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Who's wild for Wile E.? 'Coyote vs. Acme' is finally here
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The Literacy Crisis Reaches Dog-Bear Science
“New analysis of more than 300 bear encounters suggests our canine companions often increase odds of conflict and rarely serve as early warning systems many recreationists assume,” reads a subhead in Mountain Journal. The thing is, that study reaches no such conclusion. But you have to read beyond the abstract to understand that. Mountain Journal is not alone. Let’s look at a brief list of takeaways published elsewhere just to establish that none of them seem to know how to read science. Wes Siler’s Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe Here’s CBC: “A new peer-reviewed study, The Canine Conundrum: Is a Dog a Help or Hindrance in Bear Country?, dug into conflicts similar to what the video depicts, by analyzing 326 reported human-bear conflicts from 1901 to 2023 involving dogs.” “The study found 54 per cent of conflicts were started by dogs. In the encounters researchers included in the study, five people and 56 dogs were killed, and 170 people were injured.” “Lana Ciarniello, an independent researcher who co-authored the study, said researchers found when a person goes hiking with at least one other person, the odds of a negative bear encounter decrease by 50 per cent.” “However, when a dog is involved, the chances of a negative bear encounter increase because ‘a dog really adds a chaotic factor into the mix of recreation,’ said Ciarniello.” Again, the study finds no data supporting that conclusion. “Hiking with your pet dog may make you feel safer in bear country—but a hiker’s recent encounter and a new study prove that the numbers don’t add up,” writes Backpacker, which is now part of Outside. The numbers don’t add up to support this take. There’s plenty more examples, but all are equally dumb, so I’ll stop there. How did so many people get this so wrong? Three reasons: 1) the study is published behind a paywall, with only the abstract freely available. 2) the methodology sets out to create work relevant to a hyper-specific audience, not the public. And 3) the dataset studied is almost absurdly limited and doesn’t bear (get it?!) comparison to wider information. Let’s work through all three. The Problem is Money I understand the irony, since I’m writing about this on a subscription-model newsletter, but information wants to be free. The study is published by The Wildlife Society and costs $16 to access. Reprinting it is specifically prohibited by the terms of use, so I can only share snippets and my conclusions with you here. Having worked as a journalist for 24 years, I can report with some authority that journalists are both lazy and cheap. I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that much of the material you’re seeing written about this study is drawn from the freely-available abstract (above) only, and not a deep dive into its methodology or data. And that’s a problem, because abstracts are where researchers are able to break from their numbers and editorialize their opinions about conclusions. So what’s getting reported isn’t based on numbers, it’s based on an opinion designed for a specific audience, not the general public. Hell yeah ladies, kick that bear’s ass. The Methodology is Designed to Support a Predetermined Conclusion One of the biggest issues with the science that everyone likes to cite about bear spray’s efficacy is that no one understands that study was designed for a specific audience, looking for a specific answer. And since that audience is not the public, and our safety was not the question being asked, its conclusion is rendered irrelevant to our needs. Yes, I’m talking about Efficacy of Bear Deterrent Spray in Alaska, which was created by Tom Smith and Stephen Herrero, two of the same scientists who put together this dog-bear conflict analysis. In the spray study, the purpose was to present relevant agencies with the information they needed to issue their field workers with bear spray. As such, incidents where people were unable to access the spray or similarly failed to get it deployed in time were excluded from the results, and only incidents they deemed successful were included. Could a ranger roll down their vehicle’s window and scare a bear away from a dumpster by spraying it? Turns out the answer was yes, and that was good enough for the purposes of that study. The sample size of actual bear attacks—the thing you and I would want bear spray to provide a solution to, was too small to draw conclusions from, and didn’t indicate success in that role. Is a Dog a Help or Hindrance in Bear Country? has similar limitations. “Insights provided here are intended to help wildlife managers create effective guidelines regarding the presence of domestic dogs in bear habitat,” is explained clearly by the study’s text. To conduct the study, Smith and Herrero went looking for publicly available reports of dog-bear conflicts: “All incidents included in our analysis involved at least one bear, one dog, and one person who was at immediate risk of injury (e.g., not in a protective structure such as a cabin or vehicle), injured, or killed,” explains the report’s methodology. Why is that a problem? “We recognize that data used in this study are biased in that people generally only report adverse interactions with bears, not benign ones. Consequently, we assume that for the most part, people and their dogs pass through bear country without incident.” As was the problem with the bear spray study, people are drawing conclusions here from a study that was never intended to be relevant to the general public. The Smith-Herrero database famously excludes Alaska’s Defense of Life and Property records, which are elsewhere considered the largest and most authoritative source on human-bear conflict. The Dataset is Absurdly Limited A 2009 study conducted by the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife estimates that each year there are at least 43,000 documented complaints of human-bear conflict across North America. Is a Dog a Help or Hindrance in Bear Country? Examined those reports for years ranging from 1901 to 2023, and only managed to find 326 such incidents that met the criteria explained above. Let’s do some quick math, poorly. 