Category: Biology
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Ben Schwessinger, UC Davis – Plant Immunity
We just found out that plants can hear. Now, we’ll learn about their complex immune systems. Ben Schwessinger, a post-doc at UC Davis, is studying how plants fight off pathogens. Dr. Benjamin Schwessinger is a Human Frontier Science Program long-term postdoctoral fellow in the laboratory of Prof. Pamela Ronald at UC Davis’s Department of Plant…
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Patricia Brennan, UMass Amherst – The Importance of Oddball Science
Scientists are often surprised at the results of their own experimenting. Sometimes, the outcome produces an unexpected breakthrough that was completely unintended. In today’s Academic Minute, Dr. Patricia Brennan, an adjunct research assistant professor of biology at UMass Amherst, discusses the importance of continued experimentation. Dr. Patricia Brennan studies the evolutionary consequences of sexual conflict…
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Gary Kwiecinski, University of Scranton – Save the Bats
The presence of bats is a common theme for films, literature and anything angling to emit a creepy vibe. Gary Kwiecinski, a professor of biology at the University of Scranton, focuses his research on bats. He doesn’t find them scary whatsoever. In fact, he’s working to save them. Dr. Gary Kwiecinski is a professor of…
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Heidi Appel, Rex Cocroft, University of Missouri – Plants Can Hear
To see whether predator noises would affect plants, two University of Missouri researchers exposed one set of plants to a recording of caterpillars eating leaves, and kept another set of plants in silence. Later, when caterpillars fed on the plants, the set that had been exposed to the eating noises produced more of a caterpillar-repelling…
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Andrew Gallup, SUNY Oneonta – Yawns are Cool
Yawns confuse scientists. We’re not exactly sure what they are or why we yawn. We know they’re contagious, but we’re still working out all the other details. Dr. Andrew Gallup, an assistant professor of psychology has a new theory. He posits that yawns are a mechanism designed to cool the brain. Dr. Andrew Gallup is…
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Phillip Sponenberg, Virginia Tech – Domestic Extinction
Extinction is a very real threat for all species, not just the exotic creatures we’re accustomed to picturing. Dr. Phillip Sponenberg, professor of pathology and genetics at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech, profiles the issue of domestic extinction. Dr. Phillip Sponenberg is a professor of pathology and genetics in the…
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Doug Smith, UC San Diego – Molecular Motors
In today’s Academic Minute, a physicist at The University of California San Diego discusses the role of his field in the study of genetics and DNA. Doug Smith, an associate professor of physics in UC San Diego’s Department of Physics, discusses the operational mechanics of DNA molecules. Dr. Doug Smith is a physicist who studies…
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Neal Hall, UT Austin – Fly Inspired Hearing
The way flies perceive sound is helping engineers improve on microphone technology. Dr. Neal Hall, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin, discusses the buzz surrounding his latest word. Dr. Neal A. Hall received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Cockrell School…
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Valorie Titus, APU – Eastern Tiger Salamander
In short, the eastern tiger salamander is in danger. However, Dr. Valorie Titus, a professor of environmental science at American Public University, is studying these little amphibians and working to conserve their species. Dr. Valorie Titus currently teaches wildlife, conservation, and ecology courses in the Environmental Science program within the American Public University School of…
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Erika Berg, North Dakota State University – Equine Therapy
Can interaction with horses hold the key to helping those afflicted with psychological disorders? Dr. Erika Berg, a professor of animal science at North Dakota State University, is studying the therapeutic benefits of horses. Dr. Erika Berg received her B.S. and M.S. degrees in Animal Science from Purdue University. She earned her Ph.D. with a…