This kingfisher is one of the world’s most endangered species. A 2008 census revealed only one population with approximately 125 individuals alive – down from approximately 500 birds in 1974. At one time, only 39 birds could be located.
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A Calmer Tornado Alley
Climate phenomenon may push super-cell thunderstorms to northern plains
Tornado Alley, the swath of prairie from Texas through Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri famous for twisters, may see a largely calm tornado season this year.
From Trash Tree to Disease Fighter
A nuisance tree in Missouri may yield a new MRSA treatment
A team of scientists from disparate disciplines at the University of Missouri have found preliminary evidence that a compound from a nuisance tree that hinders farming could be a new anti-microbial agent effective against a dangerous infection plaguing hospitals.
Greater Yields, Fewer Emissions
New farming method reduces nitrous oxide greenhouse gases
Can farmers reduce a gas thought to contribute to global warming and increase production simply by adopting a new tillage practice? A research agronomist at the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources thinks he has found the way.
Feeling the Burn
MU Tiger Fire Crew gives students prairie burn experience
John Dwyer, associate professor in forestry, thinks this experience is crucial in developing a resume for potential fire management positions within different federal and state agencies. “I think the Tiger Fire Crew can play an integral role in helping our students realize their full potential in fire management,” he said.
Getting the Lead Out
A military surveillance system helps find heavy metal contamination
Almost 200 years of lead mining and smelting in southeastern Missouri has left a contamination legacy that is still largely unmeasured. To accurately quantify the environmental impact, a team of University of Missouri resource assessment experts and state and federal agencies is using a high-tech military search tool to quickly and cheaply find the pollution.
Mission to Vietnam
MU Fulbright Scholar will help country develop its ecotourism potential
Mark Morgan, associate professor in the University of Missouri School of Natural Resources’ Parks, Recreation and Tourism program, has been selected as a Fulbright Scholar to teach a semester atVietnam National University and organize a study of one of the country’s national parks. “I’ll teach a graduate class in research methodology,” Morgan said. “The primary class assignment will be to conduct a visitor survey atCuc…
The Cottonwood Solution
MU agroforestry 'flood lab' research shows how trees can substitute for crops in flood-prone areas
Cottonwoods are among the fastest growing trees in North America and mature in as little as two years. They can be sold for biomass, rough-cut lumber for home framing and high-quality lumber for cabinets. Their short and fine cellulose fibers also make them an excellent paper source. Extracts from their fragrant buds are used in perfumes and cosmetics.
Who Are the Tornado Tourists?
A research study seeks to understand a small but growing tourism niche
Like big game hunting guides giving tourists a glimpse of African lions, a growing group of commercial storm chasing companies are providing people from all over the world a close look at tornadoes. Gaining in popularity since the movie Twister in 1996, these tours have become a regular part of Tornado Alley, following super cell storms and hoping to see a tornado.
Saving the Bats
A natural resources student gets caught up in a deadly bat disease that has come to Missouri
Kathryn Womack’s graduate studies at the University of Missouri School of Natural Resources into the habitats of bats is quickly going from an academic pursuit to one that may play a role in saving the nocturnal creatures from an epidemic.