Standing in the middle of a running stream, golden sunlight dapples the surface of the water. Gravel underfoot provides a slightly uneven texture. The sound of running water fills the air. But a disturbance such as a flash flood can turn a shiny stream into a muddy mess of churning gravel in an instant, displacing what lives beneath the waters. Yet, the streams still … [Read more...] about Deciphering the disturbances
However, this animal struggles to survive through harsh winters. Tracking the population size and location of this mouse can serve as a “bellwether for climate change,” said Dr. Sean Maher, associate biology professor at Missouri State University. “My graduate advisor shared his research on the animal, and got me hooked on small mammals,” Maher said. Maher studies … [Read more...] about Mice population models much bigger picture
The associate professor of biology at Missouri State University makes his research and teaching understandable by comparing scientific processes to items you probably have lying around your house. A garden hose. Bottles of perfume. A paper towel roll. It’s all in the name of working toward a solution that could save people who are born with congenital heart and vascular … [Read more...] about Go with the flow
But as the availability of cultivable land diminishes and as climates change, our ability to grow enough food is becoming limited, too. This is the root of Dr. Laszlo Kovacs’ research. He’s a geneticist interested in the agricultural industry. “For most of history, we didn’t have to worry about food,” said Kovacs, biology professor at Missouri State University. “Now, with … [Read more...] about Root of the problem
It’s not as simple as falling asleep and waking up in six months. Bats go into torpor, which is a physiological state, unlike sleeping, where almost everything is shut down. Bats live off their body fat during that time. Dr. Tom Tomasi, professor of biology, studies hibernating animals in torpor, especially bats. Some species of bats develop white nose syndrome. It sounds … [Read more...] about A tale of two bats: One lives, one dies
Wait, professor of biology, studies how plants respond to environmental variation. It’s been his focus for 20 years. "We learn about how fire, temperature and light affect physiological processes – like photosynthesis," said Wait. "And ultimately we can show how multiple factors affect not just this tree, but an entire forest or the whole ecosystem." Nanoparticles His … [Read more...] about Read the leaves: How plants respond to the world
As a biology professor, Kim is interested in studying cellular processes that have the potential to one day better explain disease progression. Dynamin is a tie that binds his four studies together. Internal recycling In the body, some plasma membrane proteins are internalized via small sack-like vesicles formed at the plasma membrane. Then, they’re delivered to internal … [Read more...] about Protein packs a powerful punch in studies of cell processes
One such species is the alligator snapping turtle which, after decades of population declines, has been petitioned for federal listing as an endangered species three times. The most recent petition is currently under review by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These large turtles are of particular interest to Dr. Day Ligon, associate professor of biology at Missouri State … [Read more...] about A turtle’s tale of survival
Although she sees the beauty in the way they move and communicate, so much of their lives are hidden from the average hiker. Sometimes these animals are hiding from predators, while other times, they only seem hidden due to their small size and cryptic colors: Terrestrial and stream salamanders are only the size of an earthworm. So, to me, it’s incredible. I have to emphasize, … [Read more...] about She studies swimming and scampering species
A perfect storm: It can erupt at any time if a variety of factors interact just right. Maybe it all starts with a stressful day at work. Although you’re relieved to go home and get work off your mind, you can’t, leaving you with a fitful night of sleep. When you wake, you have a kink in your neck. The morning rolls on, and you juggle your schedule as well as the needs of your … [Read more...] about Seeking treatment for brain’s ‘perfect storm’
“Dr. Barnhart can be considered the godfather of mussel-rearing,” Pletta said. Pletta worked for a year and a half in Minnesota on a field-survey team studying mussels in the Mississippi River, then graduate school beckoned. The opportunity to work with someone like Barnhart drew her to Missouri State. Students see full life cycle of mussels The Missouri State lab is a … [Read more...] about Student examines effect of new pesticide on mussels