43,000 incidents x 122 years = 5,246,000 total incidents of documented human-bear conflict. Smith and Herrero were only able to find 326 incidents that met their criteria for dog+human+bear+risk or occurrence of injury. That means there’s a 0.006 percent chance that the study’s conclusion—that dogs make bear encounters more dangerous—even gets a chance of occurring. And remember, that’s only in documented conflicts. There’s no way to know how many people across North America run into a bear in any given year without any conflict, but it’s probably safe to assume that the total number is well in excess of 43,000. And, dig deeper into the study and you can find further restrictions that skew its conclusions even more. “While the people involved in these incidents did not report the level of training their dogs had received, it is our assumption that most were untrained companion dogs as opposed to well-trained bear dogs, such as Karelians and livestock guardian breeds that have proven to be significant aids in bear country,” the study’s methodology explains. And that’s a problem, because an ongoing study here in Montana is finding that the simple presence of a Kangal like our youngest dog Teddy can reduce visits to private property from grizzly bears by 87.8 percent. In addition to being a badass, Teddy is also a companion animal. And in my admittedly limited sample size of the three dogs currently present in our living room, she’s no more effective than her mutt brothers. Plenty of people own a dog capable of deterring bears, even if they didn’t set out to own a bear dog. The real purpose of this study appears to be a recommendation that leashes are mandated and recreationists pursue training in their deterrent of choice. But that doesn’t make for sensational headlines. Are There Any Real Takeaways Here? Let’s throw some numbers around, just to try and get our hands around what the larger picture might look like for bears and dogs here. The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that 42.6 percent of American households own a dog. The Canadian Animal Health Institute says roughly 35 percent of households in Canuckistan own a dog. In an attempt to create the worst possible result for dogs, let’s run with that 35 percent number. And given that outdoorsy and rural people are more likely to both own a dog, and have bear encounters, let’s just make a giant assumption and apply that number to those 43,000 conflicts documented annually. If 35 percent of 43,000 human-bear encounters involve a dog, then we can assume that at least 15,050 dog-bear conflicts are occurring annually in North America. 15,050 x 122 = 1,836,100. Smith and Herrero were only able to find 326 incidents that met their human, dog, chance or occurrence of injury criteria across 122 years. And only 170 documented human injuries. So, with all the obvious caveats about these numbers in no way describing reality beyond narrow study parameters, what they actually found is that your risk of injury if your dog tangles with a bear is only 0.009 percent. I’ll take those odds next time I’m hiking my dogs in bear country. Top photo: “Superintendent Horace Albright, eating pancakes with bears, at Lake Lodge, Yellowstone National Park.” NPS. A journalist with more than two decades of experience working around the world, Wes Siler is here to cut through the outrage and disinformation to bring you the factual, insightful, actionable reporting you need to understand what’s going on. Upgrading to a paid subscription supports this reporting, and buys personal access to Wes, who will help you save money on gear, plan outdoor adventures, and prepare for real life, and who promises he’s less salty in real life than he sometimes comes across as on the Internet. Wes Siler’s Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe
CD Projekt Red Enlisted Modder to Help Make The Witcher 3 Look Better Than Ever in New Remaster
CD Projekt Red enlisted the help of a modder to help make the newly revealed The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Remastered look better than ever.
Samsung's Wild New Odyssey Lineup Includes A 1,100Hz Gaming Monitor
Also shown off was the 49-inch Odyssey OLED G9.
Phillies news: Philadelphia may get big pitching boost before playoffs
The Philadelphia Phillies are competing for a National League Wild Card spot. Left-handed relief pitcher Tanner Banks is currently out with a left forearm strain , however. Banks has not pitched since early July because of the injury but is expected to return in “mid-to-late September” according to MLB.com. Banks began his rehab assignment on […] The post Phillies news: Philadelphia may get big pitching boost before playoffs appeared first on ClutchPoints.
Connor Bedard Predicted to Be Named Next Blackhawks Captain
Chicago Blackhawks superstar Connor Bedard is being predicted to be named the next captain of the historic NHL franchise.Chicago has been without a captain since Nick Foligno was traded to the Minnesota Wild at this past season’s trade deadline.With the 2026-27 NHL season set to start in about a month, the Blackhawks will need to […] The post Connor Bedard Predicted to Be Named Next Blackhawks Captain appeared first on HEAVY.
