Your cells in microgravity

An experiment aboard the International Space Station looks at how cells change shape in microgravity and the ways those changes affect cell function. This results will help scientists determine ways to counteract the negative effects of microgravity on the human body, and to treat diseases here on Earth. Read more on the NASA website.

How do our cells sense gravity?

Research underway on the International Space Station seeks to determine whether and how our cells sense gravity. This knowledge could help prevent the muscle loss experienced by those who spend time in space. Learn more from my article on the NASA website.

The Blanco River's iconic trees

The Memorial Day flood on the Blanco River near Wimberley killed more than 13,000 trees, a drastic change to the landscape. Experts weigh in on how best to help it recover, in this piece for Newsweek.
 

Credit: Rachel Ranft, TNC

Marine Mug Shots

Scientists working with sea turtles on the remote Guanahacabibes Peninsula in Cuba use a low-tech tool to keep track of individual animals: photographs. Read more in my piece for Sport Diver.

Credit: Julia Azanza

Marine Protected Areas that Work

Not all marine protected areas work. Those that do have five characteristics. Read more in my article for Sport Diver.

Fighting invasive plants by eating them

Invasivory - the practice of eating invasive plants - is a movement fueled by growing interest in more environmentally friendly consumer choices and sustainable, local eating as well as the significant environmental problem of these plants. Find out more in my piece for The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Oceans of plastic

According to a study by a group at the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, more than 10 billion pounds of plastic enter our oceans every year. We can do something about it. Read more in my story for the summer issue of Alert Diver.