REED

Jan 05 2025SCIENCE

Discovering the Genes Behind Swedish Warmblood Horses' Traits

Did you know that Swedish Warmblood (SWB) horses are picked for show jumping and dressage based on their young horse test scores? Scientists just finished a big study to find out which genes might be important for these traits. They used a complex method called single-step genome-wide association st

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Jan 04 2025POLITICS

Meet the 2025 Medal of Freedom Champions

President Biden has just announced 19 remarkable individuals who will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This prestigious honor is given to those who've made outstanding contributions to the United States or global peace. The list includes a mix of celebrities, activists, and community leade

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Jan 03 2025EDUCATION

University Shifts Away from Diversity Statements: A Move Toward Free Speech?

Last month, the University of Michigan ditched diversity statements in hiring and promotions, marking a notable shift from its past stance on campus free speech. This decision comes after years of criticism for restricting open inquiry. Prominent institutions like Michigan are starting to embrace ne

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Dec 31 2024SCIENCE

Boosting Cassava's Drought Tolerance: A Genomic Approach

Selecting cassava plants that can withstand drought is tough because it depends on many factors. This study tried to find the best way to pick drought-tolerant cassava clones using genomic selection. They used different methods like Best Linear Unbiased Predictions (BLUPs), Genomic Estimated Breedin

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Dec 30 2024SCIENCE

The Wrinkled Chili Pepper Mystery: Uncovering Genes That Shape Fruit Surfaces

Ever wondered why some chili peppers have smooth surfaces while others are wrinkled? Scientists have been trying to figure this out too, especially for the Japanese pepper 'Shishito', which has a wrinkled surface. They knew it wasn't just one gene but a mix of many, so they studied the offspring of

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Dec 27 2024SCIENCE

Wheat Gets a Boost: Discovering a Powerful Grass' Secret to Stress Resistance

Scientists have found a hidden superpower in a type of grass called Thinopyrum. This grass can help wheat plants tough it out against rust diseases, drought, and still keep their yields steady. The key is a special swap between two parts of the grass' DNA. This swap, called a chromosome translocatio

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Dec 22 2024SCIENCE

The Hidden Story of Celery: From Roots to Leaves

Celery, a key player in the vegetable world, has many forms. There's common celery, known for its solid, crisp stalks, celeriac with its fleshy, underground stems, and leaf celery, which has long, hollow stalks. Here's where things get interesting: scientists recently created a detailed map of the c

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Dec 20 2024OPINION

Holiday Inclusion: Why Neutrality Matters

Ever thought about why we say "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas"? It's not about ruining Christmas, but about including everyone. Some folks believe America was founded on Christianity, so Christmas should be the main holiday. But the truth is, our Constitution protects our right to celeb

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Dec 18 2024RELIGION

The Goat-Headed Figure Returns to Concord

In the heart of Concord, New Hampshire, a curious display has resurfaced. A goat-faced figure, sporting bright yellow eyes, has made its way back to the city plaza near the State House. This isn't just any statue; it's a holiday display by The Satanic Temple. The display, which includes a black marb

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Dec 16 2024ENTERTAINMENT

The Healing Mushroom: A New Adventure Awaits

Remember Scavengers Reign, the show that Netflix canceled earlier this year? Well, the same production company, Green Street, is back with a new series called Common Side Effects. It's set to hit Adult Swim and Max on February 2, 2025. The show tells the story of two ex-high school lab partners, Ma

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