Hunting, fishing, and wildlife-watching activities have increased in 28 U.S. states over the last five years, according to a report released this week by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). The 2011 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation State Overview Report shows that the largest increase – 47 percent – occurred in Alaska, with Louisiana a close second at 40 percent. MORE
South African conservationists unveiled details of a proposal to overturn a 30-year global ban on rhinoceros horn trade, on the final day of the IVth International Wildlife Management Congress in Durban, South Africa. The proposal marks the latest effort to curb rhino poaching, which has spiked in recent years, threatening the continued survival of critically endangered black and white rhinos. MORE
With a vibrant yellow crown of petals atop an array of one-inch purplish spines, yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis) is the most common exotic plant in California, covering some 15 million acres (Pitcairn et.al. 2006). During the dry summer months, its colors fade and the plant becomes dangerously combustible — a fuel for wildfires. Able to thrive in the disturbed soils of agricultural lands, this invasive releases a toxin that deters native plant growth and has deep tap roots that rob other plants of water. It also spreads very rapidly. MORE
Dried plant specimens reveal the long-hidden origin of an insect pest that has spread throughout Europe. Published in the October issue of The Scientist magazine.
A new study explains how vesicles within your cells know how to find the right location to drop off their cargo of important cellular products. Published in the October print edition of The Scientist magazine.
A groundbreaking study in plant biology shows that light triggers the formation of new leaves--surprisingly, not something that scientists thought occurred. Published in the October print edition of The Scientist magazine.
Due to statistical errors, a Science paper claiming that mutation is responsible for genetic variation is retracted. Published on The Scientist website.
My feature article in The Scientist magazine that offers tips for creating an engaging science video or website. Also, an announcement of the winners of the annual multimedia awards.
How an Italian scientist doing Frankenstein-like experiments on dead frogs discovered that the body is powered by electrical impulses. Article published in The Scientist magazine's September print issue.
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