Climate Change is NOT the Bees Knees—How will pollinators and plants be affected by increasing global temperatures?
By Alannah Burrill In June of 2022, I took a trip to Mount Mitchell—the highest peak in North Carolina and west of the Mississippi River. The mountain has a unique ecosystem because of its high elevation and it hosts many unique plant species. When I visited, I found an informational plaque that was probably a […]
Morphological Changes Happen to Maize Over Time
By: Akshaya Ragukumar Ajitha We all know that maize is juicy and its color is yellow but over time its taste, juiciness, size, color, and shape all are changing – why is this happening? Teosinte is a weedy grass that thrives in Mexico. It is the ancestor of modern maize. It is important because the […]
Grasslands Need To Be Eaten!
By: Percival Knight Grasslands are an extremely important ecosystem, as they help support a diversity of life and act as a base for many local food webs. A significant portion of all land area is made up of these ecosystems, and they can be found on virtually every continent. But what if I told you […]
Fermented Drinks Span Way Back to Ancient China
By Christian Hammer If you’re into beverages that aid in healthy digestion, you’ve probably tried popular drinks such as kombucha, ginger beer, or even alcohols like kvass. The taste of these drinks for many people might be sweet and sour– or if you’re like me, ascribe most as really bitter. Ever since trying these types […]
Catastrophic Cascades: How The Removal of the Blue Crab Creates a Problem for Saltmarshes
by Anna D’Aleo As a Marylander born and raised by the Chesapeake Bay, I am very familiar with the cultural significance of the Blue Crab. Milestones, birthdays, holidays, and any other excuse to gather as a group is an excuse to eat crabs. They’ve become a state symbol, like the palmetto for South Carolina. Their […]
Apples-to-Apples: understanding how a-peel-ing different apple varieties are
Introduction You may have heard that “Not all apples are created equal” given that they come in a wide range of varieties. These varieties have been specifically selected for different qualities and purposes. For example, some of these varieties are tastier and more profitable than others. It is important that we better understand people’s preferences […]