Video: What is a spoonworm?
August 21, 2023
Sci NC Producer Rossie Izlar heads to the NC Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh for a closer look at the spoonworm. Found almost exclusively in the Atlantic Ocean, the spoonworm uses its handy proboscis to guide food to its mouth. Museum curator Bronwyn Williams puts one under the microscope to show us how…. Read More >
Birds of a feather: An annual summertime bird banding project reunites a group of scientists
August 8, 2023
John Gerwin, Research Curator of Ornithology at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, holds an adult male prairie warbler. The bird models a metal ID band on its leg. Photo: John Gerwin/NCMNS. By Paige Miranda, WUNC On a muggy prairie just southwest of Asheboro, Gabriela Garrison and her 12-year-old daughter Eleana huddle around a… Read More >
Tropical Ecology Institute: We Made It!
July 21, 2023
We loaded our bus full of excited teachers and lots of luggage! After three years of waiting, the Educators of Excellence Tropical Ecology Institute team finally landed in Belize. Here is an excerpt from their first blog post: “The early morning was worth it — we took off from RDU at 5:05 AM. We had… Read More >
Giant leeches may benefit ecosystems
July 17, 2023
The largest terrestrial leech in the South, Haemopis septagon, has terrifying eating habits. Yet, its presence in pristine ecosystems indicates that it might be beneficial in a way yet to be discovered. “A wise tinker saves all the pieces,” says NC Museum of Natural Sciences Emeritus Curator Alvin Braswell, “It’s a little dangerous to… Read More >
From the Deep: Shark Teeth on the North Carolina Coast
July 10, 2023
Our state is a hotspot for discovering fossilized shark teeth. We talked to an expert to learn why — and get some tips on how to find them. by Emma Deal, Nelie Tahssili & Eliza Martin Shark in the water. Photo: Joshua Steadman. Among our bragging rights here in Raleigh, we like to remind folks… Read More >