Using a material originally developed as a bioluminescent algae-powered biosensor, biodesigner Chris Bellamy, scientist Nicho Schramma, and fashion icon Iris van Herpen created a living textile that reacts to touch.

“That trail of tiny footprints, indiscernible to the naked eye, is remarkably effective at protecting the tree from pathogens and pests. That makes ants a legion of unlikely warriors—one humans should consider enlisting in the fight to grow food in a warming world.”

Thanks, Ryan! Just trying to find words that cut through some of confusion and chaos for myself. Glad to hear they’re resonating 🙂

A healthy scientific ecosystem answers questions of all kinds for people of all identities in order to unravel the complexities of our biology. Unfortunately, attempts to suppress, censor, or erase rigorous, well-designed research only serve to suppress, censor, and erase the needs of real people.

As we continue to advocate for a well-funded, well-rounded, rigorous US research and regulatory ecosystem, I thought about how messy biology is and this sentiment came to mind:

As I was rounding up some of this news, it all felt a bit silly, like there were bigger, more existential, more important issues to focus on. But sharing good work is part of supporting science in general! And these talented scientists deserve their flowers 💐