The Witcher 3 Remastered features community-made mods, modder speaks about working with CD Projekt Red
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Remastered will incorporate community-made mods…
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Songs of the Past Preview: Coming Out
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Songs of the Past (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC) Preview: We get an extended look at the newly announced expansion for The
2026 Flathead Valley Fall Sports Preview
After a 2025 fall season filled with individual and team state championships, several Flathead Valley athletes will be on the title defense, while others will make a push to reach the mountain top of Montana high school sports after falling one win short a season ago. The Glacier Wolfpack and Columbia Falls Wildkats saw their […]
The iPhone Ultra surfaced in a gorgeous new Red color, but there's a wild twist
Is the iPhone Ultra also getting a hero color like the iPhone 18 Pro? Here's the truth.
2026 Hardee’s Friday Night Blitz Preview Tour: Dan River Wildcats
ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) — Here’s a preview of the 2026 Dan River Wildcats. Head Coach: Micah Knight (3rd Season) Last Season: 5-6….Lost at Gretna in Region 2C Quarterfinals 2026 Schedule August 28th – vs. Tunstall September 4th – vs. Halifax County September 11th – at Bassett September 18th – at Martinsville September 25th – vs. […]
Idaho high schoolers learn to lead campus mental health efforts at Boise State summit
KBOI-TV CBS 2 covers news, sports, traffic, and weather in the Treasure Valley and Boise, Idaho and nearby communities, including Meridian, Nampa, Garden City, Caldwell, Kuna, Middleton, Eagle, Mountain Home, Star, Melba, Payette, Weiser, Horseshoe Bend, Idaho City, Marsing, Homedale, Parma, New Plymouth, Murphy, Fruitland, Emmett, Wilder, Notus, McCall, Cascade, Donnelly, Council, and Vale, Oregon, and Nyssa, Oregon, Ontario, Oregon.
SEC Championship odds: The favorites, wildcards and more
Who will come out on top? Here’s what the oddsmakers say.
Minnesota Wild Still Heavily Pursuing Dylan Larkin
The conclusion of the Detroit Red Wings Dylan Larkin saga has taken longer than anticipated as NHL training camp draws near and yet the captain still remains with his squad after requesting a trade earlier in the summer. Perhaps, this is a move that will not take place until Detroit finds a new GM to […] The post Minnesota Wild Still Heavily Pursuing Dylan Larkin appeared first on HEAVY.
Stan Wawrinka Finally Gets His US Open Farewell
Swiss tennis legend Stan Wawrinka will get his final Grand Slam bow at Flushing Meadows after all. The three-time major champion and 2016 US Open winner has been awarded a men's singles main draw wild card for the 2026 US Open, the USTA confirmed, after Patrick Kypson withdrew from the tournament with an injury. It …
A field guide for the Wild West of AI-assisted environmental science
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara's National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS) are blazing a trail through the Wild West of AI-assisted science, with a field guide aimed at environmental ...
Washington business owner buys fire engine to defend community from wildfire threat
With wildfires raging across Washington and smoke forcing the closure of a popular lake for the first time in history, one local business owner has taken wildfire defense into his own hands — by buying a used fire engine.
Daniel Lubetzky's 3 steps to turn a wild idea into a viable business
Kind Snacks founder and "Shark Tank" star Daniel Lubetzky says the best business ideas often begin by sounding ridiculous.
Fire haze threatens health of millions in Indonesia, ministry warns
Millions of Indonesians risk health complications from exposure to thick haze covering several cities and towns, officials said Wednesday, as El Nino-fuelled wildfires wreak havoc on Borneo and Sumatr...
Geralt Returns in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — Songs of the Past and Remastered
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Remastered launches September 29 with an array of improvements and modernizations. New expansion Songs of the Past is coming in 2027.
D&D Action Game Shows Off A Bunch Of Cool Powers
Warlock is an upcoming third-person action RPG that appears to be filled with wild magic
A field guide for the Wild West of AI-assisted science
Researchers at UCSB's National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis develop a set of practice guidelines for environmental data scientists who use generative AI
Wawrinka 'grateful' despite no US Open wildcard
Stan Wawrinka says his US Open triumph will "forever be one of the greatest moments of my life" after missing out on a wildcard for a farewell appearance in New York.
Fact check: Trump keeps making stuff up about Canada
President Donald Trump’s criticism of the US neighbor has been filled with lies – a remarkable variety of assertions that either wildly distort a kernel of truth or are just made up.
Josh Hart on Sixers adding LeBron James and Jaylen Brown and if Philly is a sports town
Former Villanova Wildcat and NBA Champion Josh Hart joins John Clark to share his thoughts on the Sixers added LeBron James and Jaylen Brown.
3 Ways Scientists Can Help Hold Major Polluters Accountable Under the Trump Administration
The impacts of climate change have been on full display this Danger Season, from record-breaking heatwaves to devastating wildfires, making evident the urgent need for accountability for the harms caused by supercharged extreme events and long-term changes. These harms have been inescapable across the western US, particularly when it comes to water. As fossil-fueled climate […]
The Yen's Wild Ride Is A Reminder That Currency Risk Is Business Risk
The U.S. bought yen for the first time since 1998. For small importers, currency swings and Japan’s energy costs can hit margins before prices ever change.
