating,” when adult animals die shortly after mating for the first time. How could it be beneficial to live a short life and only reproduce once? Read More ›
Fungi are fascinating! You can find them just outside your door, and some wild varieties are edible. But be careful - these decomposers can be deceptive! Read More ›
Planting a flower from your local nursery seems innocuous enough, but where that flower comes from is an important consideration that often gets overlooked. Read More ›
Every year, fish consumption advisories are published to help us make healthy seafood choices, but how good is the data used to construct these advisories? Read More ›
Did you know that a parasite can have a parasite, which in turn can have a parasite of its own? These interactions can influence our ability to control pest insect species. Read More ›
Seafood is part of a healthy diet, but it’s not a perfect health food. Let’s discuss fish consumption advisories and how they can help you avoid eating unhealthy seafood. Read More ›
Sometimes science brings you to obscure locations and equips you with binoculars – in New York City, it’s a perfect setup for rare celebrity sightings in the concrete jungle! Read More ›
Journey with TLS author Dina Navon to the 2018 annual meeting of the Society for Integrative & Comparative Biology, and learn more about the ways scientists think about communicating their work! Read More ›
This past fall, I came across a swarm of wasps and did not know what they were. For an entomologist, that’s scarier than the swarm itself, so I did some sleuthing. Read More ›
In some species, the phrase “I could eat you up” between lovers has a very literal meaning. Let’s check out the stories behind sexual cannibalism, the strange and intriguing behavior where males become meals! Read More ›