008 - NatSci News Rewind February 2020 Transcript

You're listening to NatSci News Rewind a podcast that looks back at the monthly news headlines in the world of NatSci. Let's take a look back at the news for the month of February, 2020.

The state of the wetlands: MSU scientists improve models of amphibian biodiversity in the nation's capital
Two MSU integrative biologists – Elise Zipkin, assistant professor, and Alex Wright, a fourth year Ph.D. student – are developing statistical models to understand why the vital signs of amphibian's in 11 national parks in and around Washington, D.C., have been declining over the past 10-15 years.

NatSci's Huey-Wen Lin named a Cottrell Scholar
MSU high-energy particle physicist Huey-Wen Lin has been named a Research Corporation for Science Advancement 2020 Cottrell Scholar. Lin was selected for her research project, "Unveiling the Three-Dimensional Structure of Nucleons."

MSU's Beronda Montgomery recognized as one of the 100 most inspiring black scientists in America
Beronda Montgomery, MSU Foundation Professor, was listed as one of 100 inspiring black scientists in America by CrossTalk, the official blog of Cell Press, a leading publisher of cutting-edge biomedical and physical science research and reviews.

The curious case of the disappearing snakes
A Michigan State University- and University of Maryland-led study featured on the cover of this week’s Science journal should sound alarm bells regarding the “biodiversity crisis” or the loss of wildlife around the world.

MSU Chemistry Club wins the 2020 Battle of the Chemistry Clubs competition
Michigan State University’s Chemistry Club took first place the 13th annual Battle of the Chemistry Clubs (BCC) competition held February 1 on the MSU campus.

NatSci's Kendra Pyle and Marjorie Weber recognized with Excellence in Diversity awards
The Michigan State University Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives has awarded Excellence in Diversity Awards to two individuals from the College of Natural Science – plant biologist Marjorie Weber and academic advisor Kendra Pyle for their outstanding efforts to increase diversity, equity and inclusion in NatSci and at MSU.

Illuminating research at MSU reveals genes responsible for healthy gut development in zebrafish
Like a string of bonfires at night, orange, red and yellow lights connected by delicate, neon-green filaments illuminated the the front cover of a recent issue of Developmental Biology. The photo captures a moment in the neuronal development of two zebrafish embryos in a study led by MSU integrative biologist Julia Ganz.

Five NatSci faculty members, graduate students honored at MSU All-University Awards Convocation
Five MSU College of Natural Science faculty members and graduate students were honored at the 2019-2020 All-University Awards Convocation on Tuesday, Feb. 4. The awards recognize outstanding contributions to education and research.

And that will wrap up the rewind for the month of February, 2020. To read more about these stories, head on over to our website at natsci.msu.edu/news. You can also stay up to date by following us on social. You can find us on Twitter @msu_natsci, on Facebook @MSUCNS, and on Instagram @msunatsci. Thanks for tuning in and be sure to check us out next month.