Biologica: Where Humans and Animals Meet

The Secrets of Snowmass Wildlife

Join Dr. Susan for a field episode at Snowmass Ski Resort in the White River National Forest to explore the plants, animals, and adaptations of winter in the Colorado Rockies. Discover the hidden secrets of the natural world behind the busy ski resort.
     The episode features interviews with student Mary Michael, Lillian Bell of the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies, a naturalist-led mountain tour, and more. Discover the unique partnership of ACES and the ski resort, and enjoy this snowy science adventure!
*A donation was made to the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies: https://aspennature.org/
 
ps the state flower guess was correct! 

Hammy’s Story: a Journey from Cage to Companion

Dr. Susan interviews journalist Melanie D.G. Kaplan about her adopted research beagle Hammy, discussing his journey from a research kennel to a loving home.
His story, in the context of an in-depth exploration of animal research, is described by Kaplan in her book Lab Dog: A Beagle and His Human Investigate the Surprising World of Animal Research.
The episode examines the largely hidden world of canine research, ethical questions, and hope for making improvements. It also highlights a recent book event featuring the author, a regional shelter director, and rescued lab beagles.
 
*Where to order a signed book copy:
https://www.capitolhillbooks-dc.com/advSearchResults.php?action=search&orderBy=relevance&category_id=0&keywordsField=lab+dog
 
*Learn more: Melanie DG Kaplan webpage: melaniedgkaplan.com
 
 
Ann Cottrell Free information: http://www.anncottrellfree.org/
 
News article about Envigo beagle rescue (mentioned in the episode interview): https://abcnews.go.com/amp/US/4000-beagles-now-rescued-breeding-facility-federal-investigation/story
 
Research article featured in episode: : https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sherry-Ward/publication/360358226_Dog_as_the_experimental_model_Laboratory_uses_of_dogs_in_the_United_States/links/642da91620f25554da0ff5e2/Dog-as-the-experimental-model-Laboratory-uses-of-dogs-in-the-United-States.pdf

Frost & Feathers: Backyard Chickens in Winter

How do backyard chickens fare when it's negative 15 out there? Dr. Susan explores both the human and the chicken experience with backyard chicken flocks in wintertime, with interviews, snowy flock visits, and expert tips. Guests include author of The Fresh Eggs Daily Cookbook and "Queen of the Coop" Lisa Steele, as well as friends in Maine who take care of chickens at home and work. Together, the guests and Dr. Susan share practical advice, fun anecdotes, and a vet’s perspective on frostbite, egg cycles, and more. This episode mixes hands‑on care guidance (coop ventilation, bedding, water solutions, and nutrition), personal stories, and literary excerpts, highlighting how chickens adapt to cold, why egg production dips in winter, and how keepers can support healthy flocks. Whether you keep a backyard flock yourself or are just chicken-curious, there's a little something for everyone in this episode.
Learn more:
Learn about Lisa Steele and her wonderful book, The Fresh Eggs Daily Cookbook:
https://www.fresheggsdaily.blog/
 
See Lisa's photos of her hens here: https://www.instagram.com/fresheggsdaily?igsh=cDBwN3c5cnIzanlx
 
Vaughan Woods and Historic Homestead: https://vaughanhomestead.org/
 
Article on cold-hardy breeds: https://thehomesteadingrd.com/winter-hardy-chickens/

Shells, Spirals, and Survival: exploring mollusk shell diversity

Join Dr. Susan in exploring beaches in Southwest Florida, searching for shells and discussing shell diversity with world-renowned scientist Dr. Geerat Vermeij. Dr. Vermeij has won numerous awards, published over 200 scientific articles in leading journals, and has written five books about mollusks, their shells, and more. Talking with Dr. Susan, he traces his lifelong fascination with mollusk shells, from childhood explorations to cutting edge research. He delves into 530+ million years of shell evolution and the drivers of how they look today. He and Dr. Susan both share a fascination with and appreciation for the aesthetic beauty and diversity of mollusk shells. In addition to the interview, we will go beach combing in Florida, talk about shelling with Dr. Susan’s daughter, and hear some excerpts from poetry and literature. Come discover the wonder of seashells! 
Learn more:
Geerat Vermeij:
https://eps.ucdavis.edu/people/faculty/vermeij
 
The Shape of Life nature documentary – “Geerat Vermeij, evolutionary biologist – reading a shell”:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qC5medN9zZs
 
Privileged hands: a scientific life by Geerat Vermeij
https://books.google.com/books?id=lp7eUMPBjP0C&printsec=frontcover&dq=Geerat+vermeij&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&source=gb_mobile_search&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjRw5bd7veRAxUyLlkFHdl2AVcQ6AF6BAgJEAM#v=onepage&q=Geerat%20vermeij&f=false
 
The Evolution of Power, by Geerat Vermeij:
The Evolution of Power - Google Books
 
Nacreous layer - Scanning Electron Microscope images of shell structure:
Typical SEM images of (a) a golden pearl and the corresponding (b, c)... | Download Scientific Diagram
Older source, but interesting SEM photos of nacre:
Tech from Nature: Ceramics Mimic Mother-of-Pearl | Live Science
 
Jazz musician playing music on conch shells (as featured in the episode):
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fkuq6prZHoA&list=RDfkuq6prZHoA&start_radio=1&pp=ygUTSmF6eiBvbiBjb25jaCBzamVsbKAHAQ%3D%3D
Note – some of the seashell names mentioned in the beach combing outings are local nicknames.