Right-to-hunt ballot measure’s a cruel, anti-wildlife solution to a nonexistent problem
By Eric Washburn I love to hunt. Every year I try to hunt big game in Colorado and waterfowl in Louisiana. This year, I applied for five Colorado big game licenses — elk, deer, pronghorn, moose and bighorn sheep. I drew a moose tag and an elk tag and will be chasing them around northwest […]
The Witcher 4 Gets 2028 Release Window but No Gamescom Gameplay Preview
It's now been over a year since CD Projekt Red, the game studio behind the Witcher franchise, revealed that The Witcher 4 would likely launch "after 2026." Now, in a recent announcement, CD Projekt Red revealed that it would be showing off The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt—Songs of the Past at Gamescom...
There is still some unsettled business in the NHL offseason: Red Wings GM, Dylan Larkin, Connor Hellebuyck, Adam Fantilli and more
The start of the 2026-27 NHL season is a little more than a month away, and there are still a few big storylines that still need to be settled around the league. Let’s talk about some of them… 1. The Detroit Red Wings still need a general manager, and that person has to figure out what to do with Dylan Larkin The Red Wings are definitely not the worst team in the league, but this is still a pretty chaotic situation where things are looking quite grim from the outside. They have not really done much to meaningfully improve a roster that has proven time and time again it is not good enough to make the playoffs or be a contender. They still have $19 million in unused salary cap space. The Yzer-plan has officially come to an end with general manager Steve Yzerman being moved elsewhere in the organization, while ownership seems to be taking its sweet time finding a replacement. One of their top young players, defenseman Simon Edvinsson, remains unsigned as a restricted free agent and has nobody to negotiate a new contract with at the moment. The longer that drags out into training camp, the worse that is going to be for the team, himself and his development. They still have the Dylan Larkin situation lingering over everything as their captain, longest-tenured player, and one of their best players has a trade request that has yet to be fulfilled. The entire situation is also on hold until a new general manager comes in and figures out what to do with Larkin and whether or not his request will be honored. But the latter point brings up another potential question and issue: What if a new general manager comes in and is able to convince Larkin to stay in Detroit? Is that beyond the realm of possibility? Is it really a stretch to think that Larkin’s issue was more of an Yzerman issue than a Red Wings issue? While Larkin has never said anything specifically about his relationship with Yzerman, it’s pretty clear that he did not share the vision for the franchise, or the way the team was being run and constructed. Now that somebody else is going to be running the show, there might be a door for Larkin to walk back in through. Even that brings its own set of potentially chaotic outcomes and questions, ranging from whether or not the Red Wings locker room will welcome him back as their captain, to whether or not the fan-base will be willing to do the same. I imagine the former will be a far easier sell than the latter, and even then nothing cures issues in professional sports quite like winning. They just need to find somebody that can actually turn them back into winners. For now, and based on everything we know, Larkin’s trade request still stands, and still includes just four teams he is willing to accept a trade to, including the Vegas Golden Knights, Minnesota Wild, Florida Panthers and Dallas Stars. Minnesota remains the best potential fit from a hockey and positional standpoint, but the Wild simply do not have the type of trade assets or young talent that should interest the Red Wings. None of the other three teams seem to be in any better of a situation. Nothing about this seems fun for the Red Wings. 2. Will Connor Hellebuyck be a Winnipeg Jet this season? Subscribe
Arizona Diamondbacks Get New Ketel Marte Update During Cubs Series
The Arizona Diamondbacks are set to begin a three-game set with the Chicago Cubs this week, and it’s a big series for the Dbacks with NL Wild Card implications on the line. Arizona is still in the thick of things in the NL playoff picture, despite the ongoing saga surrounding star infielder Ketel Marte, who […] The post Arizona Diamondbacks Get New Ketel Marte Update During Cubs Series appeared first on HEAVY.
Aidan Chiles Has Chance to Transform Northwestern’s Offense in 2026
Aidan Chiles has officially been named Northwestern’s starting quarterback, and expectations are high as he looks to help transform the Wildcats’ offense under Chip Kelly.
Staffing business operating out of Vegas, Reno helping displaced employees of Hawk Fire
A wildfire that started Saturday is still blazing, threatening Reno and forcing tens of thousands of people to evacuate.Gov. Joe Lombardo has declared a state o
Newsom returns to a defining California fight: Who pays for wildfire damage?
California Gov. Gavin Newsom is asking state lawmakers to shield utilities from financial trouble if their equipment sparks a wildfire by limiting the amount they have to pay victims and attorneys.
