How do animals manage threats of the natural world? Dr. Alicia Mathis, Missouri State University’s biology department head, strives to answer this question. She’s a behavioral ecologist, meaning she studies animals’ behavior in relation to natural habitats. This allows her to learn how it affects their ability to survive and reproduce. One focus in her lab is antipredator … [Read more...] about A small fish experiences major threats to survival
Volcanoes are mysterious. Many questions remain about how and why they erupt. Dr. Gary Michelfelder, associate professor of geology, leads research at five active volcanoes in the Central Andes of Chile and Bolivia that just might provide some answers. These volcanoes have one important thing in common: a large reservoir of magma, the molten rock material of Earth’s … [Read more...] about Answering some of volcanoes’ burning questions
Some regions are known for their ability to grow the most flavorful agricultural products. Ancient farmers, through trial and error, determined the best fit between a crop, the soil and weather conditions. They had plenty of land to choose from to find the perfect fields for their crops. But today, our ability to grow food is becoming limited as the availability of … [Read more...] about Getting to the root to grow understanding
Congenital heart defects affect nearly 40,000 births every year in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Dr. Ryan Udan, associate professor of biology at Missouri State University, leads studies in his lab to understand how blood-vessel-related birth defects form. “We want to learn how the smooth muscle tissue grows to surround … [Read more...] about Vascular research as a path toward a cure
From November to March, bats put out their “Do Not Disturb” sign while they hibernate. Dr. Tom Tomasi, professor of biology at Missouri State University, studies hibernating animals in torpor, especially bats. He investigates the causes of declining bat populations, which he attributes to two things: white nose syndrome and torpor. White nose syndrome leads to a fungal … [Read more...] about Telling the (sometimes tragic) tales of bats