Browsing: Environment

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM), along with researchers from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Arizona State University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have collaborated to develop a breakthrough in polymer materials that can visualize shockwaves during high-velocity impacts.

Of all the yard critters that we encounter, box turtles are favorites. They often become pets of sorts when we offer them treats, and if done regularly, they can become demanding. Stories of turtles waiting at the back door or even looking into the house “asking” for attention are not uncommon. We humans are trainable that way. Cute names are often assigned.

The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) recently worked alongside the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) to complete a crucial phase of a collaboration project to investigate methods for optimizing oyster habitat restoration in the Mississippi Sound.

Of our common backyard birds, Northern Cardinals stand out and are likely the very first bird we recognized as a child. According to the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, male cardinals are perhaps most responsible for getting folks to begin to want to learn more about birds. But what do we really know about this iconic bird?  

Alas. Fall is whispering to us, letting us know that it has arrived. Some of us thought the weather was cooling down a bit, but in truly, early autumn, Mississippi nature, the coolness was temporary — only set aside for mornings and evenings.

Our back porch is home to more love bugs than a dairy barn is to flies.

To watch a flock of Brown Pelicans fly in formation is mesmerizing. They line up behind one another, often in V-shaped formations behind a lead bird.

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) will host the 18th annual Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T) 2024 showing on Saturday, Sept. 21 at 3 p.m. at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (GCRL) in Ocean Springs, Miss. Doors open at 2 p.m. The viewing showcases spectacular fly fishing films from across the globe with an aim to support conservation efforts and community support. 

A ride beside the artificial beaches along Highway 90 in coastal Mississippi provides a great view of the Mississippi Sound, but is often framed with what has become an extensive system of sand dunes, dressed in the ultimate dune plant – Sea Oats. Everything about this plant is designed to live in what is a harsh environment of sand and wind.

OK, who loves cockroaches? No one! Well, Ensign Wasps do and when you see one, you know they are on the hunt. These small active wasps are not hard to distinguish from the many small insects that can be found flying about in your home. They are harmless and interesting to watch as they seek their victims.

Treetops have been a place I always wanted to visit. Being afraid of heights has kept me on the ground, but I remain enamored with what I can see and hear from the safety of terra firma. Taking the time to arch your neck and look up into the canopy is a worthy exercise if nothing more than to wonder and contemplate what lies above.  

Have you ever noticed nearly perfect round holes in leaves and wonder what made them? Well, wonder no more, for you have proof that leafcutting bees are nearby. These small industrious bees have evolved to cut and weave these excised pieces of leaves to make their nest.

The 2024-2025 Farmers’ Almanac hit bookshelves this week. It’s important to know that once the new edition is printed, the editors never go back to change or update their forecasts the way other local sources do.

Many people recognize these lyrics as part of Lauren Daigle’s award-winning song, “You Say,” from Look Up Child, her third studio album. However, fewer people might realize that this album became the highest-charting Christian album from a female artist in over 20 years. 

There are more than just fall festivals to see and do this autumn in the Magnolia State.

Fall foliage generally arrives in Mississippi a little later than most of the country, but it’s definitely worth the wait. The Magnolia State is home to brilliant colors of fierce reds, stunning oranges, rustic browns, and electrifying yellows during the fall months with October and November being the stars.

Two students from the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) School of Ocean Science and Engineering (SOSE) boarded the R/V Roger Revelle to study the physics on natural hydrocarbon seeps and the physical processes that control the fate of the released oil and gas in the Gulf of Mexico. Joshua Seymour and Charles Heatherly were chosen to be part of a diverse student research group comprised of students and professors from the University of Georgia, the University of Missouri Columbia, and Southern Miss.