biology

Study clears way for new approaches to plant disease

By Eric Sorensen, WSU science writer PULLMAN, Wash. – A Washington State University biologist has found what he calls “very strong support” for an 86-year-old hypothesis about how nutrients move through plants. His two-decade analysis of the phenomenon has resulted in a suite of techniques that can ultimately be used to fight plant diseases and […]

April 30: Outdoor science activities planned for all ages

PULLMAN, Wash. – Bird banding, plant identification and wild yeast collection for home bakers and brewers are some of the activities that will be hosted free to the public at the fourth annual Outdoor Fun Day 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 30, at Virgil Phillips Farm, five miles north of Moscow, Idaho, on Highway 95.

Ask Dr. Universe: What are fingernails made of?

PULLMAN, Wash. – My claws can come in quite handy when I need to scratch my ears or climb trees. I bet you’ve found that your own fingernails can be useful tools, too. Perhaps you’ve used them to pick up a penny or peel an orange.

WSU Tri-Cities students learn to repurpose wine waste

By Maegan Murray, WSU Tri-Cities RICHLAND, Wash. – Students in linked biology and chemistry courses worked with the Wine Science Center this semester to test “recipes” for composting wine pomace – the grape skins, stems and seeds left over from winemaking. The Washington State University Tri-Cities classes will assess and compare results in the next […]

April 25: Grad students host community outdoor science day

PULLMAN, Wash. – Amphibian catch-and-release, nature hikes and wild yeast collection for bakers and brewers are just some of the activities planned at the free Palouse Outdoor Science Day 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at Virgil Phillips Farm Park, 5 miles north of Moscow, Idaho on Highway 95.