As a butterfly enthusiast for his entire life, Dr. Chris Barnhart remembers collecting caterpillars in a grass-filled Radio Flyer wagon as a young child. Now a distinguished professor of biology at Missouri State University, Barnhart tells how his hobby turned into an outreach program about a decade ago. Butterflies defy odds with long-distance migration He and his wife now run … [Read more...] about Biologist shares passion for butterflies through community events
Below the surface and in the clear water, mussels abound. In Missouri alone, there are at least 60 species of mussels that are actively keeping our waterways clean. Dr. Chris Barnhart, distinguished professor of biology at Missouri State University, is an international expert on freshwater mussels. He knows their ecological value as filter feeders and helps to replenish … [Read more...] about Mussels in MSU lab will provide clean waters in New Zealand
Climate change affects everything, from plant life, water resources and sustaining human life as we know it. Dr. Deb Finn, assistant professor of biology at Missouri State University, studies flowing-water environments. She’s been studying streams and animals that rely on glaciers for more than a decade. Mighty glacier to puddle of water Finn started studying … [Read more...] about Studying glacier effects before they’re gone
When you’ve worn a hole in your favorite shirt, is it environmentally safe to pitch it in the garbage? Dr. Alexander Wait, biology professor at Missouri State University, looks at questions like this. He’s studying how nanomaterials – which are present in technology, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and clothing – affect the environment once they’re disposed of. Mustard and … [Read more...] about Breaking down nanotubes’ impact on the environment
Over the last several years, wine enthusiasts have cheered over the revelation that red wine has positive health benefits. While many assumed it was the grapes, skins and juice providing the antioxidants, the grape seeds took the back seat – until now. Dr. Paul Durham, distinguished professor of biology at Missouri State University, and Jessica Cox, graduate student in … [Read more...] about Cheers to the health benefits of grape seeds