Do not eat wild mushrooms, says Summit County Public Health
With the damp weather rolling in, Summit County Public Health (SCPH) reminds the community about wild mushrooms popping up in yards.
Nevada is one of the worst places to live in the country, study finds
A WalletHub study that looked at multiple factors ranked Nevada 45th out of all the states, largely due to low scores in four main areas: affordability, economy, education and healthcare and safety...
Family entertainment company WildBrain acquires Personality AI
TORONTO — Family entertainment company WildBrain Ltd. has acquired Personality AI, which uses technology to create interactive characters using generative AI.
WVU AI research could transform how scientists monitor ecosystems
With help from artificial intelligence, West Virginia University researchers are speeding up environmental scientists’ access to time-sensitive data about ecosystem health, allowing experts to respond rapidly to events like droughts or wildfires.
Four key ways our warming planet is affecting our health
Heatwaves and extreme weather conditions are damaging our health in several ways, including mosquito-borne disease, drug-resistant bacteria and smoke from wildfires.
How much has the U.S.’s wildlife changed since Lewis and Clark?
Ever wish you could have been part of the Lewis and Clark expedition? Us too. The Corps of Discovery came across scores of plants and animals that were new to Western science: Grizzly bears, ponderosa pines, a “barking squirrel” that William Clark would later call the prairie dog. A modern effort is underway to see how much the country’s wildlife has changed in the 220-some years since their journey. Host Nate Rott tags along with some scientists re-surveying a part of the expedition’s route in western Montana. And he wishes he was in better shape.Interested in more science in the news? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.
The Watch: Parkinson’s Risk Higher Near Dry Cleaners
Chemicals from dry cleaners can break down, contaminate buildings, expose residents…wildfire pollution spreading into waterways…cases of silicosis lung disease likely underestimated…and more
Firefighters’ deaths prompt debate over 100% suppression wildfire strategy
On July 22, 2026, the chief of the U.S. Forest Service testified before a House Agriculture subcommittee that his agency pursues a “full suppression” strategy to contain all fires while they are still small, rather than allowing them to burn for ecological benefits. The testimony from Tom Schultz, the fire chief, came just two days […]
Scientists left this farm field alone. Thousands of orchids appeared
An abandoned farm field became a flourishing wildflower meadow within little more than a decade, with plant diversity doubling and thousands of orchids appearing naturally. The discovery suggests that simply giving nature time to recover could be a powerful and inexpensive tool for restoring biodiversity.
Letter: Apply science, aloha to solve cat problem
Hawaii must address the impact of free-roaming cats on native wildlife, but it must be done humanely and based on science. Simply restricting feeding is not a viable solution; it risks increasing predation on endangered species and ignores the root causes of the problem. Hungry cats do not disappear — they might hunt more, further threatening native wildlife (“Enact law to curb feral cat colonies,” Star-Advertiser, Our View, Aug. 19). That is not a responsible outcome.
Officials warn wildland firefighters about the risks of using a supplement for smoke exposure
Fire and medical officials have issued warnings about a supplement offered to Western wildland firefighters who have been exposed to toxic chemicals.
Forest Health and Wildfire Risk Town Hall on Aug. 27
Join Nevada County agencies and organizations on Aug. 27 to explore forest management tools and strategies for reducing wildfire risk.
Gavin Newsom wants to broker a last-minute wildfire insurance deal
As his time as governor comes to an end, Gavin Newsom is wading back into the same thorny political thicket he found himself in when he was first elected: California’s wildfire liability.
Montana wildlife commission overhauls recommended wolf quota, questioning state-backed science
The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission set a quota of 300 wolves for the 2026-2027 hunting and trapping season, eschewing the recommendation of state biologists while also significantly lowering the number of tags available from last year.
From Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma to Brandon Flowers: your complete entertainment guide to the week ahead
A film-maker’s attempt to reboot a horror movie franchise is derailed by her wild relationship with its former star, and the Killers frontman gets rustic
Reimagining how scientists study the chemistry of the air
Professor Victoria Barber and doctoral student Cooper Crabtree are spearheading Keck Foundation-funded project charting a path toward better understanding atmospheric oxidation. by Álvaro Castillo, UCLA College of Letters and Science From the vantage point of Victoria Barber, a UCLA assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry, understanding the chemical reactions that shape air quality and climate are among the most pressing scientific challenges of our time. And thanks to a recent grant from the W.M. Keck Foundation, she and doctoral student Cooper Crabtree will spearhead a new research project exploring exactly how pollutants form in the atmosphere. Specifically, the project will examine how volatile organic compounds transform through atmospheric oxidation and explore how pollutants, like smog, form in the atmosphere. VOCs are released by sources ranging from trees and wildfires to vehicle exhaust pipes and consumer products such as cologne and perfume. As they undergo atmospheric oxidation, they can transform into a wide range of other compounds. Anyone in Southern California can attest to the urgency of this area of research — for example, in late July of this year, Los Angeles County was under an active ozone pollution advisory for almost a full week. While many people associate ozone with the protective ozone layer high in the stratosphere, ground-level or tropospheric ozone is a harmful secondary pollutant formed through atmospheric oxidation. Understanding how VOCs transform into pollutants like ozone is therefore critical to improving air-quality forecasts and informing strategies to reduce exposure. “My group is focused on trying accelerate our understanding of these networks of reactions so that we can do a better job of predicting how those pollutants form,” Barber said. “When we make decisions about how we might alter emissions, we can understand how that’s going to influence the production of these downstream pollutants.” With support from the W. M. Keck Foundation, Barber and Crabtree are developing new experimental approaches that will combine — and improve — techniques to study hundreds of chemical systems more efficiently than traditional methods allow. Instead of spending years decoding a single VOC, the project seeks to dramatically expand the pace and scale of discovery. The grant comes at a particularly important moment for environmental research. Barber, who joined UCLA in 2023, says funding for climate and air-quality research, especially for early career scientists, has become increasingly difficult to secure, a challenge compounded for ambitious projects that require building entirely new research infrastructure. The Keck Foundation’s support, Barber said, provides the flexibility to pursue bold early-stage, high-risk ideas that may be more difficult to fund using conventional federal funding sources. “It’s really, really hard to do environmental research under the current federal paradigm,” Barber said. “By stepping in and providing stable and flexible funding to explore this new idea, the Keck Foundation is making a huge difference to my research program.” In addition to funding early-career faculty, the Keck Foundation’s support is also focused on empowering graduate students like Crabtree in their scientific growth. The project gives Crabtree the opportunity to help develop an entirely new experimental approach to studying atmospheric chemistry — an experience that will provide him with valuable technical skills, scientific training and preparation for the next stage of his career. Stable funding also allows doctoral students like Crabtree to devote themselves more fully to research rather than balancing their scientific work with additional teaching responsibilities needed to cover funding gaps. “Getting to devote more of my time to research this past school year has greatly improved the pace and quality of our experiments, data analysis and planning for our future work,” said Crabtree, who is pursuing a Ph.D. in chemistry. “I feel very lucky — especially amid the current uncertainty surrounding scientific funding — to be able to continue exploring exciting knowledge gaps in our field and growing as a scientific researcher.” For Barber, mentorship is among the most rewarding and important aspects of her role as a faculty member. “Our jobs as faculty are to do good science and make good scientists,” she said. “I believe the Keck Foundation shares this belief and sees the potential positive impact this project can have.”
Community Invited to Forest Health and Wildfire Risk Town Hall on Aug. 27
Nevada County community members are invited to attend the “Hard Choices in the Woods: Forests, Fire and Herbicide” Town Hall on forest health and vegetation management tools used to reduce
The Riotous and Raunchy New Comedy I've Been Raving About to All of My Friends
The brand-new movie 'Spa Weekend' starring Michelle Buteau, Isla Fisher, Anna Faris and Leslie Mann just hit theaters. Is the comedy as laugh-filled as the wild trailer implies? Here's my honest review of 'Spa Weekend.'
Colorado voters will decide fate of ‘right to hunt’ proposal
Colorado’s election office said Thursday that a proposal to add a constitutional right to hunting and fishing has qualified for the November ballot. Backed by the International Order of T. Roosevelt, a group dedicated to preserving the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, Initiative No. 302 would amend the Colorado Constitution to include language establishing […]
Gavin Newsom’s unfinished wildfire business
His final legislative push is angering insurance companies, wildfire victims and local officials — and billions of dollars are at stake.
Wildfire-Ready Coalition of Nevada County Urges Residents to Follow the Science in Adopting Zone 0 Rule
Nevada County’s Wildfire-Ready Coalition explains California’s new Zone 0 rule, urging homeowners to clear combustibles near homes.
Confirmed Detections of New World Screwworm | Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
View APHIS' current dashboard of confirmed New World screwworm cases in U.S. livestock and wildlife, updated regularly by county, state, and species.
What to Expect from ONL | gamescom 2026 - The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Songs of the Past, Final Fantasy 7 Revelation, and more!
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Songs of the Past and Final Fantasy 7 Revelation will be at gamescom Opening Night Live, but what surprises could be in store? Here's what to expect from ONL on August 25.
Orioles news: Pete Alonso’s leadership, wild card standings
The Orioles are stomping on all the hopes they stoked last weekend.
Picking an EPL team based on wild generalizations, U.S. sports comparisons and niche facts
So you loved the World Cup and want to pick a Premier League team to support? Look no further...
