Biologists have hundreds of complete genome sequences of our feathered friends…

Suddenly, biologists have hundreds of complete genome sequences of our feathered friends. That wealth of data is revolutionizing understanding of bird biology and evolution. There’s a reason the world has more hobbyist bird-watchers than, say, rodent-watchers: Birds are unusually fascinating creatures. Biologists aren’t immune to their charms — they’ve long been working to understand why […]

Read More Biologists have hundreds of complete genome sequences of our feathered friends…

Texas Intensifies Its Fight Against “Zombie Deer Disease” – Texas Monthly

Do zombie deer foretell a Texas hunting apocalypse? It might be decades before we know. Yet the rise of chronic wasting disease—colloquially known as “zombie deer disease” because it infects the brains of deer, essentially turning them into the walking dead—is so alarming that officials with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department are testing deer […]

Read More Texas Intensifies Its Fight Against “Zombie Deer Disease” – Texas Monthly

DARPA Program Aims to Develop Fundamentals of Biomanufacturing in Space – Global Biodefense

The B-SURE (Biomanufacturing: Survival, Utility, and Reliability beyond Earth) program will leverage biological processes in resource limited environments. Imagine you are going to space. There is a long list of items and supplies you will definitely need, but there is an even longer list of things you might need, depending on how your mission progresses. […]

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Can dogs eat cicadas? Brood X cicadas make a meal for these pups, birds, and squirrels. – Vox

They’re filling up while the filling’s good… This story is part of Down to Earth, a Vox reporting initiative on the science, politics, and economics of the biodiversity crisis… For some of us, the thought of biting into a cicada, six legs and all, is revolting — be it deep-fried or dipped in chocolate. But […]

Read More Can dogs eat cicadas? Brood X cicadas make a meal for these pups, birds, and squirrels. – Vox