Genetic analysis of the frozen microbiome at 7900 m a.s.l., on the South Col of Sagarmatha (Mount Everest)

April 3, 2023

ABSTRACT Microbial communities in alpine environments >7,500 m.a.s.l. have not been well studied using modern cultivation-independent sequencing approaches due to the challenges and danger associated with reaching such high elevations. For this reason, we know little about the microorganisms found in sediments on Earth’s tallest mountains, how they reach these...

When someone sneezes on Everest, their germs can last for centuries

March 15, 2023

By Kelsey Simpkins Almost five miles above sea level in the Himalayan mountains, the rocky dip between Mount Everest and its sister peak, Lhotse, lies windswept, free of snow. It is here at the South Col where hundreds of adventurers pitch their final camp each year before attempting to scale...

Squirrels roll the dice on their offspring

Jan. 30, 2023

A collaborative study with a ˛ĘĂń±¦µä professor investigates how the risks and rewards of red squirrel reproduction is a microcosm of evolutionary patterns By Jaxon Parker January 25th, 2023 You’ve probably seen plenty of squirrels throughout your life: in your back yard, on campus, in the park and on...

Marine biologist probes importance of diversity

Jan. 30, 2023

Let’s CU Well presentation on Jan. 30 by ˛ĘĂń±¦µä professor to highlight diversity’s importance in many settings By Bradley Worrell January 20th, 2023 Diversity is important to the health of any ecosystem—whether it’s a coral reef or a university campus. That’s the message Mike Gil, marine biologist and University...

Common wood nymphs have sensory surprises

Jan. 30, 2023

By Jeff Mitton Reading several papers on common wood nymphs, Cercyonis pegala, led me to pose two questions. Insects have six legs, but how many legs do butterflies have? Can butterflies hear, and if so, where are their ears? Approximately 50 species of wood nymphs are recognized in North America,...

Rosy-finches are Colorado’s high-alpine specialists, and researchers want to know why

Jan. 30, 2023

Birds that can live at 14,000 feet and also breed at sea level might have evolved more quickly than previously thought By Sarah Kuta January 19th, 2023 Mountaineers who venture high into the Colorado Rockies have likely spotted medium-sized, brown-and-pink birds rummaging around on snow patches for insects and seeds...

AN ACCELEROMETER STRAPPED TO A TREE ON CU BOULDER’S EAST CAMPUS. PHOTO: DEIDRE JAEGER/CIRES

Tree “Fitbits” Track Urban Growth, Flowering, More

May 17, 2022

˛ĘĂń±¦µä study: trees outfitted with accelerometers could be the future of arborism, agriculture Low-cost “tree fitbits” can pinpoint the precise timing of tree activities, like spring bloom or autumn leaf change, according to a new ˛ĘĂń±¦µä study. Researchers outfitted two East Boulder ash trees with high-resolution accelerometers, efficiently...

Study area in California's Sierra Nevada mountains (Vladimir Pravosudov)

Can't Find Your Keys? You Need a Chickadee Brain

May 13, 2022

New research finds genetic link for spatial memory in Mountain Chickadees For the first time, researchers have shown that there is a genetic component underlying the amazing spatial memories of Mountain Chickadees. These energetic half-ounce birds hide thousands of food items every fall and rely on these hidden stores to...

Noah Fierer

Graduate School celebrates faculty with outstanding mentor awards

May 6, 2022

The Graduate School is pleased to recognize 18 dedicated faculty members who received this year’s outstanding faculty mentor awards. The nomination materials showcased their many contributions in mentoring graduate students and supporting the mission of graduate education. We appreciate their service and offer our heartfelt congratulations. 2022 outstanding mentor awardees...

Laura Dee

Dr. Laura Dee selected 2022 ESA Early Career Fellow

April 12, 2022

The Ecological Society of America (ESA) announced EBIO Assistant Professor Dr. Laura Dee among the 2022 Early Career Fellows. ESA's fellowship program recognizes the many ways in which its members contribute to ecological research and discovery, communication, education and pedagogy, and management and policy. Early Career Fellows are members within...

Pages