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Study reveals road salt may promote health and well-being of roadside ant colonies

Study reveals road salt may promote health and well-being of roadside ant colonies

To understand the effects of road salting on ants, Michael Kaspari of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and the University of Oklahoma led a team that looked at how ant colonies are affected by these conditions; their research is published in a recent issue of the journal Ecological Entomology. [...more]

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National Zoo scientists successfully grow two species of anemones in aquarium tanks

National Zoo scientists successfully grow two species of anemones in aquarium tanks

The anemones—both of which are commonly called Tealia red anemones under the species of Urticina—spawned in late April and early May, just days apart. Henley collected the eggs and sperm from the more than 2,000-gallon tank and put them together in smaller tanks to increase the chances of fertilization. After fertilization, the larvae settled and metamorphosed into a polyp. [...more]

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Smithsonian Scientist Discovers the Moon is Shrinking

Smithsonian Scientist Discovers the Moon is Shrinking

Smithsonian scientist Tom Watters explores the universe. His most recent discovery the moon is shrinking. Watch the video to learn more about his research. [...more]

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Maryland Blue Crab Science at the Smithsonian

Maryland Blue Crab Science at the Smithsonian

Take to the water with this behind-the-scenes video about Maryland blue crab research at the Smithsonian's Environmental Research Center. Fisheries Ecologist Eric Johnson takes viewers on a journey along the Rhode River to show how scientists tag and monitor Maryland blue crabs in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. [...more]

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NSRC to receive $25 million Investing in Innovation grant from U.S. Department of Education

NSRC to receive $25 million Investing in Innovation grant from U.S. Department of Education

The funding will allow the National Science Resources Center to validate its LASER (Leadership Assistance for Science Education Reform) Model. LASER, a systemic approach to reform, is a set of processes and strategies designed to help state, district and school leadership teams effectively implement and sustain high-quality science education for elementary, middle and secondary school students. [...more]

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New frog species pose challenge for conservation project in Panama

New frog species pose challenge for conservation project in Panama

Discoveries of three new from species in Panama lead to hope that project researchers can save these animals from a deadly fungus killing frogs worldwide and the fear that many species will go extinct before scientists even know they exist. [...more]

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New Zealand Embassy donates kiwi pair to National Zoo Breeding Science Center

New Zealand Embassy donates kiwi pair to National Zoo Breeding Science Center

Kiwis come to National Zoo. The Smithsonian’s National Zoo will be using a new kiwi pair donated by the New Zealand Embassy to establish a breeding science center. Both birds came from the Ngati Hine people in New Zealand. Adding these animals to the genetic pool in North America is a rare and valuable opportunity. This pair came [...] [...more]

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Tropical tree study shows interactions with neighbors plays an important role in tree survival

Tropical tree study shows interactions with neighbors plays an important role in tree survival

New results from a massive study at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute show that interactions among community members play an important role in determining which organisms thrive. [...more]

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Meet our Scientists—Videos!

Science Spotlight

Yellow lady’s slippers, watercolor by Kathleen Garness, from the National Museum of Natural History exhibit “Losing Paradise? Endangered Plants Here and Around the World,” opening Aug. 14. The exhibition, a collaborative effort between the American Society of Botanical Artists and the Natural History Museum, showcases botanical illustrations and features work from several renowned artists, including Alice Tangerini, one of the Smithsonian’s acclaimed scientific illustrators.

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