4 The Weekend: On alert for entertainment in Tucson
TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) — A Wildcat among those bringing Broadway to Tucson, lasers with a beat and no alibi needed to catch a great night of country music. All part
Leavenworth businesses see lingering impacts from wildfire smoke
Wildfire smoke still lingers in the air in Leavenworth, and though conditions have improved from unhealthy levels earlier this month, it's still taking a toll.
PFF wildly underrates Jaguars running back room in NFL rankings
PFF ranked the Jaguars’ running back room last in the NFL, but Jacksonville’s young committee has more upside than the ranking suggests.
Wildlife photos from around the world dazzle in competition
Australian scientists are among the winners of a photo competition featuring stunning images of peeking damsel flies, tree selfies and cuddling manatees.
Science behind burn bans amid sweeping declarations in East Texas
Most of East Texas is under a burn ban as hot, dry weather drives up wildfire risk. Putting these bans in place is no snap decision - but a careful calculation.
Our Approach to Drought and Wildfire Is Economically Backwards
Investment to restore degraded land is an investment in economic resilience, write Diane Holdorf and Mahmoud Mohieldin.
The top three spots in Evanston’s entertainment scene
There is no shortage of great art being performed by Northwestern students. From recitals and plays to dance and a cappella shows, Wildcats will have no trouble getting their entertainment fix. But staying inside the campus bubble can sometimes get a bit repetitive, so here are three spots around Evanston that will scratch that same...
Northwestern AD Mark Jackson Shares Ambitious Goal for Wildcats Athletics
Northwestern's athletic director Mark Jackson is pushing his chips to the center of the table with the Wildcats' new stadium set to open.
Arizona volleyball features new offense, personnel as exhibition season starts
The Arizona Wildcats start volleyball season with an exhibition against GCU
K-State football announces jersey patch sponsorship with Manhattan business
The Wildcats will have multiple football sponsors this season.
July wildfires contributed to $9.4 million decline in Cook County business sales, survey finds
For Cook County businesses, the July wildfires across northern Minnesota hit during the height of the summer tourism season, when businesses rely on a steady flow of visitors and revenue. A new survey estimates the fires, smoke, and related closures contributed to a $9.4 million decline in total sales compared with July 2025. The Cook...
How wildfire smoke is disrupting Minnesota high school sports
Captains practices and summer training have been cut short, especially in northern Minnesota, and coaches fear wildfire smoke will get worse.
Patrick Patrick Launches to Bring “Wild, Wild West” Thinking to Entertainment Marketing
Little Black Book, Former NBCUniversal marketing lead Kevin Harrington tells LBB’s Addison Capper why his new agency is borrowing from the strategic rigour of consumer brands, with Netflix, Universal Pictures and AMC already on board
Dog Days of Politics
The hives stood tall. Workers added supers to the stack as bees produced more honey over a hot summer. Wildfire smoke seemed to have stalled activity, but fresh rains produced a stream of bees headed toward the farm and the puddles left by recent downpours. Honey works better than vinegar. Kindness and gentle persuasion remain […]
Dive into the deep with marine biologist Helen Scales
Join SciFri Book Club's free livestream on September 25.
Game 127: Braves at Twins
The Twins host the Braves as they try to fight their way into a wild card spot.
Trump proposal would end ‘roadless rule’
DECK: The administration’s move would end ‘roadless rule,’ affect nearly 45 million acres, though not in Colorado The Trump administration has proposed ending decades-old rule that bars road building and logging millions of acres of national forest land, arguing it has hindered the country’s wildfire fighting efforts. The proposal, if put into effect, would affect […]
Kareem Rahma reveals why ‘Subway Takes’ is the future of entertainment
The Subway Takes host believes that the wild mix of short-form nominees reflect where the industry is going.
A very normal day in L.A., plus the AP Top 25
The Pulse Newsletter 📣 | This is The Athletic’s daily sports newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Pulse directly in your inbox. Good morning! Watch your shoelaces today. Coming up: 🫠 Inside the Lakers’ drama 🙃 The Clippers, too 🏈 AP Top 25 takes In 1979, Jerry Buss bought the Lakers. For 46 years, even after Buss died in 2013, the team’s ownership remained relatively stable. To describe the last 14 months as “chaos” feels light, at this point. Let’s just do a quick timeline recap, punctuated by yesterday’s wild updates: June 2025: The Buss family...
New Oregon survey for businesses facing wildfire losses could inform disaster assistance
Oregon officials are urging business owners to help inform future federal financial assistance efforts through a new survey.
Protect yourself from wildfire smoke with a mask
We live near Washington, D.C., in the path of wildfire smoke from Canada. Since the smoke traveled so far, is it still a danger to health? My husband spends a lot of time outside for work, and I am worried. Should he be wearing a mask?
