Army ants use collective intelligence to build bridges. Robots could learn from them As army ants travel over uneven terrain, they link their bodies together to create bridges — a system that might give engineers insight into controlling robotic swarms. Kai McNamee Play AudioListen 3 mins
Can we grow veggies on Mars? Fly larvae and synthetic soil may hold the answer A Texas undergrad is investigating how to grow vegetables on Mars — and has cultivated test samples of English peas in simulated Martian soil, with fertilizer from fly larvae. Mallory Yu Play AudioListen 3 mins
Former UW Medicine fertility doctor accused of using his sperm to inseminate California patient UW Medicine notified IVF patients that a former physician is facing allegations he artificially inseminated a patient with his own sperm. Diana Opong
New infection-resistant, 3-D printed metal implants and the science power couple behind them More than 100,000 patients with metal joint replacement implants get infections a year, and about half of them will need revision surgeries. These infections can be life threatening. A new infection resistant, 3-D printed metal alloy implant could drastically reduce this number. Natalie Akane Newcomb
Deadly heat waves to be more frequent, intense New research shows stronger heat domes could happen more often as the climate changes. Courtney Flatt
Scientists sequence Oregon whitebark pine genome to help the threatened trees One tree in Central Oregon has helped protect iconic whitebark pine trees across the West. Scientists have sequenced the threatened tree’s genome, which helps plant more resilient trees faster. Courtney Flatt
Woolly dogs once provided fleece for Coast Salish tribes. What happened to them? Outside of alpacas, woolly dogs were one of the few indigenous animals providing wool in the Americas. And for centuries, woolly dogs were at the center of tribal life throughout the Coast Salish world. Since the 19th century, however, these dogs are considered extinct. Today, a resurfaced specimen at the Smithsonian Institution is helping broaden the scientific and tribal understanding of the woolly dog's genetics and role in Coast Salish life. Libby Denkmann Alec Cowan Play AudioListen 25 mins
A Very Paranormal Swamp Family Reunion Is there an Oscar nomination for longest film? Did my revenant relative start a jam sesh? Is the Supreme Court giving itself a little too much power? Did a self described Ufologist discover aliens??? Maybe. Lindy West Meagan Hatcher-Mays
Pollution causing problems for nighttime pollinators Car exhaust at night is drowning out flower scents – a big problem for little insects. That’s according to a new study from the University of Washington. Courtney Flatt
Study: As the climate changes, the desert Tri-Cities is actually getting cooler A new study has found – when it comes to climate change – Washington’s Tri-Cities is facing the opposite situation as many large cities. Courtney Flatt
