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Gut Microbiomes Help Bears With Very Different Diets Reach the Same Size

applied ecology

A Northern water snake

Oct 24, 2023

A Parasitic Haunting: When Snakes are Eaten From Within

Imagine a wormlike crustacean that eats snakes from the inside out. 
photo shows two hands placing a loaf of sourdough bread onto a wooden board draped with a cloth

Oct 11, 2023

Using Different Flours for Sourdough Fosters Different Bacteria – and Flavors

Using different types of flour fosters distinct bacterial communities, which contribute to the variation of sourdough aromas and flavors. 
black bear sniffs the ground

Sep 14, 2023

Podcast: Guts

Erin McKenney talks palatial guts, six degrees of academic separation, and cecum envy on this episode of Audio Abstract. 
angular metal arch silhouetted against a cloudy sky

Jul 5, 2023

Is Our Phosphorus Use Sustainable? Most Stakeholders Doubt It

The study underscores the complex challenges facing efforts to ensure our continued access to a critical agricultural and industry resource. 
a greyish rhinoceros stands on a grassy hill; several other rhinos are sleeping on the ground nearby

Jun 5, 2023

How Studying Poop May Help Us Boost White Rhino Populations

Researchers have identified significant differences in the gut microbiome of female southern white rhinos who are reproducing successfully in captivity, as compared to females who have not reproduced successfully. 
Photo of caddisfly in water.

May 17, 2023

Newcomers May Change Ecosystem Functions – Or Not

Caddisfly study shows resident species can continue managing ecological processes when similar newcomers move in, but their role changes when newcomers are different. 
a metal thermometer gently touches the back of a bee on a flower

May 17, 2023

Study Finds Carrying Pollen Heats Up Bumble Bees, Raising New Climate Change Questions

The study raises questions about how bee species will be impacted by a warmer world due to climate change. 
woman wearing latex gloves measures an object on a surgical tray in a laboratory

Apr 24, 2023

Study Finds Significant Variation in Anatomy of Human Guts

Researchers found significant variation in the anatomy of the human digestive system, with pronounced differences possible between healthy individuals. 
A male cockroach offers his abdomen to a female cockroach

Apr 19, 2023

Nature’s Chefs: Scientists Propose Food-Making as Means of Understanding Species Interactions

Researchers are proposing a new way to think of some interactions between species, classifying a variety of plants, animals and fungi as “nature’s chefs.” 
A bee visits a flower

Mar 7, 2023

What Do Messy Lawns Have to do With Bee Food? A Bee Expert Explains

An NC State bee expert weighs in as part of a series exploring whether the way we manage our home lawns and gardens could make a difference for pollinators. 
woman doctor gives vaccine to a Black toddler being held by her mother

Feb 1, 2023

Study Underscores Lack of Diversity in Stock Photography Sites

Lack of diversity in stock photography makes it more difficult – and expensive – to create effective health education materials. 
many ants swarm over a plastic plate containing different types of food. The plate is set on the ground, surrounded by leaves.

Jan 16, 2023

Climate Conundrum: Study Finds Ants Aren’t Altering Behavior in Rising Temperatures

The finding suggests ants may have trouble adjusting to climate change. 
brown-furred marten with grey ears is perched on the branch of a pine tree

Nov 3, 2022

Carnivore Gut Microbes Offer Insight Into Health of Wild Ecosystems

The work highlights an emerging tool that will allow researchers and wildlife managers to assess the health of wild ecosystems. 
Emily Oven holds snake under study

Nov 2, 2022

Scientists Monitor Emerging Fungal Disease in Snakes

NC State researchers track snake fungal disease in small snakes. 
a mother bear and cub rest on a beach

Sep 22, 2022

Gut Microbiomes Help Bears With Very Different Diets Reach the Same Size

The study offers insights that will inform wildlife management.