The most important NFL QB this season, plus questions on the Lakers sale
The Pulse Newsletter 📣 | This is The Athletic’s daily sports newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Pulse directly in your inbox. Good morning. RIP, Tommy John. Coming up: Jones’ incredible recovery 😶🌫️ Questions on Lakers sale 🏅 Taurasi’s big day So many things happen during the course of an NFL season that it’s easy to forget specifics. A lot can happen in 272 regular-season games. So forgive me if I read this story and immediately thought: Remember when Philip Rivers came out of retirement last year? After four years away? That was wild. It’s...
Wildfire smoke may be hurting Iowans' physical and mental health
Even with all the recent rain, much of Iowa’s northern half remains under a moderate health advisory due to smoke from distant wildfires, and a mental health expert says that smoke is affecting more than just people’s lungs. Clinical health psychologist Dr. Kristi White says many of her patients are bringing up the smoky conditions […]
We tracked how much 3 young startup founders actually sleep
Business Insider tracked the sleep schedules of some young tech founders. Their sleep habits were wildly different.
Acer intros new MacBook Neo rival with 120Hz display and Thunderbolt 4 ports
There's a new configuration available for the Acer Go Air, and this new MacBook Neo rival is powered by an Intel Wildcat Lake processor, the Core 5 320. It also sports a 120Hz display and Thunderbolt 4 ports. The launch price is CNY 5,499, about $815.
Ukraine takes aim at Russia’s economy and morale by attacking online retailer
Day after day over recent weeks, Ukrainian drones have pummeled giant depots belonging to Wildberries, the country’s biggest online retailer, burning estimated billions of dollars’ worth of merchandise and bringing the war home to the broad public.
Poor genetic health threatens many species
Four experts explain what genetic health is and why it matters for our most vulnerable wildlife.
Gov. Newsom reignites debate over how much electric companies should pay for causing a wildfire
Governor Gavin Newsom is pushing California lawmakers to limit how much private utility companies pay when their equipment causes catastrophic wildfires, as the state's wildfire liability fund nears depletion.
California Politics 360 full episode | Governor sparks debate on wildfire recovery
He is asking lawmakers to consider limiting who and how much utility companies pay using the state’s wildfire liability fund.
Two ACL tears couldn’t break Dominika Paurová’s joy
After missing two seasons due to back-to-back ACL tears, Paurová brings her joy and elite talent back to the Wildcats.
The U.S. Military Wants A.I. Dominance. Feuds and China May Thwart It.
The administration is veering wildly in its response to the national security implications of A.I. as China, America’s main technological and military rival, charges ahead.
Dritwood Outdoors: Wildlife science demands effective communication
Wildlife management has come a long way from the days of Aldo Leopold traversing the New Mexico mountains on horseback and the Wisconsin River Valley by canoe. Back then, most decisions were based primarily on observation and experience. Today, highly trained wildlife biologists use sophisticated research, technology and mountains of data to understand everything from population dynamics and habitat needs to disease transmission and predator-prey relationships.
Wildlife science demands effective communication
Wildlife management has come a long way from the days of Aldo Leopold traversing the New Mexico mountains on horseback and the Wisconsin River Valley by canoe. Back then, most decisions were based primarily on observation and experience. Today, highly trained wildlife biologists use sophisticated research, technology and mountains of data to understand everything from population dynamics and habitat needs to disease transmission and predator-prey relationships.
Phillies 9, Twins 1: Yield of Dreams
In a game that definitely needed to be consumed, and then recapped, the Philadelphia Phillies continued their late-summer dominance of the Twins with a decisive 9-1 victory, headlined by Philly’s seven-run, fifth-inning explosion. As we were reminded in the pregame, the American League Wild Card situation is a bit of a cluster, especially with midgame […]
KATSEYE brings WILD energy to Rockefeller Center for TODAY Citi Concert Series
Thousands of fans packed Rockefeller Center Plaza Friday, spilling across the plaza and filling every available space as they waited for KATSEYE to take the
In a world of wildfires, logging can improve forest health
Smoke from Spokane wildfires temporarily cleared Tuesday, giving way to a bluebird morning. Greg Mason, surrounded by luscious mountains near Twin Lakes, maneuvered a giant hydraulic clamp to the base of a white fir. Amid a symphony of grinding steel and a plume of kicked-up dust, Mason, who’d been working since 3 a.m., used this tank-like piece of heavy forestry equipment called a feller buncher to rip the large evergreen conifer out of the earth like a toothpick.
Blue Jays Coaching Staff Explains Incredible Season Turanround
The coaching staff for the Toronto Blue Jays explained why the team has made such a surprising season turnaround.Don’t look now, but the Blue Jays are just 1 GB from the third and final American League Wild Card spot, which is currently held by the Detroit Tigers. Considering the team seemed completely dead in the […] The post Blue Jays Coaching Staff Explains Incredible Season Turanround appeared first on HEAVY.