Tracks in the Snow: Changing winters and wildlife ecology

Host Dr. Susan explores winter ecology, featuring an interview with Dr. Alex Sutton on defining winter, its ecological importance, and how climate change is altering winter patterns for wildlife.
The episode also includes readings from Bernd Heinrich and Thoreau, summaries of studies on snow cover, and snowy field explorations in Maine, tracking wildlife activity and pond life during winter. With Solstice just past, curl up in a cozy spot and explore the evolving winter ecosystem.

Nature Spies: photographers in the wild

Get behind the lens and look at nature with a different perspective as Dr. Susan interviews three passionate nature and wildlife photographers. Each shares their different views on getting out in the wild with a camera – how they got interested, what motivates them, and favorite experiences. Enjoy the stories and perhaps even get inspired to get out there yourself.
Interviews and where to find the interviewees' photographs:
*Carl Walsh https://www.carlwalshphoto.com/ Instagram cwalsh63
*Tim Greenway https://timgreenway.com/ Instagram: tim_greenway17
*Darcy Baird www.facebook.com/mooseheadimages/
Instagram: @mooseheadimages
Coming soon- https://mooseheadimages.com/
 
*Learn more about responsible wildlife and nature photography here: https://nanpa.org/

North America’s History of Turkey Domestication

Just in time to listen in on your drive to Grandma’s house for Turkey Day (or even to Friendsgiving for Tofurkey), join Dr. Susan to learn all about domestic turkeys. Dr. Erin Thornton (an Archaeologist from Washington State University) explains the surprising discoveries that archaeological bones and ancient DNA reveal about the domestic turkey. Dr. Susan also weaves in some interviews with friends and family about turkey at Thanksgiving dinner, and bridges the gap from ancient history to now with some stories gleaned from the book The Turkey- an American Story. Two research highlights, a poem, and some fun samples from modern media will round out the episode. It’s a great episode to enjoy over the Thanksgiving holiday or to share with friends and family.
Learn more- find lots of interesting information on the website for Dr. Erin Thornton: https://anthro.wsu.edu/faculty-and-staff/erin-thornton/
(Note – the episode cover image is not meant to be scientifically or culturally, accurate, but more to be a symbolic representation of the topic)

Turkey Talk: Wild Turkey Biology

Host Dr. Susan explores wild turkeys, blending field observations with expert interviews to reveal their behavior, population trends, and close ties to the hunting community.
The episode features a conversation with a wild turkey biologist, a discussion with a female turkey hunter about her family tradition, and reflections on conservation challenges.
Note: the next episode (in two weeks) will be Part 2 on turkeys, about the domestication and cultural role of turkeys.
*Featured interview: Dr. Michael Chamberlain, known as the Wild Turkey Doc, from the University of Georgia; Dr. Chaberlain is a leading expert in wild turkey biology.
Find out more –
https://wildturkeylab.com/
Content note – this episode features descriptions of turkey hunting, and male turkeys fighting. It also includes a traditional country song with a very light swearword.

City Slickers: Squirrels and Urban Ecology

Join Dr. Susan as she leaps among a few different branches of topics related to squirrels and their biology: urban ecology, squirrel behavior, even an interesting discussion about improving accessibility in field biology. Hear about how squirrels in cities differ from country squirrels, hear a tale about an incredible swimming squirrel, interview folks about their feelings about squirrels, and more. We share our parks, cities, and yards with these close neighbors. Jump into this topic, learn more, and think about - or even challenge - your own feelings about squirrels.
*Expert Interview - Charlotte Devitz, Urban ecology researcher at University of Minnesota
Learn more at this link: https://www.bellmuseum.umn.edu/grad-awards/2021-graduate-award-and-fellowship-recipients/charlotte-devitz/

The Intelligence of Ravens

Dr. Susan explores the world of ravens and the humans that are fascinated by them— their acrobatic flight, intelligence, and close ties with humans. She interviews Dr. Thomas Bugnyar about raven social intelligence and communication.
The episode also highlights two of Dr. Bugnar’s studies, shares a personal raven sighting, and finishes with a full reading of Edgar Allan Poe’s "The Raven."
 
*Interview: Dr. Thomas Bugnyar, Professor in Dept. of Behavioral and Cognitive Biology at the University of Vienna
 
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